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>> Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call, please. Mary.
>> Council member Watakis. >> Council member Facy Blackwood. >> Here. Council member Forest is not present as of yet. Council member Jano >> here. >> Council member Yura >> here.
>> Deputy Mayor Triana >> here. and Mayor Portman >> here. Uh, we have a couple of proclamations. Um, Mary, I'm tempted to not give you this because you came here without Betsy.
I almost called you. I Please, Betsie's her dog, by the way, and we love each other and this is a missed opportunity. Having said that, we will still give you this proclamation, Mary. First up, it's the Garden for Wildlife
Month. Whereas the Burough Redbank recognizes that wildlife species are declining at an unprecedented rate, globally there are over a million species endangered with extinction and one-third of North American wildlife species are at increased risk of extinction in the
coming decades. And whereas the Burough Redbank recognizes that human health ultimately depends on well functioning ecosystems and that biodiverse regions can better support food production, healthy soil and air quality and can foster healthy connections between humans and
wildlife. And whereas the Burough Redbank is working to build a healthy, sustainable and wildlife friendly community that brings the many benefits of nature to all four corners of our world. And whereas garden for wildlife month is a national initiative
of the national wildlife federation that empowers Americans to support local wildlife like birds and pollinators by planting native plants in their garden and throughout the community to help restore and connect habitat. And whereas the Burough of Redbank supports and promotes garden for
wildlife month through the community and encourages residents to participate, including certifying maintaining their properties as a certified wildlife habitat with the National Wildlife Federation and participating in patchwork for wildlife, a program of the nonprofit Candid Garden and Friends that
recognizes environmentally conscious homeowners with certificates of appreciation and works to collectively create an acre of environmentally beneficial habitat across the community, increasing ing local biodiversity and building a more resilient town. And whereas the Burough Redbank will
continue to support local efforts that protect, restore, and conserve habitat and vital environmental resources as well as foster a greater connection between residents and wildlife. Now therefore, I, William Portman, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the Burrow of Redbank, do hereby
proclaim May as Garden for Wildlife Month in the Burrow of Redbank and encourage all residents to plant native plants and participate in community activities that support and celebrate healthy, sustainable, wildlifefriendly communities. Wait, back.
With with Mary's help, I've been planting a native elderberry hedge at my house, so Mary checks on it when she walks the dog. It's nice to have another set of eyes. All right, we have one more proclamation, but before I read it, um
I'm going to invite Miss June Sunquist and Miss Ruth Anne Pascarella from the Redbank Primary School to come on up to the table here and read us a letter that you guys wrote. Thank you for being here, by the way.
Hold on. You got to um You want to just give him the handheld maybe? Or I think the handheld might be better. Actually, why don't you give them both the handhelds instead of the little ones? Then they can each have a mic. Hold on a sec. Yeah, we'll move that. We
don't want to miss a word, guys. Dear Mayor Portman, we are third graders at Redbank Primary School and we are interested in having an official day celebrating third graders and everything we have accomplished throughout third grade. The way we got the idea is one day in reading group we read an article
about a girl who made third graders day an official tradition in Minnesota. That gave us the idea of having an official third graders day in Redbank every year. We hope you consider making this a proclamation in the town of Red Pink to
make it official. The date we would like to propose for this event is June 3rd, the day of our moving up ceremony. If June 3rd happens to be a weekend, we will observe third graders day the first Wednesday of the month. Some things we
would like to have at Redbing Primary School to celebrate third graders day are a small parade, a bubble station, and a picnic with watermelon pizza, soda, and rocket pops. The reason we want Rocket Pops is because the logo of
the Red Bank Middle School is the rock is is a rocket and that is the school we will attend. Other schools in town can celebrate the way they want, but we would all celebrate on the same date. Third grade is a big year at Redbank
Primary School. It is our last year at this school. We are moving up to Redbank Middle School and it will be a big change. We hope you consider making an official third grader day in Redbank. >> Sincerely,
June Sunquest and Rufan Pascarella. >> I have a I have a question though. Now, this is your last year at the primary school. You go to the middle school next year. >> Wow. And I another question. What's your favorite part about third grade?
