Okay. Sorry. Good evening. Should be good. Mayor, good evening everybody. You know, when I was I just when I was like a teenager, seeing this many cops in the room would
have really freaked me out. But this just gives me the warm fuzzies right now. Everyone's showing up for their boy. So nice. Anyway, all right. Let's move on. This meeting is being held in accordance with the public laws of 1975 chapter 231 and adequate notice of this meeting has
been provided by a notice sent to the Asbury Park Press, the tour times in the Star Ledger and posted in the main lobby of the municipal building and on the municipal website. OPMA authorizes municipalities to conduct public meetings through use of streaming services and other online meeting
platforms. The Redbank Council is meeting in person as well as providing an option for the public to participate via Zoom video meetings. Please note that the option to attend is being provided as a courtesy. Therefore, if Zoom becomes unavailable during the meeting and it cannot quickly be fixed. Council will continue with the remainder
of the meeting. For those joining us via Zoom, please raise your hand during designated times to be recognized for a comment. Whether you appearing in person or via Zoom, you must provide your name to be recognized. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Roll call, please. Mary. Council member Bonitakis, here. Council member Cassidy, present.
Council member Facy Blackwood, here. Council member Forest, present. Council member Janelle will be absent this evening. Deputy Mayor Trianiano here. and Mayor Portman. I am here. All right, we got a couple things in the proclamations and announcements and
we're just going to start off with the proclamation or the international day for the eradication of poverty. Whereas international day for the eradication of poverty celebrated annually on October 17th aims to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and the wider
society. Poverty is not solely an economic issue, but rather a multi-dimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity. And whereas people living in poverty experience many interrelated and mutually reinforcing deprivations that
prevent them from realizing their rights and perpetuating their poverty, including dangerous work conditions, unsafe housing, lack of nutritious food, unequal access to justice, lack of political power, and limited access to health care. And whereas in 2020 only
46.9% of the global population were effectively covered by at least one social protection benefit leaving more than half of the world's population wholly unprotected. Informal work is also present in high-income countries especially among the marginalized and undocumented workers. And whereas people
directly impacted by extreme poverty will face discrimination unable to obtain decent work because of their socioeconomic status. lower levels of education and training received as well as the stigma attached to being poor. And whereas October 17th shines as a ray of hope, a day to honor the millions of
people enduring the silent and sustained violence of poverty. It's our chance to live up to the promise of putting the furthest behind first, to stand together with them and pledge our commitment to ensure that dignity and practice for all becomes a reality. Now therefore, I, William Portman, mayor
of the Burrow of Redbank, and on behalf of the council, by the powers vested in me, do hereby proclaim October 17, 2025 as international day for the eradication of poverty in the burrow of Redbank. And we have clear
uh this proclamation. there. Nicole, do you want to say anything? Hey, we have um actually yeah, we'll do it in this order. Right. So um we get to swear in our newest patrolman, Carmine Panolo.
I'll tell you a little bit about Carmine. Carmine Panel, a graduate of Woodbridge High School and currently a resident of Madawan. Idolizing his father growing up, he was inspired by his father's commitment and service in law enforcement. In 2023, Carmine joined the Seagar Police Department as a special
law enforcement officer class 2 and successfully completed his training at the Mammoth County Police Academy in May of 2024. In January of 2025, Carmine was hired by the Red Knight Police Department as a special law enforcement officer class 2 and is currently assigned to the department's traffic
safety unit where he focuses on traffic enforcement and initiatives aimed at promoting public safety throughout the community. Chief, you want to come on up and swear, man. Hear you? Join us. Oh, yeah. We don't have the
bar. Oh, boy. Oh, boy. I know. We got Jim from Seager and you're from Seager. You want to just make a couple of calls? Any of your buddies want to? Yeah. Your family, whoever you want up there. Absolutely. We got McGee from Seager, too. Yeah. Everybody get up there.
Maybe go behind. Yeah. Make the Make the shot. Yeah. Yeah. You gotta Yeah. Make it. Yeah. There you go. Get the girlfriend in there. Everybody photo together.
Repeat after me. I Carmine. I Caro do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and comply that I will support and comply with the Constitution of the United States of America. the Constitution of the United States of
America constitution and the laws of the state of New Jersey. the Constitution and the laws of the state of New Jersey. The laws and ordinances of the Burrow of Redbank. The laws and ordinances of the Burbank. The rules and regulations of the Redbank Police Department. the rules and regulation of the Red Bank Police
Department and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. And that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as patrolman to the best of my ability. as patrolman to the best of my ability.
Okay. Well, hey son of that. I'll just I'll be real quick back in January. Um, big change in environment for him there to here. Not to knock those guys. to do
a great job over there. But, uh, when Carmine came here, I knew pretty much right away that he was going to be a good fit for us. He He's respectful. He's professional. Um, he's not afraid to do the job
and he can bust shops with the best of us. So, I knew right then and there that he was a good fit for us. And I just want to say to him and his family, like, welcome to our family. And I wish you the best of luck. Thank you. up. Pull your chin up.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys all for being here also. Appreciate Sure. Can we move that everyone outside? I think Chief, you mind taking to the outside?
