Good evening everyone and welcome to the Mara Council regular meeting here on October 22nd. It's nice to see all of you. Um standing room only. I don't know if the fire marshall's here.
All right. So we will get this going. Yeah. This meeting is also being conducted telephonically. The dial in number is 4254366365 with access code 213563. And of course the m meeting can also be viewed on the Ramsey YouTube channel
which is accessible via the Burough website. Can I have a roll call please? >> Mayor Dylan >> here. Councilwoman is not here. >> Councilman Gutweather >> here. >> Councilman Kilman >> here. >> Councilman Papo is not here.
Councilwoman Poppy is not here. Councilman Woods >> here. Thank you. I will ask Chief Lyman to lead us in the flag salute. >> I pledge algiance 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. 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
findings 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 and council is published in the Bergen record and is spur news on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Do we have approval of minutes? >> Yes, madame mayor. I'd like to make a motion to approve the minutes from work session 10825. >> I second it, Madam Mayor. >> Okay. Anybody have any changes to the minutes? >> Not hearing any. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Gotweather. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Kilman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Woods. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Communications. >> Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. I make a motion to accept and file the communications as listed on tonight's agenda. >> I second. Madame Mayor.
>> Thank you. Any comments on the communications? >> Not hearing any. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Gwagon. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kelman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Woods. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Could I please have a motion to go out of order to do the special
presentations? >> Yes. Madam Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to go out of order. >> And I will >> sorry for special presentations. >> And I will second that, Madam Mayor. >> Thank you. All in favor? I >> I >> All right. >> All right.
>> So, is Mr. Venturini here? >> Where's Ralph? I saw out there is just here as OEM volunteer of the year. Um Ralph just recently retired um what last month, >> right? >> Yes.
>> Yes. After many many >> um so after many many years with the bureau as the construction official and when Ralph took over when I was on council the most complaints we got about were from the construction office and then once Ralph took over that's one of
the departments we get the most compliments about. So anyway, Ralph, I want to say thank you on behalf of the girls for all of your service. We miss you already and enjoy your retirement. >> Got it. >> Want to say anything? I don't really
have anything to say except thank you to um everybody, the residents. It was a pleasure working with made the job easy working with good people. Um good residents, good contractors, mayor, council, Bruce Jose, who always was the
bur administrator, hired me. Um and it was a great career and uh I look forward to staying involved in Ramsey and helping out as I can, volunteering here and there. So, thank you. As you might have noticed, we have a very large police presence with us this
evening. And that is because Chief Lyman is retiring next week, October 31st. We're very sad to see him go. He's been a wonderful chief for the past four years. And we're going to be swearing in our new chief, Michael Paresi,
>> and our new captain is here. There he is. Casey N. All right. So, Chief Lyman, Chief Lyman has been with the Branson Police Department for over 30 years. And I don't know if you all know this, but he's also a sharpshooter who served in
the Middle East. Um, and since he'd become chief, he brought in a lot of new programs and really brought about, I would say, modernizing our police department and creating all these different programs so that our officers have a chance to really improve their
skills. Um, you know, we now have the K9. You know, Jack is everybody's favorite police officer, Jack, but a lot of other programs he brought in and, um, we're going to miss you very much. You miss anything? No. And by the way, he was actually very
afraid to tell me that he was retiring. I hope I was pretty nice about it when he told me. So at this point, let's go ahead and do the swearing in. So Mr. Chief Paris, come on up. You want to help?
>> So Mike will take over as chief effective November 1st. And we're very excited about this. Okay. Who wants to hold the Bible? >> Hold the Bible. You want to hold the Bible? I >> I
>> Michael >> solemnly swear >> solemnly swear >> that I'll faithfully >> that I'll faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of the office of >> the office of >> chief of police >> chief of police >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> I do further solemnly swear
>> do further solemnly swear >> that I'll support the Constitution. >> I support the Constitution >> to the State of New Jersey. >> State of New Jersey. >> And that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same. >> To the same. >> And to the governments established >> to the government established >> in the United States. >> In the United States >> and in this state
>> and in this state >> under authority of the people >> authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. Okay. >> Congratulations, >> Mayor. >> Yes. >> Put this on the shelf.
>> Thank you, >> Casey. Come on. Thank you. >> You can use 30 You can use 13 or 10 in. >> I >> I Casey Hines >> solemnly swear >> solemnly swear >> that I'll faithfully
>> that I'll faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of the office of >> of the office of >> captain of police >> captain of police >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear
>> that I'll support the Constitution >> I'll support the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the State of New Jersey >> and that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> and I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in the 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. >> Congratulations Good job. Good job. Thank you. Yeah, let's do it right now. >> So, uh, the Ramsey Police Department has, uh, two, uh, award commendations
that we're giving to two officers today. Our department, um, created an award committee comprised of every level of of officer. So, sergeants, lieutenants, regular patrol officers, uh officers with different experiences because what
we wanted to do is we wanted to give every officer a say in the event that uh an incident arose to having an award. So, what we did is we we put forth two incidents that occurred and the award committee approved both unanimously. All right, so that's what we're about to go
over. >> Good evening. Uh the first award is for McF. patrol finish receiving the honorable service medal. The criteria for the medal is awarded for credible act in the line of duty which meets some but all requirements for other medals unusual
nature of showing initiative and accomplishment. Patrol is being recognized for his exceptional bravery and quick action during a motor vehicle crash on October 4th 2025. Upon arrival, he entered an over he encountered an overturned vehicle with an ugly female driver trapped inside. As she
inadvertently shifted her position, her seat belt tightened around her neck, creating a life-threatening airway restriction. Recognizing the situation without hesitation, Pat Finn entered the unstable overturned vehicle through the rear, navigating through broken glass and debris to reach her. He success
successfully freed her from the constricting seat belt, likely preventing serious injury or death. He remained by her side, offering reassurance until Ramsey rescue personnel arrived and executed her safely from the vehicle. To finish is to be commended for his courage, professionalism, compassion, and
dedication to duty. Great job. Uh, the next award presentation's forman hammers, who's our canine handler, and K9 Jack. The canine accommodation. It's the department's canine accommodation which may be presented to an officer canine teams for outstanding performance,
dedication, and valor in the line of duty. This award recognizes officer K9 teams that have have successfully aided and/or assisted to overcome a dangerous encounter in criminal apprehension, narcotics or explosive detection, search and rescue, and public safety initiatives.
Officer Hamsburg and K9 Jack are commended for their life-saving actions on July 31st, 2025 during the search for a suicidal individual who had gone missing in Allenville. Responding quickly to a mutual aid request, Officer Hammersmith deployed K9 Jack, who successfully tracked the individual to
remote wooded area under difficult conditions, including darkness and rain. The victim, who had left behind a suicide note and ingested intoxicants, was found unresponsive but still alive, despite previous unsuccessful searches of the same area. Immediate aid was rendered, ultimately saving the man's
life. This successful outcome is a direct result of officer Hammersman's leadership and Jack's training and their unwavering commitment preserving life and supporting neighboring agencies in times of crisis. Great job. Congratulations. >> No, please. So, um it's a great honor to
be promoted to chief of police and um I just want to say thank you to Mayor Dylan public safety committee as well as the governing body. Um your support means a lot to our department and we really mean that and we know you know you stand with us and we appreciate
that. Thank you very much. >> Pleasure. Look forward to working with you. Thank you. Okay. So, at this point, we'll move on to volunteer of the universe. Um, so I don't know if the PD if you guys want to leave the sub is more than welcome to
stay. I know some of you on patrol, so we won't get in your way. Okay, first up is the is the garden club. >> Hello ladies. >> Hello. One more.
Hello. >> So, uh I'm from the Ramy area garden club and I'm here uh to volunteer the year award. We have chosen three outstanding members
of our garden club. Uh Jillia, Elena Malier, and Carter. I just want to go over a few of their accomplishments which are many. Um first we recognize Jill. Uh Jill has written articles for
the Ramsay Journal promoting our club. She has participated in our Mother's Day plant sale held at the uh Ramsay's Farmer market in May and acted as garden club president for several years. Um,
most importantly, uh, she grows red canalies and, uh, she put a bunch of them in the triangle, which is, uh, in Ramsay, right in front of across from the Bank of America.
They're outstanding red, uh, liies that, uh, she has planted. Thank you, Jill, for this and many more things. Congratulations. And next, this is a dynamic duo here.