the field trips. >> Yeah, we're going to Urban Air tomorrow. >> All right. Well, you asked and the burrow delivers. So, let me read you your proclamation. Okay. A proclamation from the Burrow of
Redbank establishing an annual third grade day in the Burrow of Redbank. Whereas the mayor and burough council of the Burough Redbank recognized the importance of celebrating the achievements, growth, and milestones of the children within our community. And whereas third grade students June
Sunquist and Ruthanne Pascarella of Redbank Primary School thoughtfully wrote to the mayor requesting the establishment of an official third grade day in the burrow of Redbank. And whereas June and Ruth Anne were inspired by reading about a similar tradition established in another community and
demonstrated remarkable initiative, creativity, and civic engagement by proposing a celebration for all third grade students in Redbank. And whereas the students shared that third grade is a meaningful and memorable year, marking the completion of their time at Redbank Primary School and their transition to
Redbank Middle School, an exciting new chapter in their educational journey. And whereas the mayor and burough council commend June and Ruth Anne along with all third grade students for their school pride, enthusiasm, and commitment
to creating a positive community tradition. And whereas the burrow of Redbank wishes to encourage traditions that strengthen community spirit and recognize the accomplishments and bright futures of our young residents. And whereas the students proposed celebrating this occasion with activities that bring joy and
togetherness, including parades, picnics, bubbles, and other celebrations that honor the conclusion of their elementary school experience. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and burough council of the burough of Redbank, county of Mammoth, state of New
Jersey, that the first Wednesday in June of each year shall hereby be recognized as third grade day in the Burough Redbank. And all residents, schools, families, and community organizations are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and bright futures of Redbank's third grade
students. Invent behind. Trouble rainbow fly. We go from that to lead line replacement. >> We're going from that to leadline replacement. >> The second graders just contacted me and
they would like it to be second grader day also. So >> yes, we are going from Sorry, Jackie, that's not that's not a fair lead in for you. No, they you know >> now going into very exciting lead line
replacement phase 4 overview. >> Very important. >> It is very important. It's not very exciting, but it's very important. >> Yeah. And one second. Whenever you guys are done, you you can stay, you can leave, you can leave in the middle. It's You're welcome to stay. You're welcome
to leave. Whatever you guys want to do. Mission accomplished. >> That's a hard act to follow. >> Yes. Does Jackie get music too, Jim, for the presentation? No. All right, >> Nancy, can you see our screen? >> Just confirming the screen share.
>> Yes. >> Okay, great. >> All right. Um, I think I had a presentation. Do you have it? Ah, there it is. There you go. All right. So, Mayor Council, thank you so much for having me. Jim asked if I
would come tonight and just give an overview. Um, because we're getting ready to I know tonight um I think you're doing your second reading on the bond for phase four. So I wanted to give you an overview of all four phases just to show you what we've accomplished so
far collectively all of the burrow because this has definitely been you know years of test pitting and then lead service line replacement and we'll give you a feel for how many you have left and you know when we think you you were
well ahead of your milestone. So, but we're going to show you what it's going to take to to get to the end of this phase. So, I think the presentation There we go. Hold on. Just so that the audience can see it as well. >> All right,
>> Nancy, you gave me a nod on that. >> Thumbs up. Go. Okay, great. Thanks. >> All right, so the agenda, um, since if you go to the next slide, the agenda, we're going to first just review why we're doing this. Not only is it good for, you know, basically I think
everybody saw what happened in Flint, Michigan. So, we'll talk about the regulations and what spurred this in New Jersey and it's now federal that every state in the US is now going through this. >> Pardon? >> Great for third graders. >> Yes, it is. And then um overview of
phase one, then phase two, then phase three, and then we'll talk about phase four. So, if you go to the next slide, this all came, you know, from the safe water drinking act. authorized the EPA to establish the regulations for public water systems. Here in Redbank, you own
your own public water system. So, uh, the first set of rules was published in 2021. That's LCR stands for lead and copper rule revisions and those required 100% lead replacement within 10 years. So, at that time, 10 years would have
been 2031. Um, since then, there's been new regulations passed. We'll get into that in a second. But basically, you also had your initial service inventory of the lines under that LCR due by October 16th, 2024. And
then after that, you would have notifications due 30 days after that. So, you're going to remember, well, 2024, why did we start in 2021? That's because back in 2021, Governor Murphy signed into law um statute that required
that in New Jersey that we started this process earlier. We didn't wait till October of 2024. In New Jersey, we started this right after the legislation. So, you can remember back in 2022 doing lead service line inventories and sending out
notifications. But once we hit 2024, in addition to sending those notification letters just to people that had lead, we also sent them to unknowns as well, people that we didn't know whether they had lead galvanized or unknown. And the reason for that is it also holds
everybody accountable to figure out what you have. So if you recall, we were doing test pinning in order to try to identify what every service line in the burrow was. we did test pitting to identify not only what was in the street but was also on
what we call the customer side um on the property of of of the customers. So we've been doing this since 2022 and we're going to go through all of those programs for you. So there's also new rules that were adopted. Um they have a compliance date
of November 2027. That's the lead and copper rule improvements. um those are going to have a whole new set of rules, but you're already ahead of the game. So, it would have pushed out the 10 years till 2037, but not for New Jersey. New Jersey, Governor Murphy's keep, you
know, had that law. The next governor hasn't changed that law. So, in New Jersey, we're still shooting for getting all lead service lines replaced by 2031. And the way that you're required to do that is you're supposed to do 10% a year. You're well ahead of your 10%. Okay? So, if you go to the next slide,
these are the things are going to be due in 2026. Um, you're going to have um on July 10th, the an updated lead service line inventory. We're basically going to say this is how many lead you have now. This is how many unknowns you still have, and we'll go through those numbers
in a second, and we're going to submit that to the to NJ. You're going to have a progress report that summarizes every year, and that will also be due in July. We'll also have a plan that we put together every year that shows your progress and how we're going to prioritize what's left and how we're