Outside. You know what? We'll do it outside. Outside. Do it outside. Is there another There's a park. Somebody stay here, please. Yeah. Here for the next one. Right now. It's not Let them get situated and then
we'll park in the fire truck when you go. I thought I was like that. And then Oh, I don't know. Chasing.
Okay, cool. Great. Pay up for the party. Would be guarding a beach sailboat if he stays. That's right. Right now, he would. He'd be right now. You want to carry on? All right. While uh the officers get
their photo, we're going to keep going with our pedestrian safety month proclamation. Whereas safe, accessible streets are essential for the well-being of all residents, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. And whereas many New Jerseyians with
vision loss rely on sidewalks, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, white canes, and service animals to navigate public spaces safely. And whereas communities can reduce injuries and save lives by investing in proven pedestrian safety infrastructure such as high visibility crosswalk, traffic
calming, and accessible design. And whereas raising awareness of the pedestrian rights and responsibilities promotes a culture of safety and inclusion for all road users. Therefore, I will William Portman, mayor of the Burough of Red Bank, on behalf of the council, by the powers vested in me,
do hereby proclaim October 2025 as pedestrian safety month in the Burough Red Bank. And by doing so, I call upon all our citizens and leaders to prioritize safe, accessible streets year round. All right, is going to take this
pops back in. It's nothing urgent, John. I'm sorry. Um, and one other appointment we have, um, by mayoral appointment, we have added Michael White as a class C member to the Historic Preservation Commission. There
you go. Sure. Um, and I'd also like, as we do every year, to ask um, Russell Goldman, the treasurer, and Mr. Andrew Zangle, the commodor of the Redne Mama Boat Club to
come on up and give us a check. So kind. So so kind. Thank you for having us. Thank you for being here. Red Bank. We've been a part of Redbank community since before it was Redbank 1879. We're very happy to be part of the community. We just like to give a little
bit back. Even though we're a nonprofit, give a little bit back to the services you provide us. Very happy to be a part of the community. And as many of you know, we're about to walk on a big renovation with the support of your historical preservation commission to our foundation. So, we're very happy to be here, very happy to present you with
the check. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. Every year. So kind. All right. Um, next up, can I have a motion to open the floor for public comment on agenda items only? I'll make such a motion to I have a second. Second. All in favor?
I. Anything on the agenda that anyone has a comment or question about? Anyone online? Jim? No, sir. You would think with all that chatter I see online that people would have some questions. Uh, can I have a motion to close the
public comment for agenda? Motion, Mr. Mayor. I have a second. Second. All in favor? I. Can I have a motion to approve our um minutes from 9:25 2025? So moved. Have a second. I'll second that.
Thank you. All in favor. Very controversial. Don't know what the hesitation was there. Um, we have a bunch of resolutions. Do we want to highlight or comment on anything or we approve them on the consent agenda?
Um, just C25209. I know that that um we sent that to planning and then it was sent back to us without comment. I just wanted to highlight that that was sent back without comment to move forward.
Okay. Um, and that that would be then to have them prepare a redevelopment plan. And then I just wanted to highlight that that would be at no cost to the burrow to move forward with that redevelopment plan. Right. And that does just for the redevelopment plan for the site.
Gotcha. Thank you. And thanks. I was hoping that our manager would, you know, I was hoping that our manager would do a little narrative explaining what it's all about. I got a lot of questions about the other thing.
Yeah. With the establishment of the rehabilitation area that action was taken on recently over the last two council meetings and one planning board meeting. What this does is effectively sets up the escrow account in the amount of $35,000 for the burough's planner
consultant BFJ Planning to work with the uh the the bureau uh to establish a redevelopment plan for the rehabilitation area. That's what this does. Um it's something it's common in municipalities to um pass that cost on
to the developer that has interest in the property and um that's what we're doing here. Um making sure that we work through the redevelopment process of the rehabilitation area. Anything you want to add to that?
Basically covers it. Great. Anything to add? No. Okay. Anything else on the uh on the resolutions that you want to highlight or we can [Music] we good? I'm good. Y right there. Can I have a motion
something? What's that? Um would the manager be interested in highlighting 25 through 12 about the impact of having the office of planning advocacy um work with our I guess state with our
master plan. I know it's related to that. And Nancy, I'm just there. Anything in particular you want me to highlight? Um, the value
of doing this. Go for it. Okay. Yeah. Don't ask questions. I don't already know the answer. Oh, okay. Go, go, go. So by doing this during this agreement and um following the steps to have a planning and implementation
agreement and put it into the state plan policy map, it makes the borrow more attractive uh or gives us higher consideration when the borrow is seeking um grants and uh additional funding for projects. Yep.
Just wanted to share that with everyone. Thank you. Yep. Thank you. Didn't mean to put you on the spot, Jim. That's all good. He did us. No, it's just so dense. He's like He was like, "What are we?" He's like, "What are we doing?" He's like, "What do we want to share?" There's a long checklist. Long.
