Good evening everyone and thank you for your patience. 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 and on the bureau's website as permitted by the open public meetings
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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. Council member Facy Blackwood >> here. >> Council member Forest >> present. >> Council member Janon >> here. >> Council member Euro
>> here. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano >> here. >> And Mayor Portman >> here. >> All right. We have a couple of proclamations that we're giving today to um couple of volunteers here in Redbank
that uh epitomize volunteering and who recognize that it's not just the paid people that make a community work. It's the volunteers. So, we will start um honoring Mary Ferraro for the dedication to the Redbank community through the
annual Santa Run. You can sit for a minute. I'll read it out and then we'll and then I'll hand it over to you. Whereas Mary Ferraro, a dedicated member of the Redbank community, set forth a vision more than 10 years ago to revive and reimagine the cherished tradition of a Santa run
within the burrow. And whereas inspired by similar efforts in neighboring communities, Mary sought to create a unique Redbank experience that would bring holiday cheer and joy to the children and families of the burrow. And whereas in 2016, Mary presented her vision to the members of the Navis hook
and ladder company and with their support and her personal commitment to fund the initiative successfully launched the first Santa Run with one fire truck, a small group of volunteers and approximately 30 stops. And whereas through Mary's leadership, dedication, and passion, the Santa Run
quickly grew in popularity, expanding in its second year to include two fire trucks, two Santaas, and more than 60 stops throughout the community. And whereas the continued growth of the Santa Run led to the involvement of additional companies within the Redbank Fire Department, transforming the event
into a townwide effort supported by volunteers, families, and local businesses. And whereas the Navis Hook and Ladder Company has since provided ongoing support through funding for essential items, including Santa suits, candy canes, apparel, and festival
accessories, helping to enhance the spirit and reach of the event. And whereas now in its 10th year, the Santa Run has grown into a remarkable community tradition, featuring four fire trucks, each carrying Santa, five support vehicles delivering gifts, more
than 150 stops throughout the burrow, and additional visits at local establishments for families to gather and celebrate. And whereas over the past decade, the standon has brought joy to more than 1,000 children while also providing support to families in need, embodying the true spirit of giving and
community service. And whereas Mary, alongside her partner Dana Kundress, has devoted countless hours each year to organizing and sustaining this beloved event, creating lasting memories for residents and fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community. And
whereas as the daughter, wife, and mother of members of the Red Nine Fire Department, Mary's deep personal connection to the department has helped strengthen the bond between the firefighters and the community they serve, highlighting their role not only in times of emergency, but also in moments of joy and celebration.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and the governing body of the burough of Redbank hereby recognize and honor Mary Ferraro for her vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the community through the creation and continued success of the annual
Santa Run. Be it further resolved that we extend our sincere gratitude to Mary, her partner Dana, the members of the Redbank Fire Department, and all volunteers and supporters who have contributed to making this event a treasured tradition within our burrow. And be it further resolved that the
burrow of Redbank proudly celebrates the Santa Run as a shining example of community spirit and holiday joy for generations to come. I can read Dana's proclamation, too. Or you can each We could do it separately. How However you want to do it. You want to All right, we'll do it together.