Uh we recognize uh our co-presidents this year, Elena Mleier and Leslie Carter. They have energized our garden club in a joyful and positive direction. Both of you conduct the monthly meetings
at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer uh the second Tuesday of the month with great enthusiasm and precision. They added an area in our up meeting of with current articles about gardening
and books about gardening and both are very computer savvy which we really needed in our garden club. Uh Elena, thanks for getting us into many local publications like Ramsay
Mothers and the Ramsy Journal and thanks for participating in the Mother's Day sale. And we feel so blessed to have your beautiful mother as a member. Le Leslie has nourished her mwa roots
uh by encouraging members to participate in plantings of annuals, perennials and bulbs throughout Ma Ma. She has opened her beautiful gardens in Malawa uh to various garden club events.
Lastly, I want to thank these beautiful women who bring so much joy to our garden club. Thank you. >> Thank you. And if anyone is interested in joining club property in Ramy, come see us. We'll
teach you how and we'll have a garden of your drinks as well. Thank you. Okay, next up is ambulance. Come on over. Are you here? >> Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you mayor and council for always holding these
amazing ceremonies to recognize our amazing volunteers in town. It's truly a privilege to be a part of the burrow and to have such great support from the mayor, from the council, and from the residents. So, thank you for being here this evening. I'd like to introduce you to Nin Toma. Nene joined our agency in
2023 and in just over two years he's amassed over,00 volunteer hours on our ambulance and he's helped almost 300 patients in the line of duty. As a volunteer that's no small feat. That means he's leaving his family. He's leaving cars sometimes on jacks in his
driveway to respond and help us on the ambulance. Recently Nene was looking for ways to help and I approached him and asked him if he'd want to be a driver trainer. Nene has a lot of experience from driving and different mechanical experience that he has had in the past.
So, he's helping us out now as a driver trainer. He's also one of our engineers who's performing regular checks to make sure our ambulances are able to respond to your houses when we need to. I'd really like to just thank Nene for everything you've done over the time. And I wish you luck in the position of
trustee hopefully next year. Thank you for always helping us. want to say anything. >> So yes, I joined the courts in 2023 um based on the example and u advice of
two good friends and um I'm happy I've done so. Uh for two reasons mainly. Number one, you learn how to count your own blessings. And number two, uh have the privilege to work with a group of people, special
people, all volunteers that in the same way I'm I'm spending time with this activity. I would like to share this award with every single one of them because we all deserve. Okay.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> You rescue squad. >> Hello. >> All right. >> Good evening, everyone. How are you? My name is Dave Brown. I'm the deputy chief for Ramsey Rescue and it's my honor
tonight to recognize someone who embodies uh what it truly means to serve Alise Laruso, our 2025 volunteer of the year. Uh at just 17, Elise has already shown a level of integrity, passion, and commitment to excellence that every member of Ramsey Rescue aspires to be.
She doesn't just show up for duty. She shows up to learn, to train, and to push herself uh and those around her to be better. Whether it's long hours in the classroom or hands-on on calls, uh responding to emergencies in the middle of the night, Ely approaches every task with professionalism well beyond her
years. She asks questions, listens, and is always striving to master the craft of being both a firefighter and an EMT. Uh but what truly sets Elise apart is her character. Uh she leads quietly but by example. She's the first to volunteer and the last to leave. And she does it
all with humility and heart. In a time when uh fewer young people are stepping up to serve, Ely reminds us that the future of volunteer emergency services is bright. Her dedication and spirit are proof that service isn't about age, it's about heart, integrity, and the drive to make a difference. On behalf of the
Ramsey Rescue Squad, it is my privilege to announce Elise as the 2025 volunteer of the year. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Okay. Um, Office of Emergency Management.
Okay. >> Hi, Jake. >> Hey, how are you? Good. >> Come on over this way. All right. So, >> all right. Good evening, everybody. Thank you for being here tonight. It's nice meeting everyone. >> This is part of the drive to get Ralph here to for the mayor council to uh
present him with this retirement plaque. But uh uh in all seriousness, Ralph uh really dedicated a lot of time this year. Uh my name is Jake Englishman, the new OEM coordinator here for the town. And uh becoming OEM coordinator, he takes on a lot of responsibility and also takes on a lot of paperwork. And
one thing that Ralph did was he he stepped up uh volunteered his time, really assisted me with uh getting out to all the federal portals and and all the different avenues that we have to take as far as the administrative side of the job. So, um 12 years as
coordinator, uh we wish you the best of luck in your retirement and you're not allowed to leave. So, with that, thank you. Uh and congratulations on this year's Thank you. Good luck.
>> Thank you again, Mayor Council. Thank you, Mayor. That's it. That is it. Okay. Officer. >> Hey. >> All right. >> All right. I'd like to welcome up Gosha Stevens. She's a member of our C team uh
here in Ramsey. Our search team is uh is expanding rapidly. It's it's really a great program uh for people that want to get their feet wet and and learn a bit about emergency response to learn the process that our first responders go through every day and then contribute back to our community. One thing that
gosh did is she joined our search team about 2 years ago. Uh she went through our internal training program. It's about nine weeks or so of training. Uh so you really have to be dedicated right from the start. And she she took that leap. Not only has she done that, but she's also taken the leap to attend training classes, give back to the
community by doing traffic diversion, attend events, uh, and so forth, and and, uh, the call outs, you know, call outs in the middle of the night, um, or early morning hours. She's one of the first people signed up and on that list. Um, so we thank you very much, Gosh, for all you do. We look forward to you, uh,
growing in our organization and, uh, contributing more and more each day. So, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. >> Are you Knights of Columbus? >> Hello. Oh, here we go. There he comes. Hello.
Nice to see you. Come on. Okay. >> You can do it. >> Anyway, hi. Uh, my name is Migrath. I am the Grand Knight of the Ramsay Knights of Columbus uh, Council. And, uh, just a little background, I think most people
know who we are. We are the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world. And 90 99% of what we do is charity. And uh when I when I've been at the pulpit at St. Paul's, I I always end
it by saying um you know, we we we collect money and we give it away to the people that need it, especially the people of Ramsay that need it and we have a good time doing it. So that's the little plug for the 19.
So, normally um we we refer to our volunteer of the year as the night of the year. And normally some years there's uh just um a guy that stands up and does extra duty. He just stands out
one particular year. That's not Manny. Manny is the guy that's been doing it for year after year after year. And basically all three major holidays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, we give
money to people to make their holidays complete. So a lot of people in Ramsey, you wouldn't know it, but they don't wouldn't have a really good Thanksgiving if there's not someone there to provide them to buy the food for dinner. So Manny has taken charge of this
distribution, but he's done it for year after year after year, and this is three times a year, and there's a lot of communication involved, and there's a lot of work involved. And Manny stood up, stepped up years ago, and he's just took taken the reigns, and he's been doing it ever since. So I present to you
the Knight of the Year, volunteer of the year, the Knights of Columbus, Manny Morales. I will say one thing that uh I've been a resident of this town for 20 years and I what I love about this town is the
community drive that it has. It is not a small town, but it also a very it feels like a it's not a small town. It's a big town, but it feels like a small town. And it really takes a village. And I can tell you that if it wasn't for the stories that you've heard prior to this
presentation and the ones you're going to hear afterwards, if it wasn't for those folks stepping up, we wouldn't have the community that we have. So, I thank all of you for being a part of that community. Hey, environmental. Where's Mr. Carrie? >> Come on up, Joe.
>> Oh, nice to see you. So, Councilwoman Cus was supposed to do this, but unfortunately she had a medical event in her family that she's dealing with right now. She's okay. She's a family member. So, um I'll fill him in for her. Joel Kerry is the planning board
leazison to the environmental commission. Through the years, he's been one of the more active members of the commission. Currently, he is the lead person for the recently awarded ANJC 2025 open space stewardship grant. The scope and intent of that grant is to
improve safety and visibility within the burough's bikeway network through the installation of high priority signage at key intersections. Joe's research and commitment to the project led to an increase in the important amount from 1,500 to 3,000. The signs will now be
high visibility yellow. He also worked with Councilman Papo and Sergeant Canonico to get the proper ordinance in place to designate the bicycle crossings as quote enforcable enforceable milk middle block crosswalks. The environmental commission
appreciates the capitalist hours which Joe has dedicated to this important project and for that reason he's been named the commission's 2025 volunteer of the year. always been an advocate for open space,
bike paths, walkability in Ramsey, so this really reflects his dedication to those concepts. >> Thank you. >> Um yeah, any I've lived in Ramsey for 34 years.
Um, I love Rams and it's great that everybody's here and volunteers and anything, you know, it's changed and there's outside pressures that have fallen upon our community, but there's the one core thing that Manny had said is
we're all from Ramsey. We all I believe everyone's here because you love Ramsey. And um how do you continue that that feeling and how do you make it so Ramsay is is the same in your heart 10 years,
20 years, 30 years down the line. And so anything we can do to do that, help that is appreciated. And thank you to all the other volunteers, all the OEM and other organizations. Thank you. You sure?