Absolutely. It is. Yes. And I got to digest this one real quick. No, but it is it is a positive. And yeah, it is a net positive for y I have a motion to approve resolutions 25-207
through 25-212 on the consent agenda. I'll make that motion. I have a second. Second. Roll call, please. Council member Bonitakis, yes. Council member Cassidy, yes. Council member Facy Blackwood, yes. Council member Forest,
yes. Deputy Mayor Trudiano, yes. And Mayor Portman, yes. Whole bunch of things under discussion and action. Um the the top item makes me really happy because I know what a struggle it is to
get uh volunteers for the fire department. It's a grueling and rewarding um job to do. So, uh, happy to see that Nicholas Bar has an application for active membership of Navas Hook and
Ladder and Anthony Bagio Pugliano has an application for active membership also with Navasync Hook and Ladder who is one who is with our PD as well. Great. Mind if I say a couple words about both came to know them pretty well this
summer, Mr. Mayor? They were specials. Uh, worked Broadwalk and all over our uh, community. Uh both exceptionally quality young men, Nick and uh Anthony goes by Bellagio is his preference. Um but they love Redbank and they saw another way to serve beyond the f beyond
the P PD. And uh after hanging out downtown and sometimes the best recruiting is just literally letting people use your bathroom. Doors are open at the Hook and Ladder. You're always welcome if you're a first responder in our community. And uh those two guys came down. They did a great job for this
community all summer long and they're going to continue to do a great job for this community uh with the volunteer fire department. They're very committed. Uh they know what is that they're up against. Uh 200 hours of training is coming up next and uh we're we're very lucky at the Hook and Ladder to be getting them and we're very lucky in
Redbank to be having them. Yeah, they're good eggs. Yes, men and them both. Very nice. Um bunch of events requesting our approval. So, I'll read through them and let me know if anything needs to be discussed further.
First up is Jam the Bassy, a Redbank community and wellness event on October 25th from 4 to 8. An FC Mammoth match with a pre-match multisports clinic on the field up until game time. A school day field trip with FC Mammoth to an FC
Mammoth match on May 1st. Um, inviting local schools and youth groups to a midday match at Count Basy for a field trip. Uh, no, that's it. Next one's uh something else. So that's Jam the Basy. Next up, we have our annual um St. Anony's procession for the feast of Our
Lady of Guadaloop on Friday, December 12th. Um we have some street fairs approved for 2026 already, Sunday, April 26th and Sunday, August 30th, which is changed was changed from September 13th.
That's all 2026. Obviously, we have our first uh date approved of 2026 for the record riot, which will be May 17th, 2026. Everyone good with all that? All that good stuff? Second. All right. Can I have a motion to open
the floor for public comment? I make such a motion, Mr. Mayor. I have a second. Second. All in favor? I. If you have anything you want to talk about, whether it was on the agenda or not, now is Jo, you look like you're preparing, Joan. You put the jacket down. Come on up. You got a Is this mic
still out? It's just this one here. Just Yeah, we know that one's solid. The button at the base and then it turns it red. What to do about not anything terribly terribly major, but Joan Weatherrell and
I live at 106 Manor Drive. Um, two things. Uh, one is pretty simple and the other is just an request for an explanation. Given the resolution about pedestrian safety in Redbank and its commitment, I want to say that some of the burrow van drivers need a reminder
that that is a priority because I have personally stood in a crosswalk and watched them zoom right by me and I've seen them do the same to other people. So I think they may need a little reminder. Thank you. Sorry about like fans.
Yes, they're clearly marked. Yes. All right. So it's not just generic bands. Okay. No, no, no, no, no. Red Bank. Okay. By the way, all of our vans were just stolen two weeks ago and I'm so speeding. Right. We will absolutely have a conversation.
