Yeah. >> Good evening everyone. >> This meeting is being held in accordance with the open public meetings act. Adequate notice of this meeting has been published in the bureau's official newspapers and posted in the municipal building on the bureau's website. As
permitted by the Open Public Meetings Act, this meeting is being held in person and broadcast online via Zoom video meetings. The option to attend via Zoom is a courtesy. If Zoom becomes unavailable and cannot be fixed, the council meeting will continue in person only. For those joining us via Zoom,
please raise your hand during designated times to be recognized for a comment. Whether you are appearing in person or via Zoom, you must provide your name to be recognized. Please rise for the pledge of >> 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. >> Council member Bonitakis >> here. >> Council member Facy Blackwood here. Council member Forest, >> Council Member Jano
>> here, >> Council Member Euro >> here, >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano >> here, >> and Mayor Portman >> here. >> All right, welcome everybody. We have a bunch of proclamations honoring some of Redbank's finest,
and I will do them in the order they are printed. First up, we have a proclamation honoring Jennifer Rigby, who is the 2025 Governor's Educator of the Year, the Red Bank Primary School.
>> You can hang there for a minute. I'm going to read it and then you'll come up. There we just just sit there for a minute and soak up all the the the uh what's the word? Accolades. Thank you. There you think.
Whereas Jennifer Riby, a dedicated special education teacher at Redbank Primary School, has been named the 2025 Governor's Educator of the Year, a distinction that recognizes her exceptional commitment to education and student success. And whereas Miss Riby has demonstrated an extraordinary
ability to meet the unique needs of her students by identifying effective learning tools and fostering meaningful communications between families, therapists, and the school community to ensure each child's success. And whereas her impact is best reflected through the
words of a parent whose testimony stands as one of the highest forms of recognition. The progress that we have seen in our child both academically and behaviorally, has been incredible. Mrs. Rigby was able to identify the appropriate learning tools for him and knows how to communicate with his therapist or with us at home to figure
out the best methods for him to learn and succeed in the classroom. She believes in our children. Miss Rigby has an amazing ability to make things fun and meaningful for the students while still pushing them to reach their full potential. When my child sees Miss Riby outside the classroom, he lights up with
pure joy, which proves to me how much he loves her and what a wonderful teacher she is. And whereas Miss Rigby's unwavering belief in her students inspires confidence, growth, and achievement, creating a classroom environment where children feel valued, supported, and motivated to reach their
full potential. And whereas her dedication extends beyond the classroom as she actively participates in numerous extracurricular school events and contributes to the school community alongside her husband, often volunteering her time at school functions. And whereas Jennifer Wrigley
exemplifies the high standards of teaching excellence, compassion, and community involvement, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on her students, their families, and the broader Redbank community. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that we do hereby recognize and congratulate Jennifer Rigby on being
named the 2025 Governor's Educator of the Year for Redbank Primary School. And be it further proclaimed that we extend our deep appreciation for her dedication, passion, and continued commitment to shaping the lives of her students and strengthening the community through education.
One more. All right. Next up, we have a proclamation honoring Diana Archula, 2025 Governor's Educator of the Year, Redbank Middle School. All right, we know the drill at this point, right? Whereas Diana Archula, an accomplished
and dedicated art teacher, has been named the 2025 Governor's Educator of the Year for Redbank Middle School, an honor that reflects her exceptional talent, passion, and commitment to her students and school community. And whereas Miss Archela is recognized as an exceptionally skilled educator who
approaches her work with unwavering dedication, ensuring that every student who enters her classroom is treated with equal respect, encouragement, and opportunity regardless of their perceived ability. And whereas she fosters an environment where all students feel seen, valued, and
empowered, creating a space grounded in unconditional respect, creativity, and personal growth. And whereas Miss Archela's unique artistic talents extend beyond the classroom, contributing to larger school events and enriching the broader school community through her involvement in various activities and
initiatives. And whereas her buil her her ability to connect with students, families, and staff is further strengthened by her bilingualism, which she generally lends to conferences, assemblies, and school events, enhancing communication and inclusivity. And whereas as a resident
of Redbank, Miss Archel brings a deep understanding of the community, allowing her to build meaningful and dynamic relationships that support students success both inside and outside the classroom. And whereas her commitment to her students is evident in the time she dedicates beyond regular instruction, helping them prepare for the rigorous
expectations of the Redbank regional academies and encouraging them to strive for excellence. And whereas the impact of her work can be seen through throughout the community with her students artwork displayed in and around Redbank transforming public spaces into an extension of her classroom and a
celebration of student creativity. And whereas her nomination by a fellow staff member serves as a powerful testament to her ability to inspire not only her students but also her colleagues. Now therefore be proclaimed that we do hereby recognize and commend
Diana Archela on being named the 2025 Governor's Educator of the Year for Redbank Middle School and extend our deepest appreciation for her outstanding contributions to education in the community. And be it further resolved, further proclaimed that we celebrate her
creativity, dedication, and the lasting impact she has on her students and colleagues, and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors. All right, two down, three to grow. Three to go. Actually, four to go. I don't have to
read the last. All right, next up is I do. Never mind. I have to read it. Next up, we are honoring Joanne Fior, 2025 educational service professional for the Redbank Burough Public School District. Whereas Joanne Fiori, a highly respected
school psychologist, has been named the 2025 educational service professional for the Redbank Burough Public School District, an honor that reflects her exceptional expertise, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student success. And whereas Joanne Fior is
recognized, am I saying that right? Fiori. All right. as an exceptionally skilled and devoted professional whose deep historical knowledge of students, their families, and their individual needs has made her an invaluable member of the school community. And whereas her ability to retain and apply longitudinal
information ensures that teams are wellinformed, collaborative, and effective in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of students. And whereas Joanne demonstrates a steadfast commitment to professional growth, continually expanding her expertise by exploring
complex topics such as anxiety and behavioral supports while taking initiative to master new systems and best practices. And whereas her thoughtful and reflective approach exemplifies a profound personal commitment to both clinical excellence and regulatory
compliance, setting a standard of professionalism and care. And whereas the impact of her work is best captured in the words of her colleagues who recognize her as an absolute asset whose dedication shines through in every aspect of her service. And whereas beyond her clinical role, Joanne fosters
meaningful connections with students who admire her, not only for her support, but for the genuine joy she brings to her interactions, including her involvement in activities such as Girl Scouts and Lego Club. And whereas Joanna Fiori exemplifies compassion, expertise, and a
deep commitment for the well to the well-being and success of every student she serves. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that we do hereby recognize and commend Joanne Fiori on being named the 2025 educational services professional for the Redbank Burough Public Schools District and extend our
sincere appreciation for her outstanding contributions to education in the community. And be it further proclaimed that we celebrate her dedication, professionalism, and the lasting impact she has on students, families, and colleagues, and wish her continued success in all future endeavors.