>> Okay, green team. Where's Carolyn? Colette. There she is. Hey, Carolyn. Come on over. Nice to see you. There we go. Carolyn Pleti, a Ramsey High School graduate and 2024 graduate
of the University of Delaware, contacted the environmental commission last October regarding the empty field of Torpedo Park on Mortis Avenue. Her idea was to plan a native plants garden to make the space a hub for pollinators and birds. But before proceeding, she needed
to get approvals from Mr. Benasuro, Mr. Bose, Mr. Venturini, and the Shake Tree Commission. Approvals received. She contacted the residents of the neighborhood with information about the proposed project. She and a knowledgeable friend Devoni Mishri, walked the site, identified the plants
which were already there, and developed a plan for what should be planted in the 40 foot long and 9 ft wide area. Ivan's former employer, Hilltop Canover Farm, donated own plants. Carolyn contacted the Girl Scouts looking for volunteers.
Tools were borrowed from Mibo at no cost. On Saturday, September 13th, at 10:00 a.m., more than 30 scouts and their leaders showed up to plant 428 plants, over 10 species, instructed by Carolyn and Devon. For a job well done
from start to finish, green team member Carolyn Kleti is its 2025 volunteer of the year. Your auntie. >> Okay. Well done. >> Ramsey seniors. Thank you. >> Hi.
>> Hi. So, I'm Elena Hagen. I'm the senior center coordinator and this is Roger Canal. Um, senior center president who's also a volunteer. Um, but this is our volunteer of the year, Elaine Craig. Um,
as a fairly new member of the Ramsay Senior Center, Elaine just jumped right in with her let's go attitude and her um willingness to do anything and um she
really has she's been a great uh member to our trustees and um she's our program committee chairperson and she's a big help to Roger and I. And I think one of the themes I hear throughout the evening with volunteers is that um without our
volunteers, maybe our jobs wouldn't go as well or they helped fill in and um Elaine has always said, you know, you can't do this alone. Let me help. And it's been a pleasure getting to know Elaine and working side by side um with her. So, thank you very much for making
our senior center even brighter. >> Oh, thank you. >> And we have Well, I I I retired, Bradford. I retired like four years ago and then all of a sudden there's the Randy Senior Center. I've been here for 30 something years. The Randy Senior Center is a great place
to go. I'm telling you yes I know you know and you don't realize you know there are so many people there who are willing to hang out walk play games ma jang whatever so please come >> have parties have parties whatever so um
thank you and and working with these guys and the rest of the trustees are it's great thank you >> thank you so much >> you Oh, sorry. Fell. >> Okay. Greater Ramsey Unico. >> Greater Ramsey Unico. >> Oh, >> good evening.
>> Hello. >> Hello. >> How are you? >> I'm okay. I'm coming closer to you. >> Yeah. The camera. You're on camera. >> I'm Ron Muzello. I'm the president of the Greater Randy chapter of UNICO.
UNICO is the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States. We have over 125 chapters from New York to California. We have over 6,000 members.
Tonight it's really my honor to recognize uh our UNICO volunteer of the year award. But this volunteer goes a lot deeper than that. Many of you know Joe Verdoni and you know about him. But let me tell
you something you don't know about Joe. 21 years ago Joe was one of the founding members of the Greater Ramview chapter of Nicole. Little League started. Joe was the past president of the
Greater Ramsey chapter. Joe is the past district governor. He had many chapters that reported to him. Joe sits on the slate committee along with me and a couple other people and we determined who the officers are going to
be. Joe also sits on the donation committee. UNICO raised his money much like the Knights of Columbus. We raise money, we give it away to organizations within the town.
That's what that's what our goal is. But we also have a very aggressive scholarship program. And hopefully uh next fall, next uh spring, we'll be able to give over $10,000 in scholarships to Ramsey and Ma High School students.
>> Yeah, we're we're very proud. That's really the basic foundation of UNICE. started with scholarships. Joe is responsible for Ramsey Day. So Joe is the one who keeps Unico's present
at Ramsay Day. Joe supports and works night the races. Night the races for Unico is a very famous event that we have every year. Is it? Yes. and we and we raised a lot of money and Joe is one of the one of the leaders of that
program many years ago and I've been with Joe for 20 years. Joe and Dorothy went to the Woodlands and I don't know if you know the Woodlands but it's a it's a apartment complex
>> for lack of a better word and we started to have dinner Yeah. for seniors, dinners, Christmas dinners and a spring dinner for the residents of the Woodlands. And that went on for some years and then we went to a large
Christmas dinner. All right, a hot dinner and we had lunches and we had just it was just a great night. We had a DJ and we continued to do that and Joe was one of the founding members of that and continues to do that. Uh Joe is also on our marketing
committee. Um we continually try to market our organization and other than the UNICO that's not enough I guess but Joe is also a trustee with the BFW
besides being a trustee at BFW Joe had found time that he was what a member of the council oh and no there's one more thing that Joe was doing one
Joe was a driving force when I say got it because I listened to him for a couple years of getting the new senior center built. >> It is obvious my pleasure, my honor, and I be my friend to honor Joe as the UNICO
volunteer of the year. Congratulations, Phil. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Uh, I'd like to share uh my thoughts. It's so important all you folks here, the community and and why we
do what we do for Ramsay. and unit is just one of the groups and we try to support the rescue squad the the ambulance and those all the activities and it's my honor I've had the opportunity as start grand range Munich
and it lasted 21 years we've have our challenges but we do the best we can thank you very much I appreciate Thank you. >> Jill is also like Joe and Dorothy also like grandparents to my kids.
>> Hey, women's club. Hey, it's Dorothy Verdon. >> Hi everyone. Uh we're from the Women's Club in Ramsey. We've been in existence 118 years and we've been actually the same as many of the organizations here. We raise money to give back to our
community and to all services in our town. And we are very fortunate because we have a member only has been with us two years, Lana Roystein. And we're fortunate to have her because uh she's has a very good nature and is a
very hard worker and we have felt her her help to us uh in all our activities. So we're trying we we but she actually has uh helped with our uh tomato plant sale. She actually ran it last May, which is a very big undertaking. and
she's been part of our garage sales and we actually um do festivals at the farmers market. You may have seen us with peach and apple and strawberry festival and uh Lana is always there to help with us. And actually the at all
these festivals uh Lana has she makes soap flowers. They're absolutely stunning and we really make a lot of money with them. So, um we I would say too she we
actually sell those flowers at random days also. But a women's club as a women's club member, we're very happy to have you and you deserve this award. We're so happy that we can give it to you. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Come on over. Come on over, ladies. >> Scoot on down. >> Watch through the camera. >> Okay. So, hi everyone. My name is Vicky Aid. I am the president of the Ramsey
Junior Women's Club. And much like you guys probably expected, the Ramsay Juniors when I first moved here a few years ago, I thought it was a club for children. Um, and then I found out to my pleasant surprise that it was not for children, it was for women. Um, and so we kind of do a similar thing um as all
of the other volunteer organizations, which is give money back to the community. But we also host a lot of events that are really important in the community like the selling bee for the children. Um we do the um touch a truck event at the farmers market that the children also love. And so we are and we
consider ourselves a pretty big part of the community and especially for the young children in the community even though our organization is not little kids. Um so I want to uh present the award to our two volunteers of the year. So first this is Cindy Nicholan. Um it's my honor to recognize Cindy Nicholan as
one of the Ramsay Junior Women's Club volunteers of the year. Cindy has been the creative force behind our communications, building our beautiful new website, um, and elevating our social media presence so that the community can truly see the work we do. Cindy quite literally never says no. Um,
she never says, "I don't think it's possible." She never says, "I can't." She's very much like me. Um, and she's always there when we need her. Full of knowledge, positivity, and support. Sydney, thank you for being such a dependable and inspiring part of our junior's family. And then I also have
Mary Kate Common. Um, tonight we celebrate Mary Kate Common, whose dedication and leadership shine through in everything she does. As our secretary, Mary Kate keeps us organized, but she's also the powerhouse behind our biggest fundraiser, which if you have not ever been or know of it, it's called
the Evening of Icons Gala, where we recognize all of the women in Ramsey who are deserving of an icon award, something that they've done um really positive for the community. Last year, she ran the entire raffle while caring for her two little kids and still made it look extremely effortless. I don't
know if any of you have ever run a raffle before. It is absolutely insane. So, um, uh, her commitment to our club and our community is unmatched. Mary Kay, we are so grateful for your energy, heart, and incredible work ethic. Thank you guys.
Congratulations. Congratulations. Councilwoman Woods and I actually were in Junior Women's Club together many years ago and she was president when I joined. >> We moved on to other things. There we go. >> It is full of lions.