Noted. I got the word to the right people. And the other was uh I just would like we didn't get any background on why the boat club was presenting a check to um Red Bank. And maybe that's in past uh you know history, but uh that was the short answer is uh they do it as a
sign of gratitude. They're we've been in partnership with them since the beginning of the burrow and they it's their way of their way of giving back. Every year they come and they profit. They don't pay profits. Well, that's their way of contributing to the community. So, it has nothing to do with the grant
that they just got to do some work. Okay. This is just So, they're tax exempt, right? They're tax exempt and that's their they feel like they should make a contribution services they provide. Okay. That's very good. Thank you. That's a good question. Yeah, it certainly is because they're they're an
all volunteer club as I understand it. So, thank you. Anyone else have any questions or comments? Yes. Hi. Hey. Okay. If I sit down uh on the on the microphone, the base. There you go. Hi. Um,
I may be a little bit premature, but this is probably, you know, you were saying how people Dana Stein, uh, I live at 41 Madison Avenue and I Hello. and I work at 316 Broad Street. Yeah. So, uh, I'm across the my my work is
across the street from Wells Fargo and my home is kind of the backyard. Right. Right. So, um, you know, for all the chatter online, I'm here to kind of put my chatter where my mouth is and come and and you Yeah. So, I wrote a letter. I
was going to send it to you, but then I decided just to come and and read it. Yay. Um, thanks. So, um, I'm writing to you as a concerned resident, uh, to express my strong opposition to the proposed resoning and redevelopment of the 4.1 acre former Wells Fargo site for the
construction of town houses and stacked flat dwelling units. While I understand the bureau's interest in evaluating opportunities for growth, I believe that this proposal is not in the best long-term interest of Redbank or its residents. I'm also not in favor of a
residential development at Atlanta Club that requires reszoning. First and foremost, it impacts the scale and the scale and the density of the project are inconsistent with the character of the burrow. Redbank's appeal lies in its small town charm,
historical architecture, and walkable neighborhoods. And introducing two large multif family developments would alter the existing scale of the area and risk diminishing the cohesive aesthetic that defines Red Bank. Also, uh moreover, the
track the traffic and the parking implications of such a development are also insificant. Am I okay? Yeah, you're good. Okay. Um you're good. Our streets around Foodtown are already experiencing congestion, particularly during peak hours and special events. Um, that's why
every day you'll see those those um temporary pedestrian crossing signs already are literally run over every day and the sand spills out because already it's more than what the traffic can tolerate. Yep. Um, adding potentially dozens of new
residential units in this area will inevitably increase vehicle volume, parking demand, and traffic noise, and the strain on our infrastructure would negatively impact the quality of life for current residents and keep people who want to visit away. Moreover, the
environmental consequences of such construction need serious consideration. The loss of green space, increase in imperous surf surfaces and storm water management challenges could worsen flooding issues. We have a noraster coming this weekend. Degrade local water
quality and take away air quality during construction. So, we should be prioritizing sustainable land use and environmental resilience, not expanding impervious development on one of the few uh remaining larger parcels or two.
Also, their legitimate property value concerns um both from long-term and short-term disruptions, the the noise, the dust, traffic during construction. Over the long term, increased density, noise, parking competition,
um potential mis mismatches in architectural style and building quality can reduce the desiraability and market value of surrounding homes. We need smart growth strategies within existing zoning parameters, adaptive reuse of
existing structures or mixed income developments that complement the surrounding context rather than overwhelm it. So I urge you to think about that as we move forward. I know I'm slightly early, but we need to prioritize the long-term livability, sustainability, and character of Redbank
by rejecting any reasonzoning that would enable these projects to exceed current zoning laws and the character of the current properties. And thanks for your time and consideration. Thank you. Um, that was great. Thanks. Um, I want to be clear that
neither of the projects you brought up are a proposal from the burrow or for that matter even in front of the burrow right now. Okay. Yeah. Thought it was a little early. I've I I can you cannot stop somebody from buying a piece of property and stating I want to develop it. Correct.
Um I know I've said at least on the Wells Fargo property, I'm not interested in town homes there. I don't think it fits. I agree with everything you say. Now granted, if they're needing variances, that'll be for the land use boards to handle, right? You know, zoning board, we have nothing really to do with zoning board. Planning board
a little more on the planning board as is Christina. Um so I I um we we this happens a lot where you know, you have Scott or Brian, they're doing their job, right? They say, "Oh, someone bought this property. They call them up. What do you want to do? I want to put
town homes there." So they it's news happening in town. They put out the article and immediately it's like, "Oh my god, you know, impeach the mayor, we can't have this." And just to be clear, it's number one, I agree with what you're saying, and number two, it's nothing that's even come before us yet.
So, yeah. Yeah. I would just add to that that this specific the Wells Fargo profit specifically would need to meet at the landports some very large hurdles
in order for that property to be used for what what those that they're saying well no for what they're for what they're saying in that article publicly the same way that you read it that I read it um what that property is designated for
use for right Now the variances that they would need for that property to be used that way would be some very significant variances that would they would need in front of a land user. Um so that would be a very unique um situation um specifically for that
property. Um so I think that's important to see. Yeah, I understand that I'm early. I guess I just wanted to kind of No, internet money where my mouth is, you know, so to speak. We we appreciate it and we think it's important that you
come and you do that. And I agree with what the mayor said. It is news when there is somebody that acquires a property and they say this is this is what we would feel like we would want to do with it, right? There's nothing stopping them from saying that. But that is not the
burrow's proposal, right? That is not the burrow's vision, right? You know, it doesn't they can say whatever they want. It doesn't even have to align with our master plan, right? It doesn't have to align with anything. They can say whatever. They can say whatever they want. Yeah.
And and yes, again, I I this is an incredibly accessible council between my office hours every Monday, council hours twice a week um during the week. So yeah, just like you did, just come and talk to us and conversation.