All right. And our final um educational proclamation is honoring Kristen Smith as the 2025 New Jersey Department of Education exemplary secondary educator. Quite the title.
All right, here we go. Whereas Kristen Smith, a dedicated grade 8 English language arts teacher at Redbank Middle School, has been recognized as a 2025 NJDOE exemplary secondary educator, an honor that reflects her outstanding professionalism, innovation, and
leadership in education. And whereas since joining the Redbank Middle School community in 2019, Mrs. Smith has been an integral member of Rocket Nation, consistently demonstrating excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to student achievement. And whereas she has played a pivotal role in the development
and refinement of curriculum through the ELE education framework, ensuring rigorous, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for all students. And whereas Miss Smith is a strong advocate for inclusive education, working collaboratively with special
education and ESL teachers to ensure that students of all backgrounds and abilities are supported, engaged, and empowered to succeed. And whereas her involvement as an active member of the advanced via individual determination site team reflects her dedication to
fostering a college and career ready mindset in her students. And whereas Miss Smith's leadership extends beyond the classroom as she serves as a grade level reader hope helping to shape team goals support her colleagues colleagues and serve as a vital liaison between staff and administration.
And whereas she leads with grace, empathy, and clarity, elevating the entire school community, and exemplifying the qualities of an exceptional educator and mentor. And whereas her prior experience advising student groups and developing curriculum in other districts highlight the depth
and breadth of her professional expertise. And whereas Miss Smith is a reflective practitioner who continually seeks educa- professional growth, is trained in various technology platforms, and has earned recognition as a Google certified educator level one bringing
organization, creativity, and innovation to her teaching. And whereas her calm demeanor, thoughtful communication, and unwavering dedication to student success have made her a beloved teacher among students and a trusted and respected colleague among staff. Now therefore, be
it proclaimed that we do hereby recognize and commend Kristen Smith on being named a 2025 NJDOE exemplary secondary educator and extend our deepest appreciation for her outstanding contributions to education and the Redbank community. And be it further proclaimed that we celebrate her
leadership, dedication, and the lasting impact she has on her students and colleagues and wish her continued success in all future endeavors. Mayor, if I could just encourage mayor and council and all the honores to come up with Jared as well. Jared Rummage,
you'll take a do a photo in the front. please. Any members uh that are here with them from the school? tight tight tight tight tight tight tight. >> Big teeth. Chins up. One more time. That would
>> very good. Oh, Boris can hear. All right, good. >> All right, we have one more proclamation and that is for um What's that? Oh, for Arbor Day. Yeah. Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of
Agriculture established a special day to be set aside for the planting of trees. And whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. And whereas trees can be a
solution to combating climate change by reducing the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing life-giving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us
paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a
source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now, therefore, I, William Portman, mayor of the Burrow of Redbank, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the Burrow of Redbank. And I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and
woodlands. Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Boris, you want to come up and accept those? If there's anybody that knows every tree that's in this town, it's Boris.
Sure. I was asked to add I'd like to thank the work of the Sha Tree Committee who is right now in the process doing their tree inventory. They're going around town looking at all the street trees. I want to thank you for that. I also want
to thank the shade tree for launching the tree canopy project where you know um they've identified certain streets that are very sunny and are encouraging residents to plant a tree and the shade tree will actually give you the
instructions and show an ideal location for your front yard where to plant a tree. So >> I'm in the middle of the process right now Nancy I filled out my application online. I got an email back from the >> head of the shade tree, Raios. She gave me the instructions and I filled it out
and and I haven't sent it back in yet, but I'm going to. >> We need a shade tree. >> Make sure you sign the waiver because once that tree is yours, it's yours forever. >> Yep. >> Yes. Council member Blackwood, I heard a rumor that we've had like the green city
designation or tree designation for 20 years or something. Is that true? This year? >> Yes. It's um in the proclamation, right? >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Nice. >> Yeah. There's a nice sign when you come in town and there's a sign somewhere
around the front of Bor Hall if I'm not mistaken. Right. >> I'm looking at Boris because he knows exactly where they are. >> I love it. >> Yeah. They're working on it. Okay. >> Oh, it disappeared. >> Okay. Well, thank you. Thank you for the hard work that you and the Sha Tree
Committee do. >> Thanks. >> All right. Can I have a motion to open the floor for public comment on agenda items only? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> There's going to be several um times for public comment. This particular one is
for agenda items only. So if you have any comments, please feel free to come up to the microphone. Anyone online? Jim? Oh, sure. >> Hello, everybody. Good to see you, uh, mayor and deputy mayor, council members,
uh, burough manager. Thank you. I just wanted to speak for a half a second. And I know that uh shortly you'll be um considering the opportunity for us to ceremonially name the uh the street in honor of of the Count Basy Center and
and the Bassy C Center's celebration of its centennial. It's a very auspicious moment and u we just wanted to make sure that you all knew that we were not expecting uh you know the name change with addresses to be changed and all. This is really just ceremonially for us.