>> Well, hi Sean. >> Hi. So I'm Shauna Loratella. I was the chair of the m municipal alliance until um July this year and that shorter is our new um chair but he couldn't be here for the entire beginning
to go. So I'm happy to present the award this year. Um for those of you who who don't know us, we're the Ransom Municipal Alliance. We do substance misuse prevention education programming and promotion of mental health in the community um through school programs and
community programs. So um Glenn joined us I can't believe it was really just February of 2025 um because she's already kind of at the heart of it. It's um it's been kind of this
seamless kind of transition into being able to effortlessly and enthusiastically be involved with so much. Um the the biggest piece of that has been the coordinator role, which is a role that's been up for grabs for at least a year.
And Elen's first meeting, she's like, "Oh, okay. Yeah, I can do that. Sure." But she's taken it on. And it it wasn't easy because we were transitioning our grant from a paperbased um Excelbased to a online system. The
state still wasn't sure exactly how to run the program. Ben is now expert at it. Our reports are done on time. They're done without error. Um she's smart, competent on top of it. Um enthusiastic. And if any of you have
seen us on social media, which if you have haven't, you definitely should check out our main social media, it's become this wonderful um upgraded professional quality creative social media campaign that Belinda has designed
herself creatively, the content, the schedule, it's you know this continuous stream of of really good social media content um both for RMA and for free. So, I've never really had the experience of knowing what it's like to have like
somebody do raise your right hand. Um, but Ben Oen is was like that when I was a chair and I kind of wanted to take her home with me. I'm very lucky to have her and it's such an honor to present present the um 2025
boxes. Do you want to tell everybody about what's coming up next week? Yeah, we have an event coming up on Monday, April 27th, uh, 7 p.m. at the Ramsey High School and it's a free forum for parents where we're going to have a speaker, Gina Horton, come and teach us all
parents how to help raise our kids smarter, stronger in this current community, which is a little hard to deal. I want to say thank you u, Mayor and Shauna and Matt for the trust and for the support. It's an honor to be
part of this group. free. Yep. >> Okay. Stigma free. There she is. >> Um, so it's part of RNA. Um we we have um reinitiated stigma free and it's kind
of become its own organization to um connected to but also independent in some ways from RMA. Stigmafree um for those of you who don't know is a program that um provides awareness and education around mental health trying to promote
um acceptance of people who have all kinds of experiences with mental health, substance use and neurodiversity um so that everybody can feel welcome and and able to reach out and get support when they need it. Um, so we had an uh volunteer interest meeting in
February of this year and April came that day and we were just talking and said, "Yeah, we have these materials um from the previous program that we need to inventory." And I just kind of mentioned April's like, "Okay, I can take care of that." Great. Thanks. And then lo and behold, a couple of weeks
later, I have an Excel spreadsheet with every like she counted the pamphlets. Like she's very detail oriented. She is just a doer and um very enthusiastic and positive, always thinking 10 steps ahead. Um so she's really become
incredibly inspirated into it. In fact, we've um become part of a leadership team together along with Glenn as well so that we're you know able to to keep each other kind of um going. Oh, if any of you saw um the Ramsay
stigmafree green signs around town back in May, um April was probably the person who took them out. She was um running all over the place, spending a few times and then also taking them down and represented among among countless other things. Um she's very passionate about
the cause and we're very lucky and incredibly pleased to have her. Thank you so much. >> And April's also serving as one of our ambassadors, right? Because we have the ambassadors team for the sim. And April is one up.
>> And senior center friends, please come to our event on November 15th at the community center. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Ramsey soccer. >> Hi, Greg. >> Hello. Hello.
>> Hi, Greg. Good to see you. >> Hi, my name is Gregory Jax. I'm the president of Ramsey Soccer Association. We're incredibly proud to be here tonight. I'd like to start by thanking the mayor and council for giving Ramsey Soccer Association this wonderful opportunity to recognize one of our true
champions. Ramsey Recreational Soccer is a large organization. Every weekend in the fall, there's about 550 kids playing soccer. Um, touching the lives of Kevin McM. But an organization of this size requires dedication, commitment, and
most important, extraordinary volunteers like Claire. Tonight we honor someone who embodies all that more. Claire Kosi. Claire really is truly amazing. We have children. We have daughters the same age. So when we were at Harvard I, you know how it was just I Claire. We said I
love but then a couple years later we started coaching together and listen the president of soccer. Don't tell anyone I like soccer. But she made it so fun to go to practice and go to the games and was so great
with the kids. It really gave me so much joy and it made me want to be more involved. And then she undertook the utterly thankless task of uniforms. Now if there's 550 kids that means
there's 550 jerseys, 550 shorts, 1100 socks. And not only did she take care of that, she come here family to take care of that and really admit it with a smile and joy and efficiency and it's fantastic.
>> Um her contribution to Ramsey soccer has just been tremendous and I'm so glad to recognize her tonight's volunteer leader. >> Thank you for Thank you for taking on uniforms. the world's most thankless job.
Okay, the next one is pool commission. Be eth hello. All right. >> So, um >> um Kathleen Huitt or Cat as many of us know her as uh had a missed call from her. I was at practice and then a text
afterwards and oh crap what happened now and then uh she was like we need um we need a volunteer of the year and I said you know we do not you've already been nominated. So um Pat has been a member of the pool since 1968
>> and I know and the pool was built in 1964 so she's been a member for a very long time. Uh she uh was nominated uh for uh pool commission in 2017 and then was elected as the pool chair in 2020
and has been reelected ever since. Um Cat is a tremendous uh support system for me. Uh is a great friend more importantly. um a very valuable member of our community and if anyone attends uh our
FA Fridays is a big um um very very big um kids are very big fan of her now as uh out of her own out of her own own pocket as well just um handing out just glow sticks and necklaces and bracelets and lays and whatever theme parties we
have that certainly um you know she's always there and they're always looking for her. So, it just makes it, you know, more more of a fun atmosphere and just a big help constantly for me and the staff here. So, um, Kathy and everyone, thank you very much.
>> I just want to say one quick couple quick. >> I try to be quick to make sure she was, >> you know, I'm going to be quick. I want to play 12, you know, I can't stop sometimes. Just But, um, Ramsey Pool is the love of my life. I have to tell you. I love my family, but the pool is like my I love going there. I love being
there. I love seeing everybody. It's just wonderful. And we couldn't do anything without Gary. Gary runs it like so efficiently. He runs the staff really well and our commissioners are Hillary's fat in the back. He we everyone is just so helpful and um it's just a great
place to be. So, I hope you will join the Ramsey pool. Keep an eye on the website, the Ramsey Journal, and see what's coming up in Facebook. and we're gonna have a lot more fun coming up for next year. So, thank you very much. the the pool commission is has done such
an incredible job um really building the membership and all the programming between the swim lessons and having the f the fabulous Fridays and everything they do. So, I really want to recognize Pat Gary and the pool commission for just making the pool, you know, frankly,
it's action park North Ramsey. Okay. All right. And let's do Reife. Okay. For anybody who doesn't know, Reich stands for Ramsay is for everyone. And that is the organization that we've created several years ago to bring those um you know with mental physical um
challenges to make it them part of the community. We have various social events. In fact, Friday night is the Halloween party. Right. >> Yes. >> And it's such a big party that we have to do in the cafeteria to St. Paul's. So, um there's a lot that we do during
RIPE. And I want to recognize Hudson. You ready? Here we go. Okay. And this is for Harry um Harry Weber who took over life once he was no longer on the council and he could not be here with us this evening. Okay. It is our pleasure to present the Ramsy's
for everyone a right volunteer of the year to Hudson Mackier. We were fortunate enough to meet Hudson 3 years ago when we volunteered to help coach our challengers basketball program and he quickly became one of our most valuable volunteers. For those not familiar with Reich, we are a 501c3
organization within the Bo Ramsey that addresses the needs of all of our residents, particularly those with special needs. Under Reich, we have a challenger program, a program that coordinates sporting and social events for children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities. Many
of our participants or challengers are on the autism spectrum as well as other with Down syndrome and many with physical limitations. Our challengers range your name range in age from pre-teen up to the 50s. We run weekly sports leagues each season, soccer,
basketball, and softball throughout the year. We also hold monthly social events such as karaoke, dances, art classes, and field trips to name a few. This program has been very successful and large to young adults like Hudson who donate their time each weekend to make
sure our challengers have a fun and rewarding experience. Hudson has played a big role in our success. Hudson has been a constant and consistent volunteer each week of our basketball season, making sure the kids are safe and enjoying themselves. Each sport season
runs between 10 to 12 weeks. And over the past few years, Hudson has probably volunteered around 50 hours during these seasons. Hudson has an insightfulness that is more mature than most of our young volunteers and often works one-on-one with some of our challengers that require the most attention and
assistance. That is true. Hudson Hudson has Hudson demonstrates a kindness that is appreciated by the participants as well as parents and gardeners. Hudson's maturity has also led him to be a mentor to the volunteers that join us each year. Hudson could be out doing things
for himself each Saturday afternoon. Instead, he chooses to volunteer of his time for the benefit of others. I believe this speaks volume about his characters and sense of priorities. We would also like to acknowledge Hudson for his recent induction into the National Honor Society at Don Bosco
Prep. >> Thank you. We know we can expect great things from you in the future. >> Well done. >> All right. Elena. >> Okay, Grandma. Thank you so much.