going to accomplish everything by that 2031 date. 30 days after that in August, we'll be sending out letters to anyone that still has lead or anyone that's unknown and galvanized because galvanized it's complicated, but galvanized is also
considered lead for the purposes of the regulations. So, if you look at the table below, this gives you a snapshot of where you're at. As of today, you still have 445 unknowns. The reason for that is in phase three, we had planned
to identify and dig the remaining 445 unknowns. Around that time, Mammoth County was also paving, if you remember, all of West Front Street and and further. So we decided to get ahead of that because you would have had a five-year moratorum. So the decision was
made instead of digging those 445 in the phase three program, let's go ahead and replace all the lead service lines before we before the county comes in and paved. So we got ahead of that entire stretch so that you don't have to cut into a newly paved road. And so that was
the reason for that. So, we will be putting those 445 unknowns into your phase 4 program in order to dig the ones that are remaining. These are very difficult ones to find. That's why they weren't found in prior phases. Either the curb box is missing. They're going
to have to attach trace and take and probably use a metal detector and trace wire to try to locate these. These are the ones that are tough to find in the burrow. And then some of them are for some condo complexes and things where there's whole groups of what we would
have considered private, but it still is under your jurisdiction. So they do we still do have to identify them. But more than likely because of the age of when those buildings were built, we do think a lot of those will not be led. Um you
have 2,910 that are non-led. So 77% have already been identified and are not uh are no longer or not lead. Either we've already replaced them and we'll get into that in a second or they're non-LED. They're copper. You know, they're mostly
copper services. The remaining 409 that we know are lead, there's 205 that are full lead replacements and 204 that are partial. So, we're going to go through those
because out of those, some of those you have what we call you that you won't need right of entry form, meaning that they're in the street, and others you will need right of entry form signed because they're on private property. So, that totals your 3,764 total services in the burrow. You go to
the next slide, we'll talk a little bit about what you did in phase one, just phase two and then phase three, and then we'll get into phase four. So in phase one, you started with 245 lead service line replacements and then you ended up adding an additional 100 uh water
service replacements for a total of 345 lead service line replacements in that phase one. You also did over a thousand test pits on that. you uh were able to apply for IBANK funding. And if you recall, because of the rules associated with I
bank funding, you were able to get principal forgiveness for half of the money that you spent on phase one under the iBANK program. For phase two, you went back to IBank and asked them, could you increase the loan to 8.8 8 million
and do whatever was remaining in that census tract, but also go ahead and test pit um in the remaining census tracks in the burrow. So that's what you did with what they had you do though. They had you break it into two separate phases. A bid
proposal A so that you could get your 50% forgiveness in that track and then a bid proposal B where you got a low interest loan. And so, um, you basically in bid proposal A test pitted another 37 and you replaced the last 177 lead
service lines in in that census track. In the rest of the burrow, you replaced uh 55 and then you test pitted 1,293. So then if you go to the next phase three which just wrapped up um for that
you also were able to achieve funding. Um you got 250,000 in fiscal year 2022 funding. These were both congressional awards as well as just under a million in fiscal year 2024 funding. So you got a total of 1.2 million in federal
funding for that project. Um you had a match 20% and you were able to put that project out to bid. You replaced 240 lead service lines and you test pitted another 225. You were going to test pit a lot more, but this is the one where we
ended up pulling the remainder out in order to get ahead of one of the paving programs. So now that brings you to your phase four. In phase four, you've received uh additional congressional uh spending money um a grant of 1 million. Um, you
also, if you recall, had done some adjustments to your water and sewer rate. So, you're able to bond even more than that. You can do about a, you know, $2 million program, 2.4. Um, but that includes everything, your soft costs and
bonding costs and everything else, bond council costs. you're going to need a lot of write of entries because these are the these last ones are going to be the ones that are the hardest because we have if you look at the bottom of the slide you can see
that um we have 114 that we don't need right of entry. So those are going to definitely be the, you know, easiest ones to do, but you have enough funding that you can do more than those 114. And we'd like to try to chip away at the
rest of the lead service lines, the over 400 that you have left by trying to obtain right of entries. So we already started our efforts to get right of entry. It's interesting because we are emailing, we're calling, we're going to
be knocking on doors, but not everybody feels comfortable answering the door, right, for someone trying to hand you a piece of paper and asking you to sign a legal agreement. So, I think it's going to take time. Um, we did call. We got a lot of people hanging up because they
think you're a telemarketer. I mean, why wouldn't they, right? But you're calling trying to get them to sign an a right of entry. But we did even today, like every day, we get a few. We get five, six, you know, every day with people eventually picking up the phone and talking to us. So, we will work with the bureau to try
to get the word out that we are trying to get these right of entry so that we can replace a lead service line that's on your property. So, like mayor will obviously have you sign one, right? We'll have people sign these and and get these so that we can replace any lead
service line that is on like a property side. Um so right now just from calling and emailing and we just started in May we have 11 roe for full services and six
for partials. So we've already achieved that in just the couple weeks that we started. Um but we need probably about 150 more. That's a lot in order to have a substantial program. Now what we can do is say listen we let's say we get 50 and we decide okay we're going to do a
smaller program. Let's get this started and keep calling. We could also do that, but basically your phase 4, we would like to be able to get another 150 right of entries. So, um, we've been working with Jim. Jim had us in touch with Yavon
and everybody trying to gather as many phone numbers and emails and really it's all hands- on deck trying to get the residents to sign these so that we can replace more lead service lines. And in a nutshell, that's your program. So um you can see just roughly where phase one