uh and and we we look forward to a really beautiful opportunity for us to do this right around uh Count Basy's birthday in uh in August. So, I just want to thank you all very much for the opportunity. >> Thank you, Adam, for all you do. One of my
favorites is playing tonight across the hall, John Anderson. But I've I've seen a couple aging rock stars that haven't aged well. I'm a little hesitant to go over there, to be honest. Yeah. All right. Maybe we'll see. I'll I'll call you. You actually, Kate, you
got this from here. I just want to catch roundabout and I'll be back in like 20 minutes. One song. All right. >> Thank you for coming and we look forward to the celebration and for further, you know, celebrating the Bassy being on the
street. And thank you for coming to clarify that, you know, the butcher and all the businesses on the street won't have to be changing their mailing addresses and everything. This will still be Mammoth Street. This will still be 90 Mammoth Street, but it's still a
wonderful honor um you know, for the Bassy and it'll still be beautiful to have a ceremonial street sign. So, we we are grateful for your partnership. Thank you. >> And Ivy, thank you for staying on top of it because, you know, it took a bunch of emails. So, thank you for your uh
persistence. >> Can I have a motion to close the public comment? >> Make such a motion. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> can I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from 49 2026? >> Make a motion. >> Can I have a second? >> Could I make an amendment? I had a
couple mistakes on my part. Am I allowed to do that now or >> uh No. >> No. You want to just hold off then? And >> or Yeah. >> Yeah, we'll hold off on that. >> I must have said the wrong dates. It probably be Mary. So, sorry. >> We can hold off and and um approve them next meeting >> that had a change.
>> I'll make a motion to table >> table. I'm sorry. Second it. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. I have a motion to approve the executive meeting minutes from 49206. >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. We have a couple of
ordinances on here. Um first up is a final reading and public hearing for 2026-09 entitled an ordinance amending chapter 490 planning and development regulations to renew regulations as to sidewalk signs. This ordinance was introduced on April 9th. Can I have a motion to open
the public comment on this ordinance only? >> So moved. >> I have a second. All in favor? I. >> Anyone from the public have a comment on this ordinance only? Anyone online? Jim. Do I have a motion to close the public
comment on this ordinance only? Have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Can I have a motion to approve ordinance 2026-09 on final reading and adoption? So moved. Can >> I have a second? >> I'll second it.
>> Roll call, please. >> Council me Council Member Bonitakis. >> Yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood. >> Yes. >> Council member Forest. >> Yes. >> Council member Janome. >> Yes. >> Council member Yuro. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Portman? >> Yes.
Next up is an introduction for ordinance 2026-10 entitled an ordinance of the burrow of Redbank County of Mammoth, New Jersey, adopting a redevelopment and rehabilitation plan for the property identified on the burough's official tax map as block 39, lots and 31. Can I have
a motion to approve uh 2026-10 on introduction? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Council member Bonitakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Forest,
>> yes. >> Council member Jon, >> yes. >> Council member Yuro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. The public hearing for this ordinance will be held on May 14th of this year. Another introduction of an ordinance 2026-11 entitled an ordinance
amending chapter 118 police department police department of the burough's revised general ordinances to increase authorized number of class one special law enforcement officers. Can I have a motion to approve this ordinance on introduction? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> I'll second it.
>> Roll call, please. >> Council member Von Takis. >> Yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood. >> Yes. Council member Forest, >> yes. >> Council member Janome, >> yes. >> Council member Euro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trigiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman,
>> yes. Thank you. Uh, public hearing for this ordinance will be held on May 14th. And finally, introduction for 2026-12 amending the salary ordinance of the Burough of Redbank. Can I have a motion to approve this ordinance on introduction?
So moved. >> I have a second. Second. >> Roll call, please. Council member Bonakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Forest, >> yes. >> Council member Janone, >> yes. >> Council member Yuro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Triiano,
>> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. >> Um, next up we have a bunch of resolutions. Does anybody need to highlight any of these or can we approve them all on the consent agenda? >> This is the last one, by the way, is the resolution that Adam was just thanking
us for. ceremonially renaming a portion of Mama Street as Bassy Center Way in honor of the Count Basy Center for the Arts and its namesake William Count Bassy. >> None that I see, Mayor. >> All good. >> Okay. Um, can I have a motion to approve
resolution 2684 through 2694 on the consent agenda? >> So moved. Can >> I have a second? I'll second. >> Roll call, please. Council member Bonitakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Forest, >> yes. >> Council member Janome,
>> yes. >> Council member Euro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. >> And uh finally, we have a proposed application for Brian Rice, who's applying for active membership in the fire police.
Um any feedback? Anything needs to be discussed? N >> welcome. Yeah, I'd like to welcome him to the fire police and I know that he is also a trained scuba diver, so he'll be doing a lot of the water rescue stuff. >> That'd be cool. See, I knew you had
something that you never disappoint. >> Um, next up, can I have a motion to open the floor for public comments? >> I'll make such a motion, Mr. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> This is for anything on your mind in the public, online or in person. What? Come
on, Charles. Really? All right, come on up. What a surprise. Good to be back. We've missed you. >> There's right there. Passed it. Right there in the center. Yeah. See, we're moving things around.