>> Congratulations. >> Basketball is the most challenging of all the challenger programs. It really is. And we do it every every Saturday afternoon at the Dator Gym. And it's so hard to get volunteers to help. And Hudson's there. And we really do have
challengers that require one-on-one in basketball. and he always steps up to do that to make sure that everybody who's there is part of it that they're not sitting on the sidelines and that they're engaged. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Chamber of Commer Chamber of Commerce.
>> Hi Randy. >> Hello there. How are you? >> Very well. Nice to see you next. >> Hi both of you. It's okay. Boohoo. >> I'm just back. >> Hi everyone. My name is Draston. I'm with the Chamber of Commerce. Uh this is
Kat Yian Alpo. She's our vice president and she will be presenting to the Ramsay icon which is Randy Stis. >> That's my first time. So this is my friend Randy Sterisky. And if you don't know Randy, you really don't know Ramsay. Um he's a science as a science
teacher at Smith School starting in 1971. Randy taught there for 30 plus years. a MA volunteer fireman. When Randy moved to Ramsey in 1995, he was immediately invited to join the Ramsay department. He rose to the rank of chief in 2013 through 2014.
Randy volunteered to take on the task of well, I'm not sure you volunteered into forced for the holidays, but more on that in a minute. So, you may be wondering, why is the Chamber of Commerce nominating a retired teacher and volunteer fireman? Well, in 2018, Randy reached out to the Chamber of
Commerce and said, "Hey, would you like to participate in the Halloween candy giveaway following the town costume parade, and we said, "Yes, of course." And although it rained cats and dogs, we all huddled in the fire truck phase and handed out goodies to a surprisingly large crowd. And that was the beginning
of a beautiful collaboration between the Ramsay Volunteer Fire Department and the Chamber of Commerce. Randy, quick to see on our new relationship. Next pitch. Hey, would you like to do a float in the Home for the Holidays parade? Yes, of course, we said again, and have enjoyed
being in the parade every year since. In 2020, when we were all stuck in our pods or cohorts, Randy called and said, "Hey, would you like to join us in a townwide firet truck emergency response caravan to celebrate July 4th?" "Yes, of
course," we said. And to this day, I still hear from people that that was such a great spreading of joy and really helpful to all of us in kind of a dark period. Later in 2020, Randy once again said, "Hey, would you have chamber members line Prospect Street to welcome
Ramsay families as they drove South Island Avenue to see the lights and hear some holiday music in the reverse home for the holidays parade?" "Yes, of course," we said, and handed out Santa hats and masks. Since these humble beginnings, the trunk or treat has grown to take up most of
South Island Avenue with this year the chamber having at least 14 businesses plus some residents opening their trunks. Anyone here is welcome to join us. Come open your trunk and hand out some goodies. That's Saturday. Um, along with participating in the Home for the Holidays parade, the chamber now holds
since 2021 a boutique in the Firehouse parking lot next to the popular food truck festival that brings many from town, from our town and beyond to check out our local businesses. The Ramsey Chamber of Commerce tagline is connecting commerce and community. And we are proud to name Randy Sinsky our
volunteer of the year for his promotion of community year round. The first thing Pat said to me when she met me tonight was, "No more ideas." >> Okay. But when we talked, you did pitch me another one and I had to go.
>> I do have to say that I have to um share this piece of paper with my son who is my co- idea person. Okay? And we spin wheels all the time. Thank God for family. Okay, big family now. And um so that
works out great. Uh and and again, I'm amazed you came back with my start of your career here in 1971. Uh I've been on forever, but um I have to say something that I heard a gentleman before say how this town is wonderful.
Okay. And it it just click my mind and that's bad when things click on my mind. Uh here we go. But it goes back to when Sandy Hurricane was here and the town was beat up pretty bad. Okay. And I was
assistant chief at the time and uh I was retired. I had retired just in fact I retired the year that we started home for the holidays. Okay. And um I guess I was bored. So um we I drove around town during the day and to find out what was
going on because I was available to do that. And I spoke to the California people who were here to take care of all the electricity, getting things lined up again. They came to me and said two things and they came to the town to help get it
organized also through the party fund. Uh something we didn't have enough for this one. But anyway, uh uh they found this town to be totally different from any town they had been to over emergencies of how many years that a lot of them spoke about. Um they
complained that other towns people would come out and complain to them about get it done. I need my electricity. Hurry up. Do this one. You're taking too long. In Ramsay they said we don't understand this town. People come out with coffee.
They come out with snacks. They sat and they they chat with us, want to know all about us. And they became overcome with discount as far as type of people that are here and and for that they came to us uh through the
town. They they wanted to present because the kids in town had missed two Halloweens in the in a row. um the snowstorm the year before they wiped it out and they heard about that and they were in they wanted to get something to do
for the town. So they came and they asked and we fire department we organized it in front of the firehouse our first trunk or treat. Okay. and they bought candy and they handed out to God knows hundreds thousands of kids
probably but they all came their outfits that they couldn't use and it was just a fun night. They had to go out with more candy because it was just they still said like my god they just couldn't believe the out you know turning of
people also to thank them and so it was that type of situation. So home for the holidays became an easy thing to do in this town. It really it's built for it. My new street the type of area it is and the people just come out and support it and all groups are are involved but
we've turned it from a we didn't want a party type parade. We wanted to do it for families in town uh to take place of our old um drive around town with Santa Claus. So some people may remember that. That was deadly because the town got
bigger. Um, we ran out of fire trucks to bring Santa Claus around. Um, phone calls. The police station was overwhelmed like where's Santa Claus? Where's the party department? Okay, it was a great tradition, but it was it was backbreaking. It was a 12-hour day and
cold and too many parties that we had to attend. Um, so it it we had to come up with something different and we switched to home for the holidays. And like I said, I guess I was bored. So here I am running that along with trunk retreat and thank goodness
you know I I have to say we always built on it and then meeting CAT and getting involved with CAT and the chamber it it's it's a win-win for all of us. Okay. So I'm also so very thankful for them you know handing out this award that they and getting me involved in that.
Appreciate that and wonderful living town. Okay. together. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Byebye. See you Saturday. Saturday.
>> Hey, Ramsey Public Education Foundation. Okay, come on down so you can be in the camera. >> Okay, we want you on We want you on the YouTube. Come on down. Come on down. All right. Hi, good evening everyone. Um, so thank you mayor and council for
this opportunity. U, my name is Jackie Kanto and along with being a proud resident of Ramsey since 2018, I am also the co-president of the Ramsey Public Education Foundation. Interesting. >> Oh, and I'm Vicki Ada. You already met me, but I'm also part of the Ramsey
Public Education Foundations. So, we are here today um to honor our co- vice president Stacy Zoretski Merritt as the RTF volunteer of the year. If you're not familiar with the Ramsey Public Education Foundation, we are also um a 100% volunteer-led organization that
work tirelessly through the year to raise funds to fund grants for our um local public schools that otherwise would not have been covered by the school budget. So Stacy truly embodies what it means to be a volunteer.
>> She redefineses dedication, dependability, and is always willing to go above and beyond for others. Not only is she a fantastic mother to two young boys, Ethan and Dylan, she is an accomplished attorney and the
managing editor for the abovethelaw.com. Stacy is someone who truly shoots for the stars in everything that she does. Actually, I don't think there's anything she can't do. So, um, a perfect example, and quite frankly, a fantastic fun fact about her that she might be upset that I'm
bringing up, um, that when she was planning her wedding, she decided that she wanted to invite people to the wedding that inspired her. So, um, during law school, she was inspired by none other than the Supreme Court Justice Peter Ginsburg. What did Stacy
do? She invited her to her wedding. >> She didn't just invite her to a wedding. She included a personal note as well. Supreme uh the Justice Ginsburg actually RSVPd with a regret due to travel. However, the thank Stacy for and I will
quote her spirit lifting note. >> That is how she can touch with me. There are no limits. So she also sometimes manage manages to take on I should say always manages to take on um what I call is a superhuman amount of work yet still finds the time
and energy and heart to see every task through. Uh coming up after the chamber of commerce I guarantee you she has knocked on every single business door up and down Main Street soliciting for donations for our fall Gallow.