Okay. I guess some of this will repeat, but very worthy. Uh, proclamation honoring Dana Kindress. Whereas, did I say your last name right? All right, good. Whereas Dana Kentress has demonstrated outstanding dedication, service, and
commitment as a valued support member of Hook and Ladder Company. And whereas since first volunteering her time to assist with the Stanner Run in 2018, Dana officially joined as a support member in January 2019, bringing with her a spirit of generosity and community pride. And whereas Dana has played an
integral role in the continued success of the Santa Run through her exceptional organizational skills helping to streamline registration present drop off and delivery operations to ensure a seamless and impactful event. And whereas the amount of time and
effort Dana dedicates to organizing this event is extraordinary and she makes it appear effortless even as the event continues to grow year after year. And whereas her ability to adapt, expand, and maintain a smooth and efficient operation as participation increases is
truly inspiring and a testament to her leadership and commitment. And whereas utilizing her professional talents as an interior designer, Dana has contributed create creatively by designing event materials, including annual flyers and assisting in the development of the event website while also helping to
manage its social media presence. And whereas Dana has diligently tracked sponsorships and donations, managed event supplies, and provided critical logistical support that has strengthened the overall efficiency and reach of company initiatives. And whereas beyond the Santa run, Dana
has generously contributed her time and expertise to various committees within the company, including fundraising and special events, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to service. And whereas Dana's dedication is matched by her strong family values as she shares
her life with her husband Santos Kindress, the company's second lieutenant, and their three beautiful children, Mila, Ava, and newborn Logan. I have an Ava. Big fan. And whereas Dana Kindress exemplifies the spirit of
volunteerism, teamwork, and community engagement that strengthens and uplifts the entire organization. Now therefore, it be it proclaimed that we do hereby recognize and commend Dana Kindras for her exceptional service, dedication, and contributions to Hook and Ladder Company
and the community it serves. And be it further proclaimed that we extend her sincere gratitude and appreciation for her continued commitment and wish her and her family continued happiness, health, and success. In witness whereof, this proclamation is hereby issued with
great respect and appreciation. I'm just joking. Joking. >> You got Mary all nervous. >> Never. Never. You've done enough. >> I know. They're so good. What's that shirt? All right. Where were we?
Can I have a motion to open the floor for public comment on agenda items only? >> Make such a motion, Mr. May. >> Can I have a second? >> I'll second. >> All in favor? Anyone have any questions about existing agenda items? No. Anyone online? Jim
with a question. I should clarify. The mouse is stuck. Yeah. No. Okay. Can I have a motion to close the public comment on agenda items only? >> Some moved. >> Can I have a second? >> I'll second that. >> All in favor? >> Can I have a motion to approve the
regular meeting minutes from March 12th, 2026? >> I'll make such a motion. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. Just uh two ordinances. First up is a final reading and public hearing for 2026-7 entitled an ordinance
adopting new chapter 99 passport services to establish fees for US passport services provided by the burough clerk. Pretty cool. By the way, you can get your passport done right here in Redbank. So, uh this ordinance was introduced on March 12th, 2026. Can
I have a motion to open the public comment on this ordinance only? >> Have a second. All in favor? Anyone have any questions about the passport ordinance? Anyone online? Jim, you got to
frantically make the mouse move again. Where does it go, Jim? That is the question. Not just a burrow manager, a philosopher king as well. No. Okay. Can I have a motion to close the public hearing on this ordinance only? I have a second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Can I have a motion to approve on final reading um ordinance 2026-07? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> I'll second that.
>> Thank you. Roll call, please, Mary. 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. Thank you. Next up, we have a first reading for ordinance 2026-08, an ordinance amending chapter 680, vehicles and traffic to clarify no parking zones on Hudson Avenue to enhance public safety. Can I have a
motion to approve ordinance 2026-08 on introduction? >> So move. >> Can I have a second? >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Bonitakis. >> Yes. Council member Fazy Blackwood, yes.
Council member Forest, >> yes. >> Council member Janome, yes. >> Council member Euro, yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. The public hearing for this ordinance will be held on April 9th, 2026.
>> Um, resolutions. Anyone have any you want to highlight or can we do this on the consent agenda? It's just a few of them. Four of them. >> Three of them actually. >> Fine by me. I'm okay with the mayor. >> Good. Okay. Can I have a motion to
approve 26-68 through 26-70 on the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Bonitakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood,
>> yes. >> Council member Forest, >> yes. But I do want to make a comment, Mr. Mayor. Is that okay? on the 60 26 and 69 resolution broke council that the uh project the transit thing right so
um you know it's pretty clear what our intentions are there but I just want to make it clear that I you know if there is some agreement reached between the burrow and uh the developer there that it would require appropriate amount of money a
pilot going to the schools and obviously I and I've said this before um you know this is and I think I had a memo from the the bureau saying that this is not you know tanamount to uh saying that we support whatever
proposal comes for us because I have not seen the details of whatever the transit village project is going to be but I know it's percolating um I just wanted to make that comment I'm I'm voting yes but you know it does read very much like you know we're
agreeing to this but it's not you know I did read the memo from you know Shauna and um I am concerned I think the state may pass a law requiring that all pilots send an appropriate amount of money to the schools and um you know whatever we
do agree to make make sure that is and we desperately need affordable housing >> and this is a property that doesn't for the most part doesn't pay any taxes it's underutilized parking lots next to our train station. So, it seems to me if you're going to ever build anything
anywhere next to a public transportation hub like our train station that is underutilized, some concept like this would make sense. Um, but you know, there's a lot of devil in the details and I will certainly look carefully at
whatever we ultimately get from the planning board and the developer and the state of New Jersey. That's my comment, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. And continue with roll call. Council member Janome, >> yes.