Yeah. Okay. Charles Jan Jigian, resident of Redbank by 165 Spring Street. Uh let's see. First, it's good to see you all again and congratulate
uh Kate and uh James, I believe, on the progress of Marine Park. It's a real structure now. You can see it happening. That's good. Eventually, the park will be developed. And now the hard part starts is the
handoff. What is Red Bank's commitment to Marine Park? We have a lot of issues there. There's waste. There's liability. There's a part breaks. Who pays for it?
And the list can go on and on and on. Are we prepared to maintain Marine Park? We are, Charles. >> You are. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Unequivocably. >> Unequivocally. Okay.
And from what I understand, there's going to be an 8% property tax for pension, trash, and health. Is that correct? >> The question was if those three things are contributing to that. >> Yes. >> Correct.
>> Correct. Okay. The waste management too. Is that again by Delisa? >> Yes. That was the uh that was bidded that was bid publicly >> and they are the ones that answered that bid process. >> And do you think that was because more
and more people are being pushed rather pushed but coming to Red Bank the number of new units of condos of apartments being built? Is that increasing our trash management?
Well, I mean, what what increases the five-year gap that we saw from the last time that the contract was bid and what has happened just in the past 5 years as far as commodities and everything else that has increased. Um, of course, the insurance that even we see as an
increase, those companies that have those employees are seeing as an increase and they have to pass that off. Um, so I think that we and I spoke about this at the meeting where we awarded that contract. I think that comparatively um to a lot of other towns that have
these solid waste contracts, we fared very well um with our percentage increase over some towns that I know who that had like 104% increase in that. >> That's what we like to hear. Good. Thank you. Okay. And let's see next. It's even
on the agenda. Water and sewer funds management. And again, more and more people are going to be coming to Red Bank to enjoy the marine park when that's all done. And
I noticed at one point the generation by the river, the electric line was cut. And I think maybe for three weeks, four weeks, we had one, two, three generators running the pumping station. Two
generators, excuse me. Uh, and is this why that's a temporary budget appropriate to pay for that those generators? >> We're still currently the entire burrow is under a temporary budget until our full budget passes, which is what every municipality experiences right now. So,
this is increasing appropriation budget line so that we can start moving some projects forward. >> Okay, good. And again, sticking to the subject of waste management and whatnot, I was the one who was charged a $50 fee.
Um, anyway, that's separate. Uh, this this waste system was built when, 50 years ago, what was the population versus what it is today? The pipes underground are the same size. They may
be decaying. Nobody knows. How much more can our waste handle? >> So, any road project we do, which we handle a lot of road projects and and even like the one that we have going on right now on Wallace, um I'm sorry,
Lyndon, uh on Lynden, we always look subterrain first. So, those pipes are upgraded, updated, usually from four to eight inch uh pipe. So, any any opportunity we have that to open the road, we take care of the the subterrain first. >> Okay, that's good. That's good. And
that'll follow all the way to the Marine Park pump station. >> We actually uh in this project in Marine Park, you know, we didn't just focus on a slide and swing sets. Um we did a lot of water sewer upgrades there, too. Both
out on Warf and we upgraded the force main that directly feed that pump station. >> All right. But not the bathroom facilities. >> Yeah, there's going to be some there's going to be some upgrades to those as well. Um, yeah, cosmetic. Um, we're making
>> cosmetics wear off. We need a structure foundation. So, I'd like to keep up with that. And at that, I think I am pretty much done. Unless you want to hear my
message from the retailers on Monmouth Street. We won't have that individual whom set the record for using the f-word. Uh again, they're very upset about this whole broad street the cuto off and I don't know anything about it.
So I don't want to get involved in this River Center as it's called. Uh they're telling me get rid of River Center. Get rid of River Center. I said you have to do that on your own and I I can't help you. So just as long as you're aware of that.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And I think we're good. You got it. >> Charles. >> Yep. >> Anyone else have any public questions or comments? >> Ready?
Steph Boxer 074 Billy. I was here last year and 234 Shbury Avenue and I brought up all that trash on the
side of the building. It's still there. When I brought it up, Gant said 10 days from when I made that statement last year that they can do something about it. I just want to know is it the 10
days that I'm speaking now or is it the 10 days from last year? Because I brought it up first part of this year. I went over to the senior citizen twice, spoke to Nancy and Ben about it and the stuff still sitting out there. You getting ready to have Junth march up
Shoesbury Avenue. Why is this stuff still sitting out there? Going back a couple of years before you came to be the mayor and some of y'all came to be the councilman. I was fined $1,000 here in Redbank. I got a talk came for him cuz it was a bunch of lies. So I was
fined $1,000 because I lift a sidewalk and cut a tree branch that had the sidewalk lift up. I didn't argue. I went on and paid for it. How much that man going to pay for that? Now, from the time I brought it up last year to now, you can have a burial
administrator, I said administrator, go from here to Bank Street, stand in the street, watch all that stuff being taken out of that house and the yard. I mean, out of the yard. He passed River Street
and he passed Shbury Avenue to get to Bank Street. I didn't see him go up there and stop. What's going on with that building up there? How come we can't get something done? The peoples keep saying to me, Freddy, the council, you can't blame the councils. Y'all hired peoples to come in this town. They
getting paid good money. That should have been taken care of up there by now. And I'm tired of going over to senior citizens, Father Nancy and Ben, about the same thing. It need to be taken care of. Thank you.