She's also come up with creative ways to partner with larger corporations like Kendra Scott to design beautiful jewelry specific to Ramsey. Her commitment and followrough is truly an inspiration to everyone around her. So Stacy, we're proud to have you as our
co- president. I'm proud to call you and we are forever grateful for everything that you do. Thank you. Thank you so much. I hope that everyone is inspired by that to join the Ramsey.
>> Still working. Still working. >> We're looking for trustees. If you want to help the school district, please join the Ramsey Public Education Foundation. We were able to give $92,000 to the school district this year. Next year, I hope it's going to be an even greater
amount. If you want to volunteer for our schools, this is the way to do it. I've I've never been happier working for a volunteer organization except for Gaming. >> But I love I'm so sad. This is my last year. I'm >> We are together.
>> We are. Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Congratulations. Thank you very >> Girl Scouts. >> Come on up. >> What are you doing? Come on down folks. Come on down.
>> Hi everybody. Thank you for having me tonight. Thank you mayor and council. My name is Holly. I am the unit manager for Ramsey Girl Scouts. Um we are a large organization in town with over 300 girls. Um we aim to build girls of confidence, courage, and character. And
so tonight I have um some of my amazing volunteers that are amazing role models who are a girl. They do so much for our town. And so I'm so happy to present first um Diane Lamb. She is a troop leader of now a freshman um girls. How many girls you have left? They still
have nine girls and she's great. I know as the kids get older and older gets tougher with schedules, but um I think for her co-leaders um dedication to a testament to having that many girls. Um and so to tonight they have been um like
instrumental in uh tradition Girl Scouts, the Daisy Granny Halloween party which they put on every year and every year and I think this might be your last one. They're handing over the rain and they're mentoring another younger troop to take that over to keep the tradition
going. So, I just wanted to say thank you so much to Diane for being such an amazing troop leader all these years for everything you've done for the Halloween party and for being such a great model role model for our girls. Um, someone to look up to and and being invested in making a difference in their lives. So,
thank you so much. And then I also had one from her co-leader um Charlotte who cannot be here tonight. So um but Charlotte, the two of them are a wonderful team and um you know they they work so well together. Um Charlotte is very
organized, keeps everything documents down which makes my job a lot easier and and for training retrieves. So um we also appreciate everything that Charlotte does as well. And then I also have um Jackie Gersh, which I know many of you in here probably know. Um Jackie
Gersh is celebrating 35 years with Girl Scout this year. It's a wonderful thing. We are so lucky and I feel so fortunate, but Jackie is so important to our organization. I think I couldn't have asked for a better role model um you
know for for our girls, for our community. She as you guys know she's got involved with Boy Scouts as well, Girl Scouts, rescue. She does so many things in our community and that's what we want our young you know our youth to look up to to be invested to be involved
and to be good people. So um Jackie as well as with our tradition the Girl Scouts, she has led Teddy Bear Pajama. This is their 30th year. 30th year of this tradition, which is a big drama party for our daisies and brownies, our littlest ones that come together and
friendship and song and and tradition. And um she's done that for for 30 years, which is quite an amazing feat. And the other tradition she does with um one of her troops as well is um the wreath making event that we have every year, which is always open to the public and
it's usually Yeah. So please come, please come. December 2nd this year. Um but it's uh she's instrumental in making that happen and it's a great fundraiser for Girl Scouts as well. Um and again in teaching girls um how to engage in our community, make a difference, manage money, all that good stuff that we aim
to do. So um and really I just want to say from my from all my heart I think of Jackie as like the matriarch of Girl Scouts. Like she's like our mother figure. She's someone that I lean on to for um guidance and support. Um, so she like I don't know where I'd be without
her. So I really am so grateful for everything you do. Um, thank you. One of >> I know this is one of my girls who funds um two two troops in town plus a troop in Oakland and also assists with
a troop in um down at the shore as well. She's very involved across all of Jersey with with our troops. So, this is one of her troops here as well. We're um Girl Scouts has given me the opportunity to do many things that I would not have
done without it. Horseback riding, skiing, camping, things that I wouldn't thought of, you know, when I was younger. didn't wasn't brought up in that kind of you know uh environment. But the most wonderful thing about Girl
Scouts is seeing the little ones babies 5 years old grow up >> and grow up and go on and um it's beautiful because a lot of them will keep in touch with me. I've been to weddings, baptisms,
>> you know, things like that. So, one of the things about leaders is was a former Girl Scout of yours. >> Yes, that's right. One of my Girl Scout leaders was was a former Girl Scout of mine and my daughter is now a Girl Scout leader and I do her troop with uh with
my granddaughter which I look forward which took a long time. So, yeah, I really I appreciate everything that Girl Scout has done to me and I'm happy to give back. Thank you. >> And thank you up to get Jackie,
>> we need you for voice. >> Oh, you mind Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Here he is. >> Here he is. >> So, uh, my well, my name is Jackie G.
I'm going to start. I'm with Boy Scouts now. I'm committee chair and Scott is assistant committee chair although I think more co-committee chair but we're so honored to um honor him with the volunteer of the year because he is
really a great volunteer uh many of our volunteers they will run on the committee side that's wonderful and then they will run on what I call the boy scout side taking voice candy doing the uh uh meetings for them and arranging for
them and Scott does everything. Uh he's the type of volunteer that you say, "I need somebody to" and he's already he doesn't even know where you're volunteering from. He'll say, "I'll do it." You know, I I lean on him so much. I appreciate so much his advice and the
things that he does for our troop. Our troop has been in existence for 113 years here since Ramsay continues. So, um, we voice acting a wonderful organization and, uh, really builds boys of character
and, um, Scott is a big part of that. He was really great. He took the voice to, uh, sleepover at Great Adventure. So, if you've ever been at a great adventure, if you could just picture what that was like, but that's just one of many things um, he does. Tomorrow night, go back to
committee meeting together. So I want to thank you Scott for everything you do and staff from >> and that was very I was here Sunday morning for a meeting and when I come out of the building there's all this activity in the park.
I'm like what the heck is going on? It was all of them coming back from Great Adventure and the boys looked excited and the leaders looked a little bit exhausted but well done. So anyway, thank you everyone so much for coming.
Congratulations to all the volunteers. Um as they've been said so many times you see Ramsey would not be what Ramsey is without its volunteers. So, thank you all for coming. We really appreciate it. Um, we're going to continue on with our meeting. Of course, you are welcome to
stay. We will not be offended if you don't understand. All right. So, have a We will call you. >> Okay. Congratulations. >> That's warmer down there. >> He started doing a little like
>> I haven't had hot flashes in a while. >> I'll see you on Friday. What's it going to We're here all night. >> Thank you, ma'am. Make a motion to go back in. >> Okay. Can I please have a motion to go
back into order? >> Yes, madam mayor. I make a motion to go back into regular order >> and I second it. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Wonderful. Okay. will open it up to public comment. Anyone wishing to address the governing body, please give your names following the last statement
address. Please speak in an audible tone and address your comments to the chair. There will be a 5minut time limit per speaker unless reduced because of the volume of business on the agenda. Please note public comment is your time. As respect and fairness to all, there will 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 body's comments later in the meeting or as directed by the chair. The burough clerk is the official timekeeper. Anyone wishing to make a public comment,
please step up. Okay. Is are we still on the phone? Yep. Okay. Anyone on the line wishing to make public comment? Second call for public comment. Third and final call for public comment. Not hearing anybody. I will close public
comment. Okay. We have advertised hearing for file integration of ordinance. Ordinance 23 2025. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. An ordinance amending chapter 7 of the code of the bureau of Ramsey, Bergen County, New Jersey, and more particularly section
7-32 thereof entitled midblock crosswalks having been brought up for public hearing and all persons interested having been given an opportunity to be heard. pass final reading by title and that said ordinance be adopted as an ordinance of the Bureau
of Ramsey. And be it further resolved that the burough clerk and she hereby is directed to cause a copy of the title of said ordinance to be published in an official newspaper of the bureau in the manner provided by law together with a notice of the date of introduction and
adoption of said ordinance. >> Second. >> Thank you. Do we have any comment from the council on this ordinance? Mr. Ros, you want to just give people a quick background on it? >> Uh, sure. The Ramsey School District has requested a midblock crosswalk on East
Main Street from the area of Veterans Park across to the new parking lot area for the high school. Midbot crosswalks are atypical and not usually permitted. It is a Bergen County road and therefore the ultimate jurisdiction is with the county. They had indicated to the school district they would ultimately approve it if the burough enabled it first
through a local ordinance. This ordinance would approve the midblock crosswalk in this location. As this crosswalk would only serve the students or other people attending school events, the board of education will be funding the design and improvements needed for the crosswalk and crossing signals to be
implemented for safety. Any grants that could be applicable to mitigate any taxpayer costs will be pursued. >> Thank you. Hale now open up ordinance 23 2025 to public hearing. Is there anyone who would like to comment on this ordinance?