>> Council member Yuro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Triiano, >> yes. And I'll just clarify that this vote allows for them to apply for um the Aspire program um which is a GAP financing tool that a developer can
apply for um through the state. Um we good? Um, and in order for a developer to qualify for that funding, um, they need to have over 20% or at 20% affordable
housing and they also need to provide prevailing wage um, for the project. Um, so it basically um replaces what used to be the ERG, which was the economic redevelopment and growth grant. um which
was what used to encourage development in distressed communities. Um so basically all this vote does is it allows them to go and apply for the Aspire grant. That's all it is. It just says here you go. You can go and apply
for the Aspire money. That's what this vote does. >> You already >> It's a yes. All right. I motioned. Yes. Council member Council Member Forest. Was that a yes under the
>> consent? That is a yes. And I'm, you know, I guess, you know, if you read the language of that thing that was in our packet. I mean, it sounds the intent of what we're doing, even though I guess I would agree with the deputy mayor, of course, that technically that's probably
what it is, but the language is pretty clear in there, and I'm not an attorney, but when I'm reading it, I read it twice, you know, it sounds like we're very much heading in that direction. Um, and I'm not going to read it here, but you know, that's why I wanted I felt like I needed to make that comment. And
I am a yes vote. >> Thank you. And Mayor Portman. >> Yes. Um, I can I have a motion to open the floor for public comment? >> So move. >> I have a second. All in favor? I.
>> Anything on your mind, public, now is the time. And Jim, you want to start shaking the mouse to see if it >> All right. Anyone online have a >> All right. >> None. Okay. Can I have a motion to close the
public comment? Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Christina, you got anything? >> Yeah, I would just like to thank the governing body this evening. Uh while it was a quick uh reszo um but I appreciate
the support for renters in Redbank um occasionally we do have to enforce uh recommendations that come out of the rent leveling board on behalf of tenants. So appreciate the assistance. Uh and that comes at a time when uh we're also looking uh at a future
meeting hopefully to uh modernize and strengthen the underlying ordinance for rent leveling and the rent leveling board in town which is uh a crucial part um of uh of what we do here and and um protecting our renters. So appreciate
the support on that. Thank you. >> Ban the younger Um, yeah, not much from the River Center front this week. Um, obviously excited for springtime. This weather's very nice. Um, >> it's a tease today though, isn't it? >> Yeah,
>> people are saying, but I'm Christina said glass half full, so >> keep it going. Short sleeves. Um but one thing that stuck with me from our last meeting was um realizing that the appropriation for new build affordable housing in the budget for the
state um it's only 30 million across the entire state which I think is insane. Um housing is something I'm very passionate about and I just think that as a governing body we have to control what we can control. Um, and the transit village development will do a lot for
not only strictly affordable housing, but market rate housing that will economically push down the rents of our older rentals. Um, so I think it'll do a lot burrowwide, but you know, appreciate the uh the foresight.