anyone >> I would just I would just say on that obviously I followed up with code enforcement the property owner was cited I don't I don't know off the top of my head what their court date is or even if they had one and what transpired but I can follow up on that >> okay thank you
>> thank you Freddy >> anyone online Jim >> anyone else have any questions Yes. >> What's that? >> Oh, no. You're good. Come on up. >> Hi, everybody. Um,
>> James Davis. I'd like to say I'm a quasi resident at this point. But it's great to see you all again. Um, always great to kind of listen in. Um, >> just state your name for the record. >> James James Davis. Um, >> got it. Sorry. >> Middletown resident officially. But um
pretty much here every day we're we're really excited um here with FC Mammoth. Um we're kicking off our gosh uh eighth season so here in Redbank. So we're I get emotional kind of thinking about it a little bit. I'm not going to lie. Um but I see I don't know Jared left. But
um I I just wanted to talk about two things really quick that we have upcoming. Our next Friday, a week from tomorrow, we have our field trip day with the elementary and middle school kids which we're really excited about. um probably have about a couple hundred of them that are going to be at the field with our players um to to start
our season. So, we're really excited for that. We'd love to see you there if you're you're on a lunch break and and want to stop by the park. Um as well as our Mammoth County night, which is on May 9th at 7 p.m. So, we're kicking off our season. Very excited. Would love to have you there. Um mayor, we had you on
the field last time. It was a bunch of fun. So, would love to maybe do that again and and have all the council out there to enjoy a match. So, thank you again for your continued support. Um, >> we love having you here. >> We we wouldn't be where we are without you guys. So, thank you.
>> Thank you. Nice to see you. >> Anyone else have any questions or comments? Jared's here. See, he's in the back. >> Snuck back in when he heard you you mention him. He was halfway out to the parking lot. Uh, can I have a motion to close the
public comment? >> I make such a motion. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Christina, you got any updates for us? >> Yeah. Uh, just a quick one. Um, the last meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Um, they are discussing
putting together the list of the historic sites in our town that are designated and the national uh or state registers. uh and they hopefully will soon be recommending to council adding those as designated sites by ordinance
within the town, which seems like a a very reasonable uh next step to preserve those uh important sites. So, look forward to that movement. Um aside from that, obviously it's a beautiful spring day today and it's beautiful getting
out. Um one of the biggest thrills for me in these last couple weeks and I have actually seen Mr. Janjigian in there sometimes uh is having the privilege to walk down on my morning walk or run to Marine Park and see all of the progress
every time and each time it's like a snapshot. It feels like an entirely new space. Uh so really excited about the movement on that. Um but at the same time I have this childlike wonder just seeing it come together. But at the same time, I'm actually on the committee, so
we're we're learning about these things and all of the the details. Um, but I just want to echo uh what was said earlier about the full extent of the environmental efforts as well. Um, I think we'll talk more about that as a
project comes to completion, but the amount of work done there was really incredible. um remediation of soil, storm water, so that this really is a park built for the future and writing writing some wrongs. Uh and on top of
that, it's going to be amazing for our kids and everyone else. So, very excited. Thanks everybody. >> And the younger. >> Yeah. Um uh yeah, not to uh steal any of NY's thunder, but uh did attend the green
fair last night with my family. was really impressed by the whole event as a whole. Great community event. Um, and really impressed by the students experiments was very cool. Um, so kudos to everyone involved with that. Keep it up. Um, couple I guess River Center
adjacent updates. Uh, graffiti jam which was scheduled for Saturday. Um, it's supposed to rain on Saturday unfortunately, so it got pushed to Sunday. Um, which I thought think might be good news because also on Sunday we have the street fair. Um, coming to town. So, nice one-two punch for uh
Sunday afternoon. The rain looks like it should stop uh early morning, so hopefully have a nice day for Sunday. Um couple business updates throughout town. Uh we have Under the Glass Pinball opened up on Broad Street. Um cool spot. It's kind of like a pinball lounge. I
know Sally Boys is doing delivery services for pizza and food. And I believe there's a Bob function if you choose to go that route. So, you know, different >> liquor store, I think, delivers down. >> Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, it's underneath uh Liquor World, which is a great new
liquor store on Broad Street. So, good synergy between our businesses and um another example of a business where, you know, it's not just going to town to go to a restaurant. It gets people to hang around and stay longer um and patronize different businesses that they might not
normally, you know, stop by. Um, also have opening on Saturday, a new ice cream place specializing in Sundays on uh 21 East Front Street. Um, it's the tall gray building. It's been the storefront's been vacant for a little while, so happy to see that get filled.
Um, they're going to be delivering till 12:00 a.m., so nice little niche there. Yeah, it's right by Marine Park. Um, right by where Broadwalk will be, so I think they'll get a lot of activity. Um, and I saw on Instagram the first 75 customers get free ice cream and merch.
So, get there while it's hot. Um, another business I know everyone's excited about is Crazy Story Books on Mama Street. Their opening got delayed till May 30th um, as they put the finishing touches on that, but I think that's going to be a really awesome space. Super excited for that. And then
last but not least, Redbank Classic. Uh, signups are active still June 20th. Always a cool event. It's my uh yearly physical pushing Sebastian in the shoulder run with five pace. So, we'll see as it gets bigger. See how long that lasts. But come out and see me sweat.