and two were and now where uh two, three and four will be. There will be a few that overlap back into the other area where one and two were where maybe we couldn't get a right of entry signed or there was a challenge with you know a reason that someone didn't feel comfortable. So we are getting a little
bit further with the right of entries. But that's basically what your phase four will be. And so any questions? >> Jackie, thank you. uh very thorough and we appreciate it. Quick question for you. On one of the first slides you said we still have maybe it was like 500
unknown or four four something. Do you have an estimate on what you think? I mean because you started to say a lot of them are newer buildings or >> I don't think you're going to have so in the burrow we were in the beginning when we were test pinning we were getting
like 40% of them were lead. I don't think with these remaining 4 and what's the exact number? I think it was 445. I don't think it's going to be 40%. But I could be wrong. I think it's going to, you know, yeah,
we're planning for it being 40% for worst case. So like any budgeting that that Jim and Tom are considering is is assuming that because I think it would be silly not to. But looking at the age of some of the buildings also the fact that we can't even find a curve box
meaning that you know maybe the service isn't even there anymore you know and so we are hopeful that it won't be 40% for that. >> Anyone else have any questions for Jackie? >> Just uh one thing Jackie I know you I mean we have the benefit of having
Ingenuity as an engineer in town with us. Um, and again, thank you for everything you do for the burrow and the fact that you're close and nearby. you know, you have intimate knowledge of what this burough needs and um how the project should progress and you have
this you're invested in this project for other reasons I think because you're here. Um but you also without naming you know municipalities you you do this work in um either at least one other municipality four municipalities where you're doing lead service line
replacement like how would you say the burrow is tracking um like the red bank and their progress and even what you're hearing from around the state where everybody has this deadline that we're working towards. >> I think you guys are ahead ahead of the curve. I mean, there's a there's some
municipalities that got a lot of funding right out of the gate, right? And those were some of the big cities that got a lot of funding right out of the gate, but I would say this bureau, as soon as the legislation was adopted, you you were right on top
of getting funding. And so, I mean, you went after I bank funding the minute that there was a law on the books. And so you have consistently if you look each each program you were able to achieve funding and pursue and be able
to do decentsized programs and I think that the fact that you've been on top of that and a lot of other municipalities you know maybe haven't even identified >> names >> maybe haven't even identified all of their unknowns yet right and now are
just realizing because they have to send letters I think up until you had to send letters to all of the unknowns that maybe it wasn't as inconvenient for for some around this area. You're seeing a lot of the you know, a lot of the engineering firms are kind of encouraging, you know, their
municipalities to to get on top of it. Um, but you're defin you're in phase four um with the municipalities we're working with. I only know one other that's in phase four um other than the ones that jumped on it right out of the gate. So, you guys are doing very well.
Anyone have any questions for Jackie? We could always open up. No. Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you very much, Jackie. >> Thank you so much. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Next up, we have uh Paulo is going to give us our native plant presentation. Come on down. >> Hello, everybody. Good evening. >> Hi Paulo.
>> Hi Nancy. >> Is it a coincidence that Redbank rockets and then there's the rocket iceboat or was the middle school named after the iceboat? >> Anybody know? No. >> Second question. Is it too late to
update the proposed ordinance to include rock candy for the environmental commission? because it's like, you know, not fair that the third graders get it and we don't. I mean, >> you can always amend it. >> Okay. All right. And uh
so thank you for having me and um on behalf of the Red Bank Environmental Commission, I'm here to discuss the proposed native plants ordinance. My name is Paulo Rodriguez Haymon. I am one of the commissioners.
The timing here is good. Of course, uh, you know, the best time to do it is is now and would have been better do it, you know, a little bit before when we had the flurry of development, but it's still apppropo to
um pass this ordinance, we believe. And so with that, I can go ahead and just give a brief overview of what's in the proposed ordinance and happy to answer any questions. So, next slide, please.
Okay. And the I'm going to the presentation really mirrors what's in the ordinance. I'm not going to go into incredible detail, but um the the reason why we're proposing
that this gets passed, like what why are native plants so important? Well, they're the plants that evolved in our area. And the birds and insects and animals, they co-evolved with the plants. And so just like you know Mary's
patchwork for wildlife is looking to create a patchwork of native plants, this will encourage that patchwork to grow. So it will encourage a more resilient ecosystem and environment. So it provides food and shelter and
habitat for the local flora for the uh animals, the fauna. And there's also benefits for reduced irrigation. the plants don't need to be watered as much. They don't need as many fertilizers and pesticides.
Uh this proposed ordinance also has a component for invasive species which we'll get into and there is a documented decline of birds and insects and part of that largely attributed to a reduction in habitat. So this this helps to
address that. And as many of you are probably aware, the state of New Jersey passed an invasive species management act and this is intended to complement that, not conflict with it in any way. Um
the primary goals would be to um require native plants for certain developments, prohibit invasive species for those same developments, and I forget what the third thing is. Uh NY's tile is just right over there, but it's actually
species diversity. That's what it is. I knew it. Okay. Um NY's floating Yeah. And there this is also it makes economic sense because native plants
there's a lower maintenance cost, lower landscape maintenance cost. So um for for a multitude of reasons this is um a good appropriate ordinance for our burrow. Next slide please. So the native plants uh you know the the
proposed ordinance goes has some definitions the the over one of the main goals here is to make this ordinance easy to follow accessible for people that you know for layman that that don't have a scientific background
that's by design um for people that don't know what a keystone species is is it it's sort of like triple word score in Scrabble where it's not only a native plant but it also
really supports the keystone species of um caterpillars which is a critical bird food and native bees. Otherwise, um we did send this to the burrow's engineer at CME and their tree expert as
well chimed in. You know, we uh paired it down paired it back uh to allow for cultivars again making it easy to follow and practical as well.