>> Nance, >> sure. um the environmental commission and um sustainable yards which is um had a presentation for sustainable yards and uh the habitat for wildlife program
which is a joint effort of animal welfare and the environmental commission had a presentation Tuesday and it was uh very interesting. a lot of good information about how to take care of your yard naturally and how to use equipment that does not rely on fossil
fuels. If you have batterybased uh leaf blowers or mowers, you can use that. And one thing that came up which I thought was reme reminiscent of my childhood is the use of a thing called a rake. So I thought that was good. And it's just a general reminder that the Environmental
Commission green team will be hosting the green fair with the Redbank Middle School on the 22nd of April between uh I want to say 5 and 6:30 at the Redbank Middle School. So all are welcome to attend. They're going to have some interesting tables and come and see what
the kids are doing as well. It's a community event, so we'd love to have you there. Thank you. >> And the elder Um, Parks and Wreck had a meeting a couple days ago right here. We're working on the garden tour part two,
which was a big success. So, if you're interested, please go to our website. We're looking for locations uh for more gardens. We're also expanding the hours of it. It seemed to be very popular. We got a lot of people in Redbank, but also from outside of town um going around driving. I think
we're also hoping to make uh some vehicles available to uh make it, you know, so somebody kind of kind of like a trolley car going around to the various locations. Uh I think we had 20some locations last time. Uh we're also we may add categories to the awards. We
haven't settled on the details of that yet, but that's that's percolating away as well as Junth. Um, also I had the honor of attending our our Redbank Regional meeting last night and the week before that the burough schools. Um, I didn't hear too much discussion last
night about the budget at Redbank Regional, but I did hear at the burough schools. It's a tough year. Insurance, I know that's not a surprise to us. I don't need to go into details. It's been well covered, but um, you know, um, you know, education's expensive and, uh, our
children and our families matter. So, uh, I know you have any questions, I'll be happy to talk about it. Um, they don't have very many good choices. And then, um, I went to the, um, pipeline,
Nessie pipeline press conference yesterday on behalf of the burrow and, uh, that was in, um, Atlantic Highlands, and it was an honor to represent us there. Um, as I said there, it's kind of a monstrosity natural gas or liqufied natural gas. I'm not quite sure exactly, but it's going
under the river, under the Radaran Bay, and it's going to be a big mess building it. Um, and nobody wants it. And I'm very glad that we're supporting our neighboring communities on this topic. And it doesn't benefit New Jersey in any way. It seems to be being built for others, but not our state, even though
it goes through our state. So, um, that's my report, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ben. Laura, >> um, Mayor's Wellness. Um, first of all, I want to, uh, thank the BNA of Central Jersey. They had an open house tonight, and some of you might know I used to
work there as their co outreach manager, but my husband's still a physician there. So, it was nice to see everybody and catch up with a lot of people there. Um, it's a beautiful facility right across from the train station, so people can get there in many different ways. And also, it serves everyone in our
community, so not just people who have insurance. It's on a sliding scale if you have insurance and it's free if you don't have insurance. Um at the same time I was supposed to be at the Parker Clinic because I volunteer there. Everybody seems to know that. Um so so I was supposed to be there to be honored
all the volunteers. So I want to thank everybody at the VNA of Central Jersey for everything they do. Chris Rener the CEO was there today. Serena um the administrator there and all the staff and all the providers there. They do a wonderful job. They really do. And they
have lots of other locations too. So that one in Red Bank has dental care. Um which was a big thing of them moving by the train station. Um the one in Keyport has dental care. Uh Asbury has dental care. My husband's actually working in Asbury them in April every Monday. Um
and then there's one in Freehold and they do everything like gyn, um dental, chiropractic, you name it, they do it. They really do a lot of great stuff there. and they had a patient who got up and talked about them finding his cancer and how grateful
he was. So that to me was and he's on the board. So they have members on their board that are patients, which is so important because I'll go put my nurse hat on now. Um listening to patients is really important, right? So um I find in