But yeah, good stuff going on. Beautiful day today. >> Thank you, Ben. Nancy. >> Uh yes. Um I'm going to do this in chronological order. I had the privilege of seeing Jim present at the New Jersey Transaction Conference where he talked
about um how Red Bank is in the process of evolving our electric vehicle infrastructure with upgrades to some of our charging stations, which is awesome. And uh we also learned of a lot of innovative ways that we can convert our
municipal vehicles to electric. And with gas prices rising, it kind of makes sense. So that was that was great. Um also this past week I attended the complete streets summit which is run by um
the voyage transportation center. So that's where all the planning and engineering professionals all come together and talk about how to make our streets safer. What what can we do to reduce deaths? I learned quite a few things. Also, I just wanted to share unbeknownst to me that
Red Bank received a certificate of res recognition from the complete streets summit for the work that we did for um updating the completing green streets policy and making it an ordinance having completing green streets committee. Um,
every street that is worked on in this town um must comply with the green streets completing green streets policy and I have a way of nagging Jim to make sure that happens. Um, moving on to the events of yesterday. Uh, the Red Bank had its annual green fair in part in
partnership with the Red Bank Middle School and the kids had the amazing diaramas and they had a really great um great time. the I want to thank uh the Boro for having to see my legacy and for Fatima for putting up with me like I didn't get that logo in can right can
you fix it for me so um she was very helpful and we did a lot of work promoting it the green team the EC did a fantastic job we had the privilege of giving away over 50 native plants shade tree provided a lot of information animal welfare was there mayor's
wellness campaign uh Dr. Jon was there um doing smokealizer testing to make sure that you know the carbon dioxide >> monoxide >> monoxide levels in our bloodstream was in the green area. So um I wanted to
thank you for for that and a lot of um completing green energy um how to make your home energy efficient and all the other good stuff was there. Um, my favorite was the game truck that was brought in from Mom of the County which had virtual games and the kids loved it.
So, and that was something that was just launched that I found out on Instagram and meily chased down and said, "You have to come to Redbank because you know Redbank likes to be first." So, made sure that happened. Okay, that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> You Ben the Elder.
>> There's a new one. I don't remember that one there. That's good. >> Well, I went with Ben the Younger this time, so Um, I mean, uh, sometimes I really like, uh, serving on the burrow as a councilman and, um, it was an honor to attend the service of Jackie Porter Boyd. I think I remember the
superintendent there. Uh, she, um, I, both of my kids went to the primary school, what, her? And, um, so it was, uh, big turnout from Red Bank there. And um he was one of
these folks who works I think is a maybe the lunch aid also on the bus and she did whatever job needed to be done at the primary school to make a couple of new parents that were bumbling around feel comfortable and feel safe and our kids loved her and it was amazing to
meet her her family because I just saw her and a lot of them were actually Redbank residents. In fact we went to Freddy's club for the um her past afterward. Um, so I just wanted to mention her. She was 62, I believe, and unexpectedly passed away. Big turnout from the schools. So, it was nice seeing
all the teachers and staff there as well as the superintendent. Um, so, and they weren't kind enough to ask me to say a few words on behalf of the bureau. So, that was nice. Um, I have a few things. There's nothing really other than that to report to the schools yet. All the schools are meeting
this coming week, so I'll be there. The charter school uh delayed their meeting. It was supposed to be last week. Uh I do have a few announcements from our parks and wreck which I'm leazison on to. New date for our chair yoga at the senior center uh which is May 12th, 14th, 19th
and 21st. It's uh $15 a session. Free sports camp June 22 to 26th at Camp Basy Fields 9:00 a.m. Hosted by Just Sports Training and FC Mammoth who I think is here in the house, right? uh and parks and wreck. Uh three uh garden
tours. Sunday is June 7th at 1 pm. Rain date is June 14th and um yours truly. Our house is a participating. Not really me. My wife does the garden tour at our house. Um I will do whatever she tells me to do for uh stay tuned. Tai Chi and
I don't know if I can say the word qua quad. How do you say the other jang? Thank you. classes for adults at the senior center in June. More details will be coming soon. And I believe that is it for me, Mr. Mayor.
>> Thank you, Ben. Laura. >> Okay. Um, I'll start with Mayor's Wellness. Um, I apparently didn't look at the minutes real closely. The draft. I'm sorry, Mary. And I had the wrong date for the in the minutes for our six steps for healthy women age healthy
women to age well is actually May 13th, 11:15 to 12:15 um in the senior center. Uh Pat White, Patty White, a lot of people know her from town. She's going to be our speaker. She's going to talk about uh engaging lecture on healthy aging and simple
habits that support support long-term wellness. Learn practical strategies for nutrition, movement, sleep, social connection, and heart health. Um, for those of you who know Patty or don't, I know her in many different roles, but she is a nurse midwife, certified nurse
midwife for over 50 years. She retired from Mammoth's medical. She's worked in many areas of healthc care, but is most dedicated to women's health. Her midwifrey practices with low-income women, a very diverse background. She speaks English and Spanish, which is really great. Um, she currently
volunteers at the Parker Family Health Center and the Mammoth County Medical Reserve Corps. So, um, Fatima wrote made beautiful flyers that we just got out, I think, yesterday because we had them last night at the green fair. So, that was really good in English and Spanish.
So, that'll be at the senior center on the 13th. It was my mistake to put the 9th on the other, uh, last minutes. Um, so, uh, other things with me wellness, Nancy brought up, yes, we use the carbon monoxide machine. You know, I was actually, um, fascinated that was
something I did for my dissertation. I ran a smoking sensation program for tobacco in four high schools. Um Nancy brought it up and I dug through my mama at university stuff and found my carbon monoxide. Then we had to order all these new tubes which we found. Um but the middle school kids were really
fascinated with that. They were talking to each other and go up have it tested. Happy to say none of them have carbon monoxide in their lungs. Only one person did and I won't mention any names. So, um wasn't a student in the middle school, but um it was fun. It was fun to
work with the students. Yeah, you never know. But and I encouraged them like if you do smoke, this will happen will happen to you. And we talked about vaping and I had even had some of my bracelets that I had when I ran the program at Mammoth University. So, it
was good. I got to clean some of my Mammoth University stuff out. That was also good. Um it was a great green fair. Congratulations on that. It really went very well. Animal welfare also had a table besides Mary's Wellness and they Patty White again. So, her name comes up
again. She had her compost with her worms in it. Um I think the kids really enjoyed that. I saw her today. I went for my senior citizen painting class, my watercolor class, and I missed last week cuz we're away, but um she was there and she thought the turnout was wonderful,
too. And a lot of kids were engaged with the compost and the worms. And we had the patchwork quilt flowers there. Really was very nice. They were giving away flowers. People were walking away with beautiful flowers. It's really nice. Um the animal welfare. So I did
that was corrected in our last um minutes. That is moved to that was a change of date um to May 9th at the first aid station, the first aid firehouse on Spring Street. Um I think I had one more thing that I had the wrong
date on. Oh, I know. Dog walk on Broadwalk, I got it right this time, is actually on May 16th, the day after Broadwalk opens, which in the minutes had said the 15th. So, that was my bad. I should have got to Mary before the tonight. Um, the library, they have
their activities, always tons of activities. We haven't had our meeting this month. Um, so, um, they did have National Library Week last week, though, too. And I saw they had some things on social media about that. And you have the nice display in the front hall about poetry too. So really it was very nice.