Okay. Not seeing anyone in council chambers. Is there anyone on the line that would like to comment on this ordinance? Second call for comments. Third and final call for comments. At this point, I will close the public hearing. Can we please have a roll call?
>> Councilman Gutwer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kilman. Yes, >> woman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Okay. At this point, it's my pleasure to make the uh the following appointments. Nathaniel Bergman, Ramsey
Rescue Squad, and Vivian Berlin, Ramsey Rescue Squad, Explorer Member, and we'll be swearing in after the consent resolutions. Consent resolutions, please. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, be it resolved that resolutions 180 2025
through and including 195 2025 having been considered by the governing body of the program be hereby approved. There are no block party requests for special request this evening. >> Second. Thank you. Any comments on the
resolutions? No. Um, we'll hear from bureau administrator during his comments with a little more information on this. All right. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Gutwer, >> yes. >> Councilman Coleman, >> yes. >> Councilman, >> yes.
>> All right, let's do the swearing in. YouTube channel. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Good evening. >> Good morning. >> Faithfully impart. All the duty duty >> of the office of the office
>> rescue explorer >> to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability. and be sure to follow me. I support the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. And now that I
>> to the same >> and to the government's established >> to the government >> to the United States United States >> and in this state >> in this state >> under the authority of people >> under the people. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you. >> On the right side. >> Perfect. Thanks so much. Thank you. >> Thank you all. Have a good night. >> You too. >> Okay. >> Okie do. We have an introduction of
ordinance. Ordinance 2425 2025. >> Uh, don't we have the special our leazison reports? >> Oh, I'm sorry. Hello. I >> wrong page. >> I jumped. I jumped. All right. Let's go to committee and leazison reports. Finance administration. Councilman
Gutter. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Sorry, Mike. Sorry. >> Uh, just want to thank everybody for on the volunteer night. uh learned a lot about history of our wonderful town and
>> the true essence of Ramsey came out pretty clear tonight with all the volunteers and u it's great to hear everybody's thoughts and perceptions and um their true love of the town and we all
do and uh it's really great to hear it all. Thank you for everybody who volunteers throughout the year. Uh my report for tonight. Um first off, I'd like to just congratulate incoming Ramsey Police Chief Michael Paresi, Rams
and incoming Ramsey Police Captain Casey Hines on their promotions and wish soon to be retiring Chief Brian Lyman well on his retirement. Thank him for his service to the burrow. I also like to congratulate Ralph Darini on his retirement and thank him for all his
time and commitment to the burrow over the years. Uh for the library board, the annual Halloween Boo Bash event uh will take place this Saturday, October 25th, from 1 to 3:00 p.m. uh from the children room will be
transformed into a familyfriendly house environment. Friends of the Ramy Library held their used books and jewelry book sale last week. All proceeds go to supporting the library services. In recent weeks, there have been a meet and seeing eye dog event,
family trivia, a variety of teen events, and adult events. Residents can check the library websites for full programs. Recreation committee uh commission. Uh the Ramsey run was on September 20th with 157 runners between both a 5k and a 10k raise. Uh the rec commission extends
thank you to all who volunteered. Uh winter basketball registration is open through December 15th and wrestling registration is also open through December 15th available through team snap for season running from January through early March. Uh the Halloween
parade will again be coordinated with the fire department. It'll be held this Saturday, October 25th in the morning uh which includes a trunk retreat upon conclusion of the parade. The parade will kick off at 10:00 a.m. from Mechanic Street parking lot to the firehouse. And if you're lucky, you
might see Councilman Gutter walking with his three and a half year old dresses. Uh Ramsey Farmers Market. Farmer market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this November. A touch of truck will be held this Sunday, October 26, sponsored by
the Ramsey Juniors. Excuse me. Second chance toy collection sponsored by Ramsey environmental committee's uh green team on November 16th. Uh this past Sunday featured a visit with further pete and come and check out all the great vendors that are in attendance at the market each and
every Sunday as well as transfer children and a new and nonprofit is you attend. >> Thank you public safety councilman Kilman. >> Thank you Madame Mayor. Um, this is always a great night and without being
redundant, uh, thanks for all of the volunteers and thanks for everything that this community does and it's shaped by the volunteers in this community and we're so very lucky. Um, I do want to note uh, and um, recognize Ralph Ventini
who's done a great job and I'm sorry to see him retire. Same with Chief um, Brian Lyman. um they've made a real difference in this community. And I want to thank um and recognize uh Michael Paresi and his promotion to chief of
police and Casey Hines and his promotion to captain. And there are many others and I'll stop there, but again, congratulations to all. And Vivian, who did one heck of a job reciting better than most adults on the job on the on the >> on the truth, faith, and allegiance
>> on the truth, faith, and allegiance. I've even had trouble with that one. Um, briefly on the design committee and the new emergency services complex, uh, we keep on trucking. They are developing a revised comprehensive concept that remains within set budget parameters
despite ongoing inflation and rising construction costs. Once that design phase is completed, it will be presented to the full mayor and council as well as to the public. And then 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. And at this time, there is no estimated timeline for when those steps will occur. And that's it, Madame Mayor. >> Well, thank you. Building planning and zoning, Councilwoman Woods.
>> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I will be redundant and talk about volunteer night again, but I would like to say that I really love volunteer night. Um, I was a super volunteer before I started doing this. Congratulations to all those amazing volunteers. Um, the volunteer
service provided by these people is what sets Ramsay apart from other towns and we are so blessed. Um, congratulations to our new police chief, Michael Paresi, and our new captain, Casey Hines. And of course, I want to congratulate um Chief Lyman on his retirement. I also would
like to congratulate Ralph Venturini and um on his retirement, but he will be sorely missed as well. And um congratulations to Nathaniel and Vivienne on their appointment to the Ramsey Rescue Squad. So the design review board meeting will be held Tuesday, October 28th, and there's only
one application on the agenda. uh the senior trustees board um stigmafree is scheduled and they mentioned this tonight the intergenerational activity called thankful for you celebrating our seniors scheduled for Saturday November 15th in the community center and there's more information uh I think on time
coming soon party for the seniors will be Tuesday December 2nd and they're thrilled to be back at Ramsey Golf and Country Club now that the renovations are complete um the program committee met and there are several events coming up including Grae craze autumn photography contest,
painting pumpkins and a men's breakfast. In 2026, they'll go back to board and brush and are looking forward to a return visit by Jack the police dog as well as ma jang art classes and an event at Birdie Golf. They participated in the Ramsay response annual coat drive. They
also had a visit from Dr. Stole from Hackinack Aiology and did a short presentation on hearing screenings. The new van is expected mid to late October, should be any day now. Um, the code of conduct was completed and mailed out to all members and the next trustees
meeting will be Thursday, November 13th. The zoning board of adjustment meeting was held Wednesday, October 15th, and was scheduled to hear two applications. The first application was still going on at 10:25 p.m., but was approved. Um, the next meeting will be Wednesday, November
19th. And that is all I have, Madam Mayor. >> Thank you. All right. Does anybody have any comments for >> I have a report for Judy. >> Oh, perfect. on her journey. Yeah. >> Councilwoman Cusix. Report was delivered by burl clerk. Thank you. >> Congratulations to Michael Paresi and
Casey Hines on their promotions. And congratulations and thank you to all of our volunteers. This report will be an update regarding our planning board, Shade Tree, Shade Tree Commission, and Board of Public Works. Planning board. At the planning board meeting on October 21st, there
were there was one public hearing for John Royal, 87 East Main Street, which was approved with conditions. Shade tree commission last met um on October 16th and Ramsay is a tree city, USA for 30 years now.