a lot of nursing nowadays and in medical care that it's very corporate. It's become very corporate. The VNA and Parker Clinic are not like that. I volunteer at the Parker Clinic. I go out to many things in the community. I take blood pressures all over the place and meet a lot of people. They're so
committed to that. And the Parker Clinic, all the providers volunteer. They do not get paid. Um, and they get wonderful care. They actually give the patients of something I've never seen in my whole career of nursing about 45 minutes of their time, which is so
unheard of now in this day and age. So, I want to thank everybody at the Parker Clinic and the VNA for serving our community because it's really, really important, especially because of insurance cuts. So, now I'll get on my high hat about that. So, health policy is my thing. You know, I have a doctor
in nursing. Health policy is my thing. The cuts to Medicaid have made all health insurance go up. Why is that? Because the insurance companies get nervous. They get very nervous when they think they're not going to make money. Okay? So they're nervous now because Medicaid was cut. So the school things
and everything that you're seeing in our community and our own insurance, my one daughter is on the Affordable Care Act in Seattle because she's self-employed. It tripled. It tripled. How do they expect people to live like this? >> So I should have had my little button
on. Healthc care is everyone's right. Everyone's not just people that have insurance. And I real passionately about that. So everybody's upset that the teachers health insurance is going up. Everybody's health insurance is going up. You can blame the federal government
for that. Not this town. Thank you. Okay. So now that I'm off my high hat. >> Yeah. Go to law. Go to law >> because I saw a lot of stuff on Redbank chatter that is not true. Okay. So if you ever want to talk to me about health policy, I taught it for years on a doctoral level, on a master's level, and
an undergraduate level. I will sit down and talk to you at any time about health policy. Okay. I'm very passionate about as you can tell. Okay. So, I also wanted to thank and I should have done that when they were here. Mary and Dana. Um I've had the pleasure of riding on the
fire truck twice. It's probably the highlight of my council career. Um is riding on the fire truck with the fire as they go around and give give out toys to people in the neighborhood. It's really so exciting to see the kids jumping up and down to see Santa Claus and put my little elf hat on and it's
just so exciting to see. And I think that Redbank is a great community that they do that. It it really brings a lot of people together. So they work very very hard to get that organized. Unbelievable amount of work. Now that I've been working with them and seeing how they It's a couple of days like
that, a couple of weeks a months that it takes a lot of time. So I really want to thank them again for that. And I'm glad we were able to honor them tonight. Um okay. So getting back to my things. So the mayor's wellness, we had our meeting. Phantom was on it. But normally
we have a meeting uh a leadership meeting every Wednesday and um this Wednesday we our leadership was with all the different burrows in uh the county. So it wasn't just us. It was Asbury was
on there. Um let me think Neptune City. Um the Long Branch I'm missing some. I know Freehold. So, we had a lot of people from all the different counties from the mayor of wellness and we actually got a lot of good ideas from each other. Um, they're very impressed
with Redbank, but they should be because we're very good. Um, so, um, they were very impressed that we have a lot for everyone in our community, not just for certain groups in our community. And they actually asked me for a lot of things. They wanted to know about Pulse. Longbridge didn't know anything about
Pulse. The >> social worker. >> Yeah. The social worker program that goes out with our police department. Um they really it was really good sharing and I was very it was run by the quality institute for health the state ran it. So um we had three representatives on that right Susie myself and Phantom are
on there. Yeah. So that was great. Did I forget something for mayor wellness? I don't think so. I think we're okay. All right. So then um the library I did go to sustainable yards with Nancy. Thank you. And that was really a nice collaboration with the environmental group and um animal welfare because
they're doing the patchwork gardens again. You were talking about gardens. So that's really nice. Um animal welfare. Um so that's about it for the library. Um and all the regular things that they do. And then May 2nd um we're having the rabies clinic at the
firehouse up on Spring Street. Free rabies for cats and dogs. Um that's 9 to1 I think on the 2nd. So mark that on your calendar. We're also going to have dog days, which we changed the location last meeting on 9:19. September 19th,
it's going to be in Marine Park. Hopefully that'll be a great day there. Um, also May 16th is the opening of And we're doing something with dogs and chickens and something else. >> Are we going to have a chicken day? >> What is it called? Dog walk on Broadway.