The next step would be like what? So, so they they bought the property or they're or they're they Yeah, from what I understand, they bought the Wells Fargo property. So, then they decide what they want to do, they go to the zoning board. Is that their if they want to do what they want to do, they I'm sure they're going to reach out beforehand and be like, "Hey, what do
you think of this?" Right. I talk to the zoning board, but I personally hate it. Something like that. And then and then to the zoning board to the zoning board and like I said, the one fact that we
have But one fact that we have is that and that anybody could acquire by calling our by calling our planning and zoning director is that that property would need significant variances for the use that they are that they are
asking for it to be used for which is which is unique compared to other properties that we are talking about in the burrow. This the Wells Fargo property specifically the Atlanta club does that need other variances as well? I'm unsure about that. I don't know about that property. This
I just don't know what's been proposed there yet. I don't know what's being proposed there. Right. Yeah. Yeah. I'm more upset with with changing current law than anything else. Like I understand that, you know, it's a free country. You can buy something and build whatever you want. And that's that's
somebody's free choice, but when it's when they're asking us to change the rules that are established for a reason, that's when I get concerned. And and there listen I I had heard a rumor that Atlantic Club was moving there. To me that's a initially I
don't think it's happening now. That would be a nice use for that property. It's zoned for it. Yeah. Um if they had needed a variance for parking or setbacks or something. Okay. That's as minor. You know, you're you're meeting the the needs for the most part. But um yeah, it'll go before the zoning
board. Okay. Thanks for your time. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Dana. Good. You should get a standing ovation for showing up and Yeah. Hey, one online. Um, you have one online. Yeah. Go ahead.
Hi everybody. It's Nicole T, 153 Hudson Avenue. Um, I wanted to come in person, but I've got little kids, so uh, I could not get a babysitter, so I could come tonight. But first of all, I do want to give you guys kudos because in navigating the Burough website and
looking for agendas, minutes, and Zoom information for tonight's meeting, it was easier than I've ever found it to get that info. So, whoever updated that website, Jim, I know I gave you some um business about that. So, good job. It
was super easy. So, I just want everyone to know that this was easy. Appreciate that. Um, I I had like a broader comment kind of related to the BFJ story. I appreciate the clarification.
Um, but one of the things that I've been noticing is that I feel like we're taking on a lot of projects in town and I love to see development and investment in our community. As a homeowner, I like that. Um, the town homes at the end of
our street on Hudson Avenue at Harding look really nice and way better than what was there before. So, I'm fine with that. But at the same time, like I would love to see us take care of what's in place. Um, if I look at East Side Park, there are a variety of structures that
have been um broken for some time. There's a play structure that's been broken that's my kids' favorite since like the spring at least. Um, if I go to Riverside Gardens Park, there's like no landscaping. And I had a Girl Scout trip meeting there last spring, which was a
really great little meeting, but like it would have been nice if there was some landscaping. Um the woman that spoke before me, she spoke about um the intersection by Food Town, which as a driver in that intersection often I really worry about pedestrian safety and
I think that like we need to improve the the markings and signage there and what we have in place is just not up to snuff. In fact, I see people drive into oncoming traffic to circumvent those temporary signs all the time. So, it's
actually gotten more dangerous. And then to speak about the Wells Fargo property, um I'm kind of fine with a reasonable plan for development happening there. But the grass has become completely overgrown and whoever owns the property now, from what I know, like they should
at least be cutting the grass. I mean, it looks like just really bad right now. So, I would just love to see a little bit of effort into kind of like just maintaining what we have in town and taking pride in that because, you know, I know like a lot of us that are proud
of our town and we love what's happening in our town, but you know, we're taking on all these other projects and I'd love for us to kind of focus on like some of the the properties we also have to maintain at the same time. So, that Nicole, what's the broken to what's the
broken structure at East Side? because I know there was a broken slide there that was just replaced. So, yes, the slide was replaced. There's a structure my kids like. It's like these these plastic things that hang from a chain and it's kind of like a gladiator style obstacle that they they climb
across to get from some little steps that go into the play structure. You can't see, but Jim is maybe you can't. He's nodding his head. He knows what you're talking about. We just a couple weeks ago I approved the uh replacement for East Side Park,
the stepping pods that you're talking about. Yep. Yeah. So, it's it's an $8,800 repair that we're making there. So, it's there's going to be brand new stepping pods that are going in with blue touch-up paint and uh install the new port in place surfacing underneath the pod. So, that's going to
be taken care of in short order. Um, as far as the food town intersection, I know between myself and Sergeant Kovar from traffic safety, we've been engaging with the the county on that as well um over the last several weeks. And the
Wells Fargo property, the maintenance there, um, actually just last weekend, we were reaching out to the property owner. I know between uh myself, Tommy Welsh from code enforcement um after speaking with uh Councilwoman Jon to get
that property addressed. I was told that they were out there and took care of it pretty much right away, but um I could be mistaken on that or, you know, they they didn't hit particular areas, but I I understand they took care of some overgrowth that was going on. Okay. Okay. I appreciate you bringing
all that to our attention. But yeah, we we're basically addressing each one of them. And I actually just um heard from Terrence that they're going to be out at Riverside Gardens Park addressing some of those issues as well. Amazing. Yeah, East Side Park is getting a ton of use now because the Sickless Park is also closed. So the other day I
was there and there's like 10 times the number of kids there every day while the Sickless Park is closed. So maybe more broken stuff or whatever. Um, and yeah, I mean at the food town lot, honestly, the most scary thing for me as a driver is if when you know that like that that
intersection backs up and that's when people start driving around that sign into on like I've seen people drive into oncoming traffic trying to get around those signs. So like maybe focus, you know, if you have a police officer there to like ticket people or something, good
source of revenue for the town and like make people stop doing it. So, all right. Thank you, Nicole. Okay. Anyone else have any uh questions or comments? Anyone else online, Jim? No, sir. Anyone here? Pat, you got anything for
me? No. All right. I have a motion to close the public comment. I'll make such a motion. Have a second. Second. All in favor? Hi. Hi. Great. Uh Christina, you got anything for us?