Board of Public Works PER and poly florinated substances POS are a large group of humanmade chemicals and their persistence in the environment is a concern. The EPA has set forth PAS water quality limits impacting our wellwater
supply. H2M, our architectural and engineering firm, is collaborating with the Ramsey Water Department on treatment solutions for our well facilities at Arrow Road, Darlington, Brookfield, North Central, and Spring Street. Our
burough PAS projects are under consideration for lowinterest loan opportunities from the I bank lead service line replacement. The board of public works continues planning and implementation measures to comply with the NJD's lead service line replacement mandate
requiring all lead service lines in the water system be replaced by 2031. Storm water drains. Burrow friends, please help clear debris from storm water. storm water drains. Clean train drains prevent flooding, protect roads
and homes, and keep runoff into ponds and streams free of pollutes. Ramsay leaf removal began the week of October 13th and is ongoing. Please help and make this effort safe and efficient. Refer to the annual fall leaf pickup
posted in October on the burough website. Please also be aware of piles of leaves should not be placed in a manner which could impede public public safety. And if the pickup timing does not meet your schedule, plea leaves may be taken to the Ramsey Recycling Center
located in the rear of the Main Street theater lot. Thank you. >> Thank you. That was quite comprehensive. >> Okay. Does anybody have a report for public and governmental relations for Councilwoman Poppy? >> I do, Madam Mayor. >> Uh her report is this. I am sorry that I
need to be away on business and I could not be with you this evening. I would like to offer my gratitude to our incredible volunteers who truly make Ramsey a wonderful place to live and raise a family. When when there is a call to action, our residents do not hesitate to respond. Those of you
honored tonight have gone above and beyond your individual calling and your mayor and counsel are very proud of you. Thank you for taking the time to be here so we can personally thank you for your time, hard work, and dedication to our community. I look forward to hearing all of your wonderful stories and watching
your accomplishments over the next year. To our new chief and captain, congratulations on your appointments. Thank you for working so hard in Ramsey and I look forward to working with you in the future. And that is her report. >> Thank you. Health, Education, Social
Services. Anyone have a report for Councilman Papo? >> We'll move on. Um, of course, volunteer of the year night. It's such a great evening and the volunteers really do make Ramsay special. So, congratulations once again to all the volunteers of the
year and thank you for your service. Um, congratulations to Chief Lyman and Ralph Ventina on their retirement. I wish them a wonderful retirement with a lot of fun, adventure, and good health. Um, congratulations to Chief Paresi and Captain Hines. I look forward to working
with them. And also congratulations to officers Finn, Hammersma, and K9 Jack for the recognitions. Thank you and congratulations to Vivian Nathaniel. I want to recognize this past Sunday that we had the Eagle Scout Court of Honor
for Grayson Silverstein and Jay Leon at the community center. Was a very nice event. And I want to let everybody know that today Burough Administrator and I, Jose, and I um toured the new special needs housing. Um, it's absolutely beautiful. Well, it's still under
construction, but it's almost done. And it's really amazing the workmanship and the high quality of the finishes. It It's beautiful. Beautiful. And they're hoping to have the residents, um, the six residents move in as effective January 1st. Um, and we talked about
some programming we might want to do with them. So, I'm going to be reaching out to the seniors as well as the dietitian at ShopRight about cooking classes and a few other things. So, that's it for me for administrator. >> Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. I'll comment on a couple of the resolutions
on the agenda tonight in the upcoming introduction of ordinances. Uh, resolutions 182 to 188. Um, as healthcare care costs continue and increase, the bureau looks at ways to reduce these costs where possible. Uh the bureau's health insurance is provided through the New Jersey State
Health Benefits Program with employees contributing a percentage of the coverage costs in premiums in accordance with the state enacted chapter 78 contribution levels. In 2023, a health reimbursement account program operated by an outside vendor. The difference card was approved by the state health
benefits program to work with municipalities under their coverage in efforts to lower the net healthcare costs. Ramsey's adopted this program uh and this must be by state law an optional program for employees. The bureau will again offer this program for
calendar year 2026. Resolution 188 authorizes the bureau to contract with the difference card and execute the agreements with them to provide these services. Resolutions 182 through 187 are authorizing the bureau to enter into contract addendums with each of our six
bargaining union unions adding this HA option in accordance with this collective bargaining agreements. We currently have about 25 to 30% of our employees who receive health insurance participating in this plan in 2025 and we anticipate that number to
significantly increase for 2026. Resolution 191 is the approval of submission of the 2025 best practices inventory. The bur will be submitting that to the state or completed inventory. The best practice inventories developed by the state with rotating
questions to New Jersey municipalities each year. The municipalities result with a low score could impact their state aid. Ramsey has always scored very well. Never been close to having a low score impacting state aid and 2025 is consistent with that. The state looks
for a score at or above 32 of the 50 scored questions. Ramsey only has one or two no responses and well exceeds the state threshold. Resolution 192 authorizes the bureau to conduct online auction for vehicles no longer needed.
Uh we have a number of vehicles no longer needed for public use. This authorizes us to post the vehicles conduct an online open auction through govdees.com for these vehicles with proceeds of sale to the burough. Resolution 193 awards a contract to
Boswell Engineering. Uh the burrow periodically returns an outside retains an outside firm to conduct an inspection of the burough roadways and develop a detailed condition report ranking each roadway. This review is used in determining the roads for our annual resurfacing program as well as
applications for state municipal aid grants. The last report was in 2020. So, this will provide a new update for the burrow road work going forward. Total cost of the survey report is $12,000. Resolution 194. Uh, the current audio
mixer in the chambers here has failed and is needed a replacement. Uh, we've Meredith and others have patch worked it together to get through. uh but this authorized the purchase of a new one uh under a cooperative purchasing program
in an amount of $12,789.90. Resolution 195 awards a contract to Motorola Solutions for an upgrade of the Burough's emergency services communication system. The Burough's emergency communication system infrastructure and radio equipment are all nearing the end of their useful life. Last year, the burough sought
proposals from independent professionals in the specialized field who are 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 B bureau selected BCOM as its consultant
contracted them in accordance with resolution 127 of 2024. BCOM issued a report to the bureau with a few options for review and consideration. The bureau has used the VCOM recommendations and further refined them for implementation. This resolution addresses the needs and
recommendations detailed in the report. The resolution authorizes the purchase and implementation of this equipment through Motorola Solutions under Motorola state contract number 8399. Motorola is the leading vendor in this field. In addition, they are the exclusive provider for the portion of
the equipment noted below to create the new state RF site in Ramsey for the burough to join the 700 megal hertz network. The total infrastructure investment of the equipment is $3,635,000. Funding for this project was put in place earlier this year with ordinance
142025. Some aspects of the equipment in the upgrade are infrastructure equipment for Ramsey host site to move the new 700 megawatt megahertz platform on to the state of New Jersey system that many New Jersey law enforcement agencies have
already moved to or will be moving to in the near future as they replace legacy systems. This equipment will be added to the existing communication monopole to D Ramsey DPW site. New mobile and portable radios to replace the current end of life radios from the Ramsey Police
Department. the volunteer emergency services and the Ramsey DPW as well as infrastructure equipment at Ramsey Police Department headquarters to replace current end of life equipment including the dispatch center and the requisite supported equipment.
We do have one ordinance on the agenda as well for uh introduction. This is uh an ordinance establishing a code section to provide regulation and guidance on the increase in operation of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and similar motor powered devices on
public streets, sidewalks, and other public and private property throughout the burrow. The ordinance is intended to improve the overall safety of roadways, sidewalks, and other public facilities, and will promote the general safety and well-being of the operators, pedestrians, motorists, as well as residents and visitors. This is a
comprehensive ordinance with some key components being that these low-speed electric powered bicycles and scooters will be prohibited on burough sidewalks and in burough parks or other areas that specifically mar unless specifically marked allowing their usage. The overall
intent is not to penalize the operators of these electric powered devices but again to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. And that would conclude my comments. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Now, introduction of ordinance 2420 attorney.
>> Wait, sorry, I keep messing up. Attorney, >> hi. >> Hi. How are you? >> Any comments? >> I do. I I would just like to wish Chief Flyman and and Ralph Fentini a happy healthy retirement. It was a pleasure working with them. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> You're welcome. >> Or of course. >> Okay. Thank you. Sorry, jumping the gun here. All right. Introduction of ordinance. Ordinance 242025. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending chapter 7 of the code of the
bureau of Ramsey, Bergen County, New Jersey, so as to establish section 7-45 entitled skateboards, scooters, motorized vehicles, or devices. 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 12th day of November 2025 at 7:00 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 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 >> a second. >> Madame mayor, I second. Did anybody have any comments in addition to burough administrator? >> No, he explained it well. >> Thanks. And I just want to let everybody know this was a collaborative effort um between the burrow and uh police department on coming up with this
ordinance because this is an issue that really needs to be addressed. We've had several new misses in town um with kids on these scooters and you know a couple of towns they've actually had fatalities in foreign park. So, we really do need to address this for everyone's safety.
Right. Roll call, please. >> Councilman letter. >> Uh, yes. Enthusiastically. >> Councilman Kilman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Woods. >> Yes. >> Thank you. All right. Do we have any unfinished business? I don't think we
have any new business. Motion to adjurnn. Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Thank you. I think that helps. I >> got it. You got it. >> Yes.