I like that title. Dog walk on Broadwalk. So they're gonna and they're also gonna have chickens and lots of other things there and a lot of things like your kid your dogs can do artwork and there's a lot of stuff like that. That's going to be a lot of fun. And then Earth Day, Mayor's Wellness is going to Earth Day this year at the
middle school because Nancy kind of told me I had to go there. So I'm going so um yes. So when I was when I was uh getting my doctorate um I did my dissertation on smoking sessation in
teens tobacco. I got to clarify that. Um so I collected data RBR um Shore Regional Ocean Township High School and Keyport High School and I ran a program called Quit to Win and helped kids to stop smoking cigarettes. Um so
there's a carbon monoxide monitor. It's called a smokealizer that I use. So when the students were decreasing their tobacco use um I also verified it by this machine. So Nancy and I were talking and I told her about this. I think we were talking to a resident who
brought it up. Um and the resident brought it up and I said, "Oh, I have one of them." So I found it with my Mammoth University stuff and I put my batteries in it and uh I do have some tubes which we have to get more tubes because they have to be changed in between everybody. So Mayor's Wellness
is going to have a table there. I will man the table. I'll have all the literature that Panama gives me and all the and um I'll have that there because smoking, we all know what it does to the person who smokes, but secondhand smoke in an environment is really a danger,
right? So, I'll have that there at the mayor's wellness camp and I think I'm going to be right next to the tobacco Nancy, I'm going to be right next to people. >> Yeah, you'll be next to tobaccofree New Jersey. >> So, so that's actually where all this kind of came from at a UMDJ when I many
years ago. Um, I went up to MJ and trained in all of that and it actually comes through tobaccof free New Jersey. So, that's a nice collaboration. That's it for me. Thanks. Bye. >> Sure, Laura. >> Laura, your report is amazing. >> Kate, >> thank you, Mayor. Um, the Redbank Visual
Arts Committee um now has a Facebook. You can follow along with them. Uh, Redbank Visual Arts Committee. Um, and they've been promoting their upcoming uh graffiti jam in the park. Um there'll be live art there um and other activities.
So go check that out. I think they're promoting that on their Facebook page. Um the VNA openhouse was wonderful. A lot of us up here were there before the meeting. Um it's always just a great reminder of the number of resources we have in town and the amount of people
that work there that grew up in the town too. Um people that I remember being kids um working there now, which is wonderful. Um and yeah, just wonderful resources here. Um I had the honor of attending um the bill signing uh by
Governor Mikey Cheryl yesterday um for three immigration bills. Um yeah, thank you. Um kind of um indescribable how many people worked so
hard on that. How many groups worked so hard on that? um over so many period such a long period of time under so many um different names. Um legislation takes a really long time. Um
especially things like the immigrant trust directive. I mean that had a name like over a decade ago. I forget the name of it. Um somebody at AFFC was working on it all the way back then. Um but the three bills that were signed um one is data protection. um so that people feel safe going to the doctor
sharing their information. Um one is the cotification of the immigrant trust directive which the state of New Jersey has been operating under um since 2018 um which ensures that our state and local police can focus on state and
local policing and community policing um and not the actions of whatever it is that the federal government is doing right now. And then the third one um is
um basically to unmask federal agents that are currently on our streets um of course we do expect these to be challenged in court but I am proud to live in a state um that takes on those challenges um and faces them headon and
collaborates with experts at the table um activists at the table organizers at the able people who are impacted by these issues every day at the table. Um, these are local issues. This is an issue that impacts Redbank. I'm appreciative
to be a part of a governing body that realizes that this is an everyday issue in Redbank just as much as every other issue that impacts this town. It is equal to and now even more urgent than
other issues we face in our burrow. Um and yeah um myself and itself Rez Hernandez um who we are so fortunate to have as a Redbank resident who is um an immigrants organiz uh rights organizer and a leader
of the modern civil rights movement in my eyes. Um we are so fortunate to have her as a resource here and um yeah it was a it was a surreal moment and I still can't believe they've been signed. Um and that's basically it. Thank you, mayor.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Kate. Thank you, Kate. >> Um, just two things. The, uh, remediation of East Side Park is preceding a pace. Um, not exactly sure how long it's going to take, but when
you discover soil that needs remediating, you got to remediate it. So, hopefully, um, that will be done sooner rather than later. Um, it's definitely forced me to take longer walks with my dogs cuz I can't cut through the park anymore. So, I got
to do the full loop. So, it's good for them. Um, just also wanted to uh remind everybody that uh Jamie's is celebrating their 25th anniversary this weekend. Um, yeah, so I'm certain I'll get down there and have a drink. Um, hopefully I'll see