And I think that is it for me. Thank you. >> Thank you Laura Kate. >> Thank you mayor. Um I had the honor of attending Planned Parenthood's uh statewide annual fundraiser um for their treatment and
care and facilities. Um today I actually saw Janie and George Schilz there um who attended the green fair yesterday and they wanted me to relay back how wonderful an event it was. Um it was just a wonderful reminder of the incredible rights that we have and
reproductive freedoms that we have living in the state of New Jersey. Um, and I just wanted to remind everybody how fortunate we are um, to live somewhere where we can walk to a facility um, with those services and the fact that in New Jersey um, this year
alone we have given reproductive freedom to people from over 42 states in America um, have come to the state of New Jersey um, for reproductive health care. Um so it was um a very moving event and we
have so much uh to be grateful for and so many freedoms that um we could take for granted um living in this state of true freedom and opportunity. Um as Councilman Euro stated earlier um the visual arts committee's uh graffiti jam
has been moved to Sunday due to weather um same day of the street fair. Um, I had the opportunity to visit um the Mammoth County Vocational Schools location in um Neptune City um for their adult cosmetology open house um because
one of the young students in town um that I met and started mentoring um wants to attend there. Um, so I went there and uh wound up there and I met the faculty and staff. Um, and I was just reminded of um one of some of the
great programming that we have through Mammoth County Vocational. um one of which is um an ESL um program where it's completely free and the first portion is a mandatory ESL program but then once
you take that you can take a free nail tech ESL um nail tech course um that's coupled with um and then they have the same thing for a nursing course that's completely free um ESL um so we're going to talk to our community engagement
coordinator about making sure that that information is getting out um to the public as much as possible in Redbank. But yeah, anybody that's interested in the adult cosmetology program, which there is financial aid available for um I met people who were in all different
seasons of life that were going for that. Um you can qualify for FASA at 50, at 60, at 40, regardless of your age. Um and you can go to cosmetology. The full cost of that program is $10,000. Um and
then you get your full certification um to have be you know behind a chair um and you know going and cutting hair and being you know working in a full salon. Um so wonderful resources and opportunities and it was a great experience and I
really I really just liked the women that were working the program. They were so approachable and lovely and it's just nice when you meet really nice people. So it was a cool place. That's all. >> Fun fact for you, my mom was the county
career coordinator for the Mammoth County Vocational Program when I was a kid. >> Your mom always sounds like the best person ever. >> Yeah, >> you Ben remembers that. Um, all right. Uh, just a few things. One, I
know we have a couple students here from um, Communications High School taking journalism class. You guys should scan before you leave. Up here it says 2025. It's the burrow manager report and um give you a lot of info on just what it's like, what goes into operating a
municipality. So, might be some some background info for you. Um I have an update on East Side Park. Um I was under the impression that the contamination in East Side Park was because there used to be a dry cleaner where those condos are, but I was corrected. I found out that
there used to be a creek running down Marian and Eastside Park was a little bit almost like wetland. So years ago they just brought in a bunch of fill to fill that up and that fill had a lot of lead in it. So that's that's what the issue is. Anyway, they're making a lot
of progress. I walk past a couple times every day walking the dogs and uh what do you think? Another few weeks, another month. Yeah, we should be ready for the for the spring season. Um, I just was struck the last few days how amazing this town was. Just I I feel
like I wasn't even going out that much, but just in the last week I was at Under the Glass for the grand opening. I know Deputy Mayor was there also. Yesterday there was Jazz Arts was doing something at Triumph and we were over there. Uh, Lakehouse Music Academy in Redbank had a
big showcase upstairs at the street pub that was crowded. I went to Remember Jones at the bassy. We did the whole Stevie Wonder songs in the Key of Life album and this was just in a few days. So, um I hope everyone's taking advantage of this amazing >> I've been eating really good >> town that we live in. Good. Oh, I didn't
even go through the food. I left that one out the interest of time. >> Um anyway, that's all I got. Jim, >> thanks sir. Yep, I'm on here. Just a couple quick things. Um, yes,
Nancy, thanks for bringing that up about the transaction conference. It was good to present with uh my colleague from Westfield, uh, Burough Administrator Jim Gilde from Westfield. Um, to and it we actually ended up collaborating afterwards, too, because they're doing some things that I was very interesting
to me. Um, I'm actually going to be linking our police chiefs together, both Westfield Police Chief and and Chief Frzy, um, to kind of talk about their vehicle lease program that they discussed, um, through Enterprise, which I think it's a good opportunity to potentially rotate in some hybrid
vehicles for road jobs so that our vehicles aren't constantly idling and putting all that extra wear and tear on our engines and, you know, all the maintenance that goes into that. And then also, of course, the environmental impact that that has. Um, so I think that that's it. It's it's a great
trade-off there. Um, tomorrow we the burough is celebrating Take Your Child to Work Day. I know a lot of places had it today. Um, but tomorrow we have a jam-packed schedule. Uh, I just kind of want to go over real quick because I think it's really cool what we have uh
in place. At 9:00, uh, we're going to welcome probably around 20 kids from um, employees that are bringing their children here. My two children are coming tomorrow as well. I know Otto's going to be with us, too. Um, so >> 26-y old Max said he wants to come. >> 26. We'll take We'll see
>> if he can get off work. >> Yeah. >> So, I'll be sure to greet everybody in the morning. Uh, we're going to start with breakfast and we're actually going to do some rock painting to add to our um frontage out out front there with the kids. We have a department rotation that