Uh just a couple of things. Uh I wanted to also thank the Mono Club this evening. It was great to see them, but I know the Historic Preservation Commission was really uh enthusiastic about recommending them for that grant and it's great to hear that that's going to move forward. They're a real asset to
this town. Um, on another note, uh, also historic preservation, I just wanted to say a little bit about, uh, how excited I am for the appointment of Michael White. So, thank you, mayor. Uh, he expressed his interest recently, and this is for folks who don't know, Michael White, who is the muralist who
has some really great, uh, artwork throughout town, right across the parking lot here, of Count Basy, on West Street, the Red Bank Airport mural, on Canopy Crossroads. He's doing beautiful work and a lot of it is honoring our history here in Redbank. So to have someone like that who has already
contributed so much on our historic preservation commission that he was interested. I sort of we tried to push this along before he could change his mind because it's I love the idea so much. Uh so thank you to him for volunteering to serve. Uh we're excited to see what he'll bring.
David, yeah, I don't really have a report. Uh I regret missing the last meeting. I was out of town with uh on one of my proono assignments, but I appreciate everyone covering for me and carrying the business of the burrow on in mystead. Um I don't take that lightly and uh but
duty call and I appreciate everyone supporting that. But otherwise, it's just been a beautiful fall here in Redbank Town. Um I missed Broadwalk the day after it closed. Um I'll say it. Uh I'll say it.
Popular opinion. Um here Um, but otherwise it's nice. We we've had just such good stuff and I'm going to let other people speak out some of the events coming up and some of the events that just passed. But, uh, it's been great here in Redbank. Fall down in this area. Go visit our neighbors
inland. Everyone's been out at the beach. Make sure you spend a time. They'll come on over here for dinner afterwards. Good apple picking, good pumpkin picking, good stuff happening. It's the best time of year. Maybe go visit, you know, the Aberdine Madawan area. You know, it's beautiful out that way. I hear they have a farm, Sabah House Farm. I
hear it's pretty good. Thank you. Yes. Okay. In addition to my report, I have Laura's report as well. Do I'm just gonna read mine and then you want to I can be both. Okay. Great. Um I'll start with Laura.
Um she asked me to report because she's not at the meeting today. Uh the library is getting their new sign which is going to be digital. I believe it's up already, right? Yeah. Almost up. Okay. And um for the library strategic plan,
there's a QR code on the library website. Uh please take a scan your codes, take a look and see what they're offering. Um of course, the library also has ongoing activities on their website. As always, uh for animal welfare, their
next meeting is next Tuesday, the 14th of October at 700 p.m. here in Bor Chambers. for the mayor's wellness campaign. They're having an event um a special wellness event for parents on October 26th at the Redbank Primary
School in the evening. There's going to be a presentation on stress. They'll also have seeing eye dogs and a drumming group. So, it's open an open heart yoga will be there as well. Um there's also a planning and entire stakeholders meeting
for October. A doodle poll has been sent out for the mayor's wellness campaign on November 22nd at 10:00 a.m. They're going to be distributing turkeys non-p perishable and information on resources. And she wants to give a special thanks
to all the organizations who donated wellpoint insurance fulfill and the ving pel civic association. So that's all she has. Uh for myself, I want to thank everybody who got out to enjoy
Porchfest. Um I thought it was a really great event. It seems to get better and better every year and I'm really happy that the weather has complied. On a personal note, um some of you may know that I do go out there and um help make the temporary bike lanes. And I want to
thank DPU for their help pushing that chalk um pushing the chalk to make the lines for the bike lanes. I'm pretty sure that was a lot of fun. I appreciate that. And we had a stencil crew that worked on Cherros and another crew who
worked on um creating the bike lanes all with temporary paint. So, you know, good couple of rains will remove any evidence of this year's porchfest. Um, I would also like to say shortly there will be a survey about bike lanes in town.