We also spoke with one of our counterparts at Eatontown who have a very similar ordinance on the books and it was it was wellreceived. They didn't get blowback from the development community. So we would expect there to
be a similar outcome here. And one of the main questions people are going to want to know who does this apply to? It applies to sites that have formal site plans, major subdivision approvals before the planning or zoning
boards. Who does it not apply to? It would not apply to minor subdivision variances, applications without formal site plan approval. It does not apply to, importantly, existing residential
properties. We're not asking homeowners to rip out their ornamental plantings and replace them with native plants. Um, if they want to, of course, that would be encouraged, but it is not a
requirement. Same thing with vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and the like, athletic fields, planters, flag poles, and things of that nature. Next slide, please. So from section four of the ordinance
um this talks about you know getting into the nuts and bolts of what is the requirement. It's really just the lists of native plants like where does one find these lists? Who comes up with them? Who maintains them?
And fortunately um it doesn't fall on any of us. it is the there's three three primary lists that are identified in the ordinance and they're there's hyperlinks to them. So the cool thing there is
there's experts that are maintaining these lists and the lists are also updated as needed. you know, is there's changing climate conditions, for example, where plants that were not considered native if the, you know,
climate warms could could be considered native in the future and so forth. So, the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Ruckers, and the National Wildlife Federation all maintain these lists and those are all identified in the proposed ordinance.
Um, the one thing with cultivars is that they are permitted in the proposed ordinance. Um, but crossing a hybrid of a non-native species
uh would not count as a native species. Kind of a bit of a detail there, but don't want to get lost in the weeds. I just um pun intended. The uh again key the keystone species and
the deer resistant um natives are not required but encouraged. And next slide please. And the just to make mention of the state's recent um ma the invasive species management
act. The way that that is being rolled out is sequentially. And so the current stage is they're targeting uh nurseries to prohibit them from selling invasive species. And then in the future it is going to roll out to be applicable in circumstances like the ones that we're
proposing. But the way we're addressing it is having it applicable now to prevent these site plans from including invasive species in their proposed development plans. Similarly, um not to
conflict with but to complement the burrow's own chapter 242 on bamboo and invasive plants. Next slide, please. This is the last slide. Um one other key component, so of the three key
components, it's encouraging or requiring native plants in certain circumstances, prohibiting invasives, and then the third one is species diversity. And that's just kind of common sense. So if proposed development has 100 plants and they're
all native, if they're all the same plant, that's also sort of um a detriment to the natural environment. Like we wanted to somewhat mimic the natural environment with species diversity. So it's a pretty easy, you know, formula there of 25%
um can't be replicated. So if there's 10 plants, then you have to have four different species. fairly easy to follow. One of the comments from the burough's engineer was making sure that we have a waiver provision, which we do. So, this is not intended to be a
one-sizefits-all. We understand that there's going to be anomalies and circumstances where a waiver should be granted. That's obviously up up to you all. And then you know just similarly to how the environmental commission and
shade tree commission have the opportunity to review and provide our feedback to the council. We would expect that same procedure here and happy to support you know with our comments on the requested waiverss but there could
be waivers for site constraints or safety any number of reasons. Obviously we would try to discourage that but but leaving the option open. um that native uh managed planting
section 8 of the ordinance is just that letting people know they're not weeds, but they do need to be uh maintained and managed properly and not overgrown. And then there's some standard legal ease in sections 9 and 10. And last but not
least, section 11, the effective date proposed would be 30 days after the final adoption of the publication of the ordinance. Thank you. Thank you, Paula. I have a I have a question for you. Can you go back one? Oh. Oh, snap.
Um, a question about bamboo. >> Yes. >> When I um it said that's one back one page. >> Are you going to bring up my house because I'm eradicating it this weekend? >> No, not your house. Well, that's my question. So it says it it the burrow
code governs burrowwide restrictions on planting, containment, and removal, right? So So does it just mean you have to follow a specific way to remove the bamboo? Right. >> Okay. Because I have a a neighbor on
Mechanic Street who took me to his backyard. He was like, "This stuff is running wild. It's crazy." >> Um someone had someone else had planted. So Mhm. Okay. Right. So, with bamboo, I believe uh it it it has to be maintained or you can't
plant it. But I I bought a house that had a an existing patch of bamboo in a on a steep slope, so it's tricky. Um and Mary, did you want to say a couple quick words on native plants?