we're going through where each each group goes through the departments and the theme of course is building a marine park playground. Um and we're showing them that kind of that civic engagement and and what it really takes from department to department. Um and learning how each department contributes
to a a massive development uh project like a community development project like that. Um, and then, you know, they're going to talk to Chief Frzy about what it takes to protecting and keeping the park safe. Um, we're going to talk to our community engagement
coordinator about promoting Marine Park and what goes into that. And these kids are going to go through like the planning process with planning and construction and and then ultimately ending with like my department for approval. And I hope to then show them what Marine Park is looking like today
with aerial shots and like how it actually comes to fruition from what it was to what it is now because ultimately next year when these kids come back I want them to go to Marine Park and and play for a little bit too. So I think it'll be a really cool process. Um but
after that um we're actually going to be going outside and is Boris still here? Did he have to head out? Uh Boris is actually going to be helping us out from Shade Tree. He's gonna we're going to be planting a tree um on Mama Street in one
of the empty tree pits. Um so DPU has set that up for us. Boris is going to explain to us the importance of shade trees and what they do to a street and and um how you know beneficial it is to um reducing the heat that comes off of
the streets. Um so I'm I'm excited to have the kids partake in that. And of course, we're gonna have the fire department here, the police department and public works showing off their vehicles and what they do. And ending with the ice cream truck. Um, so, >> oh yeah, there's there's pizza and
clucku again. Pizza and Clucku at lunch. Yep. Uh, so it's going to be a great event. It's from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30. So, uh, so feel free to stop in. But, uh, great event put on by our wellness committee.
Um, they do a tremendous job >> about it like all year. He's like, "When is it again? When is it again?" >> I love that. I love love when a kids looking forward to coming to work. Just wait. But, uh, another exciting thing that,
uh, we've done this past week in conjunction with, um, our the the bureau as a whole, uh, FC Mammoth and, um, LD11, our legislative district through Senator Gopal's office has submitted a grant through the state um to host a
FIFA watch party. So, we are hopeful that the um the submission to the state is is going to be successful um because I think it'll be a really nice community uh project here for the burrow. So, uh
it's a strong application and um I think it'll be um well received by the community if if we're successful. And lastly is uh the work that we've been doing through the shade tree committee and also with our public works
department. There are a number of different empty tree pits around town um particularly even on Broad Street and Mama Street. So, we are working um right now through this week to try and get a uh company in here, landscaping company to work with us to start filling those
those tree pits with um species of trees that were approved and and suggested to us from Shade Treat. >> Mr. Ben, question for you, Mr. Manager. So, the um rain project, how is that going? Looks I mean I'm go down there all the time now to check it looks like
they're working really hard down there. So, how how are we doing in terms of scheduling and when is it going to open? Um, I get these questions all the time. So, I'm always I'm always leerary of throwing a date
out there, but but I think um we are on track for a mid June um a midJune opening and celebration down there. Um there's a tremendous amount of work that's been completed. Uh we still have
some elements at the top of the hill to you know enter into the park that still have to be done and obviously the the the surf the surfacing that has to be done. Some adjustments to uh some of the other elements there. We we I actually met out there the other day with our public works department because we're going to be retrofitting the uh bathroom
facility down there to make it ADA accessible and a uh not has two family bathrooms uh that can be locked that show that it's vacant or occupied. Um, so we have a number of different elements to do, but they really do work
hard and this company has been tremendous with their communication. Um, and I I think we're right on track for mid June. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Knock on wood. >> And I want I want you to know that I'm going to need to going to need a wellness program because I resent that
this wasn't done 20 years ago when my kids could have taken advantage of it. >> Yeah. for your grandkids, Ben. It'll be Yeah, that's right. >> Um Jim, I have a question. Um will you be one of the first people going down
that slide? >> 100%. Full suit. >> And will the trees be planted at that time? The replacement trees asking for shade tree because I know that question. >> Yeah, the landscaping will be correct. Okay. >> Yeah. All 55 trees will be planted. >> All who? >> 55 trees. >> 55.
>> That's right. >> Thank you, >> Mayor. I had one more thing I forgot to bring up because you were bringing all these fun things up in town and you did not bring up cringefest which was Friday night. I know Brian was there and Fatima
was so funny. She really she's going to have a third job now as a stand-up comedian. She was she was so great. She didn't win. I think she should have won. I thought she was really good. But there were a lot of funny people there. But we were talking about last night Brian and I at the um because Panama was at the
table with me. She's gonna start doing open mic. She's she's really really good. Like you should get her to tell you a story. Um but it was a fun night. We were all laughing a lot. My I was laughing so much tears were rolling out of my eyes. They were all funny. Um when
it was out doing the rest and it was a really fun night, so I'm glad I went. It was in the vocal on Friday night. >> All right. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Make such a motion, Mr. Mayor. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I
>> see you. >> We'll see you in two weeks, guys. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you. >> Three weeks. Three weeks. Sorry. Three weeks. >> Do we have Do we have a session? >> See you guys. That was fun. Yeah, May is definitely looks like
I'll do Very good