um you know we are in a country where 30% of the people who are here do not drive a car and I think we should have equal access for pedestrians and those of us on um on bicycles. Um one more
thing is that I've been working on is investigating an opportunity for community solar in town. I've been doing some research and um I'll be looping in Jim once I have a pretty good idea of what it entails. So you you might hear something coming around for that to help
residents reduce the cost of their electric bills and mayor. That's all I have. Great. Thank you, Mr. Forest. Micro. Okay. I just wanted to respond to um
Oh, no. No. Um I just uh Thank you. Oh boy. We've been making, you know, since we've been on the council, there's been a number of zoning things that have come up and um I don't like making zoning changes school. We've done it, you know, because there've been very compelling
reasons. Um you know, I was going through the planning board. I have certainly have no appetite to change zoning in either of those places that you talked about tonight. um you know in case I think we you know
some cases you know it's there's bigger issues that we need to address like that property you know as you come into town former gas station um but unless there's some very powerful I'm really reluctant to do it and it
does bother me when I do it. I kind of like to me the our town master plan is a template and it's really unfair to others when we change the rules for something if it happens. You know, I come old school. To me, it used to be called spot zoning.
Then under Governor Christie, they changed that so town councils and such can revisit those decisions. Um I prefer having an orderly process of the planning board do it and you know and the zoning goes. It's not necessarily
perfect, but there's a there's a public process. I remember the last time we did it, which wasn't that long ago, actually, where we had a process. I don't know that we were on was that just before we came on council, the new council came in that the planning, the new master plan was approved, right? It was just before we
came on if I remember. Anyway, uh so that's so I'm just wanted to respond and thank you for coming today and thank you for texting me today. Appreciate it. Um two, I just wanted to comment to thank uh Dr. Rumage uh head of the Burough Public Schools is being honored tonight
and I went I think at the YNCA and I would like to have attended I'm sure we all would have um and I can't go because the be you know important issues here uh but I'm thinking of you Dr. Rumage and congratulations and I did buy a ticket even though I'm not there. Um, also, uh,
I just wanted to remind everyone as in my capacity as the leazison to parks and rec, which is our meetings next week, is we have a big Halloween parade coming on the 19th at 1:00. Did I get those dates right? The 19th. Right. Week from Saturday, right? Right. Sunday. And that would be then Sunday
is Sunday. So that's like our biggest event of the year. Um, just want to make sure the dates are right. It's 19th. 19th 19th at one o'clock. Yes. So, our 77th annual Halloween parade. So, I'm looking
forward to for that. And I think that concludes my report. Mr. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, Mayor. I just want to first off thank Nicole Dy and Masi, the chef uh from JBJ Soul Kitchen for being here tonight uh for the uh proclamation
honoring the uh na international eradication of poverty day. Um, we are so fortunate to have JBJ Soul Vision here as a resource in our burrow and I really bond with them not only because of the incredible level of resources
they provide, not only here, um, but also because of one of the things that they always share with us as part of their ethos. And one thing that Darthy and I always talk about is that we really look forward to the day that their services are no longer needed. Um, and that they truly believe in
deeper systemic change. and and that was one of the reasons why it felt super appropriate to invite them. Uh so very very grateful for their their services and I implore always the public uh to go and eat a meal there because the food is
phenomenal. Um and it's just a wonderful experience. Um we are deep in fire prevention as myself and also Dia Cassidy know. I had a wonderful time this morning at Mammoth Daycare. um
doing fire prevention uh with the kids there. Um doing stop, drop, cover, and roll. Now, um we have evolved. Um it was a great morning. Uh we'll be at the primary school and tomorrow we'll be at
the middle school. Um it's a wonderful time and it's great always to watch the kids um really absorb and understand uh what you're teaching them. watching little kids see you on air. Um making
sure they're not scared of you on air. Um it's really fulfilling. Uh sometimes before you go, you're just like, yeah, you think about it, you're like, "Oh, this is, you know, after you do it, you always realize how important it is every single time." Um so it was a
really it was a really fulfilling morning. Um, I want to thank Councilwoman Blackwood um, for all of her work she does with Porchfest and ensuring that there is so much public safety around it uh, for the cyclists and pedestrians. It's a lot of work that
they put in leading up to that. Um, so thank you. I had a great time as a Porchfest host. Again, I've never seen the rest of Porchfest because I'm always a host. Um, but I enjoy it so much at my house. Um, couple of events coming up this weekend.
Um, this Saturday, October 11th, is October Fest, uh, from 1 to 5:00 pm. It's been a wonderfully successful event. It's in Edund Wilson Plaza, which is between the Two River Theater and Triumph. Um, this Sunday, October 12th, from 12 to 3, it's going to be the fire
department open houses. You can visit uh Liberty on Spring Street or you can visit Westside on Leighton A. Um there is going to be information there about if you want to learn more about joining the fire department in all capacities.
Um not just being, you know, an active member, but if you wanted to be a social member, if you're interested in fire, police. Um there's lots of different roles you can take on in the department. Um or if you are somebody in need of a smoke detector, we've recently partnered
with the Red Cross. Um so residents can have access to free smoke detectors. Um just lots of resources. We're praying that the weather holds uh for that on Sunday. Um and I think that is my full report. Thank you, Mayor.