Do you have time for >> Yeah, she's got to come up though and doing the microphone so the people playing along at home can hear. >> If I missed anything >> this one, >> either one, that's fine, too. >> So, I just want to say that I'm
extremely enthusiastic about both this ordinance and um mayor about your proclamation because uh we are making great progress in Red Bank. I know you want to be leaders in this area and uh already we have we're working on getting
um a national uh certification for wildlife community and we've made great progress in that direction partnering with the environmental commission and the patchwork for wildlife group which is a group of a number of awesome volunteers two of which are with me
today who are out in the neighborhoods um talking to people about their gardens, uh, talking about how to help them, providing events, and so, uh, this is this is really an important step. The goal for us is to create an acre of land
of new habitat for wildlife, and we're doing that one yard at a time, but with your what you're doing, you're adding the business side of this business community to contribute to that acre of uh, wildlife. and I have information for people who
may be interested in knowing more >> questions. >> Thank you. Anyone have any questions? >> Just a comment. I know that this has been of interest to the Environmental Commission for a really long time. Um, and I just appreciate how well this was written. Um, I think it's it's sensible,
but also specifically it always felt tricky how to handle the the list of species issue. And I think this worked really well um by referencing these these three professionally uh managed lists and it makes it flexible over
time. So uh that makes it really easy to support if all of the rest wasn't easy enough. So thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you guys. Um, next up, can I have a motion to open
the floor for public comment on agenda items only? >> So, move. >> Can I have a second? >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone have any questions or comments about agenda items only? Anyone online, Jim?
No. Okay. Can I have a motion to close the floor for public comment on agenda items only? >> A motion. >> I have a second. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Can I have a motion to approve the
regular meeting minutes from May 14th, 2026? >> So move. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> next up a final reading for and public hearing for ordinance 2026-13 entitled a
bond ordinance providing for various roadway improvements in and for the burrow of breadbank in the county of Mammoth state of New Jersey appropriating 1,60,000 uh therefore including grants from the state of New Jersey department of transportation in the amount of 398,638
and authorizing issuance of $616,62 $2 in bonds or notes for the burrow to finance part of the costs thereof. That's a long title for an ordinance. Um, this ordinance was introduced on May 14th. Can I have a motion to open the
floor for public comment on this ordinance only? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone have any questions or comments on ordinance 2026-13? No. Anyone online? Jim. All right. Can I have a motion to close
the public comment on ordinance 2026-13? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Then I have a um motion to approve on final reading
and adoption of ordinance 2026-13. >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. Roll call, please. >> Council member Bonitakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Jano, >> yes.
>> Council member Yuro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Triiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. >> Thank you. Next up is a final reading and public hearing for ordinance 2026-14 entitled a bond ordinance providing for improvements to municipal parks in and
for the burrow of Redbank in the county of Mammoth State of New Jersey appropriating $450,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of $427,500 in bonds or notes of the burrow to finance part of the cost thereof.
This ordinance was introduced on May 14th, 2026. Can I have a motion to open the public hearing for this ordinance only? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone have any questions or comments on ordinance 2026-14?
>> Yes. Come on up, Charles. >> Let's see. >> I think that one's off. Is there a little onoff switch on it, Charles? Or you can also use the other mic right there. No. Yeah, that one's probably off, too. You want to just There we go.
>> Yeah. Hello, Charles Jan Jiggy and 165 Spring Street. Uh, first I just want to thank everybody for all your help and support the last time I was sitting here. Uh, >> let's not have a repeat. >> No, we don't want any repeats. And that is what happens with an epileptic
seizure. Uh, you all hand it. Well, I've been living with this for 45, 50 years. I don't even know now. I forfeited my driver's license. So, we're okay there. >> I'm glad glad you're okay. >> Yeah. Um, let me see. Let's go back to
Marine Park now. Uh, we will need certified inspections by the state. Will we just want to interrupt you one second? This particular ordinance is about count Basy Park. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought about the uh
>> Yeah. You're welcome to as we go for, you know, when we get to the public comment near the end, you're welcome to to give a motion. Great. Thank you. >> Anyone online, Jim? >> I have a motion to close the public comment on ordinance 2026-14. >> So moved.
>> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Can I have a motion to approve on final reading and adoption ordinance 2026-14? Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Baronakis.
>> Yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood. >> Yes. >> Council member Jano. >> Yes. >> Council member Yuro. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Triano. >> Yes. And Mayor Portman. >> Yes. Next up, we have a final reading and
public hearing for ordinance 2026-15 entitled a bond ordinance providing for the lead service line replacement program for the water and sewer utility in and for the burough of Redbank in the county of Mamame state of New Jersey appropriating $2.4 $.4 million. Therefore, including a grant from the
fiscal year 2026 transportation, housing, and urban development funding and lead service line grant program in the amount of $1 million and authorizing the issuance of 1,300,000 in bonds or notes of the burrow to finance part of the cost thereof. This ordinance was
introduced on May 14th, 2026. Can I have a motion to open the public hearing on this ordinance only? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Anyone have any questions on the ordinance 2026-15? >> I just want to say mayor this is uh
about the presentation that you just saw from Jackie floor which the bow did to receive a million dollars in grant funding for this as well. >> Excellent. Thank you. Anyone online? Jim. Uh okay. Can I have a motion to close the public hearing on this ordinance only?
>> So moved. >> Can I have a motion to approve on final reading and adoption? >> I'm sorry. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Um, can I have a motion to approve on final
reading and adoption ordinance 2026-15? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Vonitakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Member Janome, >> yes.