some of you there. That's all I got. Jim Thank you, mayor. Uh, I'll be quick tonight. You hear that, Mary? She's like, "Please be a little quicker." Um, I just wanted to let everybody know we're pro progressing with the DPU project. We even met today,
just our subcommittee internally just to go over some of the minutia of the documents that have been sent over. So, I'm looking to schedule a meeting next week with um the rest of the professionals to meet with us just to discuss some questions that we have um
on the proposals. So, we'll loop obviously our subcommittee in on that. Uh the broadwalk programming committee met today. Um our subcommittee again internally met last week. We also met just yesterday out on site to go over a
bunch of the different areas that we're looking to program this year on Broadwalk. So that program that programming committee has been very active and and moving a lot of things along. Uh tremendous amount of programming that's even happening just for May. So we're going to be excited to
release that schedule um sometime midappril to show everybody what's coming to the downtown in uh in May. Uh our budget presentation is scheduled for April 2nd. Are we still good with that, Mary? With the scheduling. Okay. Um, so
our CFO will be making that presentation um to the public on April 2nd at 5:30. Thank you. And just letting everyone know, I had the opportunity to uh meet the other night in front of the Labor and Employment Relations Association,
which was, you know, it's always interesting when you're in a room full of attorneys and full of arbitrators uh from around the state. But to have the opportunity to talk about um social media and its impact on the uh public
officials and how we make that balance between using utilizing social media as a public entity and also as public employees and how that can affect uh employment practices internally as well. So, it was it was good. It was a good
opportunity for me. Um, and people were thankful to get that perspective from a burrow manager standpoint as well. And I just wanted to commend commend the work of our police department and our public works and the employees of Burough Hall
for the recent incident that we had uh the other night last Friday um due to somebody smashing out the windows on uh 90 Mammoth here in the front to our finance office. Um you know, I was notified late Friday. Uh everybody
responded pretty quickly, myself included. You know, I I'm not afraid to throw on a backpack vacuum and we, you know, we vacuumed up a ton of glass. Um the subject that caused that was subdued
right away um after assaulting our officers. Um so there's definitely some some something going on there uh with that individual, but our officers handled that um very professionally and an incident that could have been much
worse. Um, the subject did have what was considered to be a a weapon as a a 6- foot long metal pole and also took uh swings at our officers, so that could have ended very differently than it did. Uh, but they showed tremendous restraint
and I'm thankful for them uh relying on their training and uh taking that situation um as best as they could. So, and we've already worked on getting quotes, getting uh better windows installed there, some impact resistant windows along the first floor. Um, we'll
work through our insurance and file our claims and and uh Yvon's um solar bobbleheads will be back and better than ever. So, >> yes, Ben. >> Um, I just wanted to say, uh, Mr.
manager that I get a lot of feedback about our social media more than I've ever had before. Positive feedback from residents, you know, uh one when we first ran uh three over three years ago, one of the one of the top comments was that, you know, we don't know about
enough what's going on and um so Redbank Green's a great source, but so is our burrow stuff and tap into. So, um but I'm getting a lot of, you know, the little reels that we're doing. The Easter egg hunt thing was very nice. Yeah, it's great that we're able to
highlight all the work that's going on around town. There's a tremendous amount of work that happens around town. We have a solid team. I mean, between between Fatima and Adriana uh running that that department, I mean, those guys are are crushing it and and always
coming up with new ideas. Um so, we just keep trying to make it better. >> Thank you. >> And also that we have everything in English and Spanish is really important. Um I just want to shout out to Panama. The auxiliary fire department had a table at the Easter egg hunt to get more
people involved and I sent it to her kind of last minute. Sorry. Um I got it from the auxiliary and she made it so much more attractive and she put it in English and Spanish and we had flyers just in time for the um Easter egg hunt. So that was great. Thank you so much for
doing that. That was kind of >> beyond your duty, but thank you. Now, I only >> Great job. >> I only mentioned the Easter egg, but a lot of those alerts even about the attack on our Burough Hall and all that stuff is very, very helpful, actually. >> Mayor,
>> anyone else got anything? What are we good? No. All right. Uh, can I have a motion to adjourn to executive session? >> So, moved. >> I'll second that. >> All in favor? Right. Um, >> we take a fiveminute break. >> Yeah, we're going to take a fiveminut break and then Greg's going to tell us
why we're going into exact session. Perfect. >> At this time, the governing body will retire to executive session, exclude the public from discussions involving pending litigation and personnel matters. This discussion will take approximately
30 to 25 to 35 minutes. We'll average those two out. And uh no action will be taken following executive session. We'll simply adjourn the meeting. Thank you.