Thank you. Yes, Porchfest was a great success again. Um our fourth year doing it. So much fun. It's so much fun to get on my bike and ride all around town and just see so many neighbors and people visiting. And I think we had 135 bands
on 36 different porches. So, it was uh quite the event. And uh yeah, hopefully you'll you'll get to participate. If you haven't caught it, you'll get to see it next year. Um what I just drew. Oh, yeah. So, a lot of
and there was an article in Red Green that touched on this. Um, lot of new businesses coming to town, specifically coming in on Broad on Broad Street. Yeah. Uh, Brooks Brothers is going to be opening shortly. Insomnia Cookies is coming. Um, Paul, I think that's his
name, who owns the proving ground is opening a restaurant there. We got King Baby Jewelers just moved in. I'm not even touching on all of them. So, um, clearly people recognize that Redbank is an amazing place to be. And um yeah,
thank you again Nancy for hosting. Thank you Kate for hosting. Porch Fest cannot happen without our hosts. And uh that's all I got. Mr. Gan, great things. You guys covered a lot of it today, but like three additional things. Okay.
U first I wanted just to acknowledge that just this past week, we had uh Mammoth County Commissioners come to Redbank. Um they get had a press conference here about you know all the the economic boom that's going on in Mammoth County. Um and having it here in
Redbank I think was definitely appropriate because we we have a lot going on and they were they were happy that we had it here as a host at the Molly Pitcher. Mary you uh you spoke there gave some great words. Both Christina, Kate, myself were there along
with Adriana um to to highlight everything that's going on in Mammoth County. uh they discussed the millions and millions of dollars of revenue that the summer brought in to this area. Um I think that we definitely like you said there we we play our part in so I think
it's great. Um the other thing I want to talk about is the civic operations group is uh the that $75,000 DCA grant that we awarded to the civic operations group. We've been working the last several weeks with them um to provide essential information
to the community. So, they'll be going doortodoor and clearly marked best um as a burough canvasing team. Um we've been, like I said, we've been working with them about the distribution material that they're going to be providing to our residents. Uh we'll obviously have a
ton of messaging coming out on this to alert people that there's going to be people canvasing um that they're well vetted through the program. There's a couple other towns in Mammoth County that are are using the services as well. And it's just a great opportunity in both English and Spanish to get the
information and the great work and resources of both the state and the burrow out to our residents. So that'll be coming in the next couple weeks. still basically work through all of October and potentially into November. Uh we've been having weekly calls with them. So, more to come on that. And then
lastly, I'm happy that tonight with us we have our new community engagement coordinator, uh Fatima Karanza, if you don't mind. Yeah. So, uh, Fatima is, uh, now, uh,
replacing, um, Adriana, who obviously was promoted to the role of director of recreation and human services. I want you to see it over here. And, um, I just wanted to introduce Fatima to the rest of the council, to the rest of the public, and I know we just did a social
media post today on you coming aboard with us on Monday. And so, yeah, if you want to say a couple words, that'd be great. Of course, thank you so much. Um, I'm so glad to join the Redbank Burrow officially, but I've grown up here. I went to the Redbank public school
system, so I was born and raised here. And I'm so proud of the work that you that we can do together moving forward. I a little bit about me, I grew up here. My first job was at the YMCA down the street in Redbank. I was there for a
very long time and then I was able to learn and grow there and take what I um what I learned and moved to lunch break. So I was for lunch at lunch break for about three years before I made the switch over here. And I'm so so blessed
to be from this community and I really look forward to getting to know you guys better and working with you guys in the future. I think uh what's obviously great to highlight too is that uh Fatima stood out amongst probably about 50 plus I mean
over 60 applicants that we had for the position. Um so a lot of interest around this position. Uh it's a position that this governing body um made happen last last year and I think that we've seen a lot of great growth in the position and uh there's just more to come. There's
just so much work to do. Media comments. That's right. What we we do put this applicant through a little bit more than than what we do for other applicants because we usually have a two-step process and then there's a third step where we require the applicant to show
us some of their product. You know, give them a prompt, they have to show us a product back, which isn't normal in in most applicants, but Fatima rose to that occasion and her product stood out among the others. Um, there's one more thing I want to say
to Fatima. Iran is somebody that you used to work with uh today and he had nothing but praises for you. So I just wanted to let you know that. Thank you. I'm really happy to hear that and I look forward to working with you guys and really hit the ground running here. So thanks again.
Thank you. Thank you. Welcome aboard. Welcome aboard. Thank you. We have we have a little exec session. Can I have a motion to adjourn to executive session? I such a motion. I have a second. Second. Favor. Hi
five minute break tonight we're all what do we need this time the governing body has determined that the circumstances exist that we need to discuss information privately that will be not be publicly available the need for confidential no longer exists we will have about a 20
minute executive session mayor yes is we'll say 15 to 20 minutes uh the topic is uh OPMA exemption number five acquisition of public land. Uh,
and I believe this is the potential waterfront access, correct? Yes.