>> Council member Yura, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trigiano, yes. And Mayor Portman, >> yes. And uh finally for um adoption is uh a public hearing and final reading for ordinance 2026-16
entitled a bond ordinance providing for various 2026 water and sewer utility acquisitions and improvements by in the Burough Redbank in the county of Mama State of New Jersey appropriating $2 million therefore and authorizing the issuance of $1,900,000
in bonds or notes to finance part of the cost thereof. of this ordinance was introduced on May 14th, 2026. Can I have a motion to open the public hearing public comment on this ordinance only? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I
>> I. >> Anyone have any questions or comments on ordinance 2026-16? Anyone online, Jim? Okay. Can I have a motion to close the public hearing on this ordinance only? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I
>> Can I have a motion to approve on final reading and adoption ordinance 2026-16? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Bonitakis, >> yes.
>> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Janon, >> yes. >> Council member Euro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano, >> yes. >> Mayor Portman, >> yes. and a couple of ordinances to introduce. First up is uh first reading and
introduction for ordinance 2026-18 entitled an ordinance of the burough of Redbank to amend the bureau's planning and development regulations to repeal and replace sections of chapter 490 planning and development regulations. Can I have a motion to open the public
comment on this ordinance only? >> So move. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? Uh >> actually we're not I'm sorry we're not do Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry. >> We have comments though possibly. >> All right. We'll we'll do the public hearing on this uh on on June 11th. Um
can I have a motion to approve on introduction ordinance 2026-18? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Baronakis. >> Yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood. >> Yes.
>> Council member Janome. Yes. Council member Yuro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Triiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. Again, public hearing for this ordinance will be held on June 11th, >> 2026. Next up is a first reading and introduction for ordinance 2026-9
entitled an ordinance amending chapter 490, planning and development regulations to revise the burough's land use regulations to promote the cultivation of native plants and to prohibit the planting of invasive species. Can I have a motion to approve ordinance 2026-9
on introduction? >> I'm moved. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Bonitakis. >> Yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Janome, >> yes. >> Council member Yuro,
>> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Triiano, >> yes. And Mayor Portman, >> yes. >> Thank you. Public hearing for this ordinance will be held on June 11th, 2026. Um, next up we have a bunch of resolutions. Anybody need to pull anything out to highlight or are we okay
approving on the consent agenda? >> Mayor, I'm okay with consent agenda. >> Thank you. >> Good. Everyone good? >> Okay. Okay. Can I have a motion to approve resolution 26-106
through 26-116 on the consent agenda? >> I'll make that motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Bonitakis, >> yes. >> Council member Facy Blackwood, >> yes. >> Council member Jon, >> yes.
>> Council member Yuro, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Trianiano, >> yes. >> And Mayor Portman, >> yes. I guess we're jumping to uh public comment, huh? Can I have a motion to open the floor for public comment? >> So moved. >> Can I have a second?
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Charles, now would be the time. >> That wasn't too long, was it? Okay. Where were we? marine park uh public hearing. Everything is going along well. Uh there's a lot of dirt we
are dealing with, but I think that monarch is doing a good job. However, going forward is Red Bank or our DPU. I talked with Terrence today. He sounded quite confident that we will be able to uh provide a
certificate to the state for safe playground act. I think it's called something like that. And also to the insurance, the liability, if it's a countywide, statewide red bank, they will most likely want
certificates of uh training and whatnot. And our DPU will be able to provide that. >> You're talking about for the safety of the playground equipment. The >> playground equipment mostly the uh zip line is going to be the uh the big issue.
It's it's it if you're picturing like a zipline like you know at the top of a tree going across the canopy it's >> it's about 12 ft high. It's not a toy, >> right? >> It's a real machine that somebody can hurt themsself. The zipline can come
offline. It's a complicated piece of machinery. Uh to brush it off lightly like that I think is wrong. Uh either way. So still our utility employees they will be fully certified to provide to
the state and to insurance for the playground. >> No our our public works facil uh employees are not going to be certified in playground safety inspection. That's not their that's not their role. Uh we'll make sure that the proper playground safety inspectors are
employed like all of our playgrounds safety equipment is certified. We have the joint insurance fund that comes out. Yeah. And that >> the joint insurance fund comes out and does a playground inspection of all of our playgrounds every year for any deficiencies. They're the ones that are certified in that. Um so we're part of
that joint insurance fund. So we any deficiencies or anything that we have, we get a list and we get a time to remediate those. Obviously Marine Park is going to be built to a state-of-the-art standard right now. >> Gorgeous. Colum is doing a great job. >> But that ongoing uh inspection will
happen from our joint insurance fund. Okay. I just wanted to stay on top of that zipline >> and I'm glad you got the chance to talk to uh Terrence today about that. >> Yeah, he he sounded confident and I think uh it's going forward and what do we say? Spring 2027
the opening. No, earlier than that. >> One month. >> What's that? >> One month. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. So, we're close. Very good. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else have any questions or comments?
Yes, I see a hand. Come on up. Barbara Bo Barbara Bo is uh 135 Branch Avenue. Um I'm not here to do anything except to tell you that our police department have total our total
gentlemen. I had a bit of a um playing my age this morning and I screwed up when I left the house and I didn't do put my alarm system on correctly. I was halfway down Highway 35 and I'm getting all these calls and
stuff. Obviously, I couldn't call and um I came home and the police were there waiting and wanted to make sure everything was all right. wanted to come in the house, made sure he was a I have no idea the gentleman's name, but he was a perfect gentleman and I compliment the
police department. They get enough kicks in the butt. I thought think people have to know that they actually are people and they were very nice and I felt like a total fool, but that's all right. He he didn't he didn't he didn't dwell
on that part. Thank you. >> Thank you, Barbara. It's I'm sure if Chief's not watching, we'll make sure we pass it on. Anyone else have any questions or comments? Jim, anyone online?
Anyone? No. Okay. Can I have a motion to close the public hearing? >> So moved. >> I have a second. All in favor? >> Christina, what do you got for us? Honestly, I'm still thinking about our
third grade guest. That was probably the most terrible thing seen all year. Um, other than that, uh, no report for me, actually. >> All right. I can just say, Ben, there's no confusion today. >> Taking T taking it back. So, this is my,
uh, >> my chance. Thank you, mayor. Um, start off with a Broadwalk update. Um, in my opinion and many others, it's been an amazing start to the 2026 season. I was just down there with my kids at the kids takeover. Um, and I continue to be
surpris I shouldn't be surprised, but um, as designed, the uh, turnout for each of the different programmed events that I've been to at least in the past couple weeks has been very impressive. um everyone's running a tight ship and it almost seems to be self-p policing to
a degree where we're putting out a really nice product for people and they you know treat it with respect where you know in past years I think it might have been easier to toss trash around and whatnot but you know appreciate the hard work everyone put into it and continues to put into it and we're going to be
committed to keep making it better and better. Um some data to back that up. Uh we have our Placer AI technology um that we partner with River Center on now. So we're able to see the visitors that come in and out of town and where they dwell.
Um Friday, May 15th, which was the kickoff in the comparison the same day on 2025, there was 2,300 visitors in 2025 compared to 3,500 um this past year or this current year. Uh it's a 52% increase year-over-year.
Uh, Saturday, May 16th, the next day was Dog Walk on Broadwalk. We had 3,300 in 2025, and this year we had 5,400, and that's a 64% increase. Um, so that's really promising, and I think it'll just keep uh getting more and more solidified
as the summer goes on. Um, the average dwell time for those um visitors was approximately an hour and a half. And uh the majority of visitors are from Redbank, obviously, Middletown, Little Silver, Homeell, Eatentown, and Freehold. So, casting a wide net and uh
creating a downtown for more than just Redbank, which is really unique. Um, continuing with the downtown, long awaited bookstore in Redbank opening. Welldeserved, looks awesome. Crazy Story Books. Uh, the ribbon cutting this Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. Uh, that's on 42 M Street where
Fabilia used to be right across from Toast. Um, so I'm sure they'll get plenty of support, but it looks like a really nice space and, uh, really pumped to have it in town. Um, while walking around today, I noticed that Ora Coffee Roasters opened up on Broad Street where
Good Life Organic used to be. Um, seems like an awesome vibe. Uh, sit there with a laptop and hang out all day. Uh, they have big accordion doors opening up to their outdoor area. So, it's a really nice thought and effort put into it and, uh, excited to see people patronize
that. And last but not least, uh this morning, mayor, I saw you there at the Habport ribbon cutting for their latest property on 2527 Wall Street. Um I just want to say it's great to see their work continue with the burrow. Um they fill an important gap, I would say, in the
larger housing crisis that often doesn't get focused on and I'm really proud that we support their continued mission. So that's all I got. And Marine Park's looking awesome. Really pumped for that. So >> thank you, Laura. Um, I think the library's bathroom is
finally fixed if I I'm correct. Did you hear about that, Jim? It is. It's fixed. Yay. Took a while, but it's done. Um, so that's the update on the library. We haven't had our meeting this month yet. Dog walk on Broadwalk, which Ben mentioned, was really fun. I was there
all day. A lot of people showed up and participated. Um the mayor's wellness, they're actually having a event tonight. Um resources for seniors at the Parker Clinic. Um so that's going on as we speak. And I think that's about it for
um we're looking forward to uh lunch breaks, giving out um knapsacks and sneakers in August. And so we're planning for that and being part of that day. But that's about it for us. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Nancy. You got anything? Uh
yes I do, mayor. Um well uh the EC green team is grateful to see the native plant ordinance introduced. I'm very proud of the way that they went about it. They came up with a sample ordinance uh shared it through planning and zoning
and engineering to get their comment and feedback. So it came through as a pretty solid ordinance. Uh very proud of the work they did with that. Uh the shade tree committee is very happy to see the new trees being planted in marine parks. So you know they're happy to know that
55 new trees are coming in. Um also uh I received a request and I'll be sharing it with uh council is that uh Clean Water Action is looking for local electeds to support the New Jersey warehouse and port pollution reduction
act aka the kids clean air zone policy. Uh that would be the Senate Bill S2339A, Assembly A2740. So um I think that's pretty interesting. And the second thing or the last thing
rather, keeping it short and sweet, I want to thank everybody who's out there fighting the good fight at Delaney Hall to help protect our immigrants. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Thank you, mayor. Um
excited that we've moved forward with our push carts. Um two uh were awarded tonight. Um Blue Range Hospitality um describing their food, you know, they're having American food, so looking forward to that. And then Jalapeno snacks, which is going to have Mexican
snacks and one of my favorite things, which is futural locas. So very excited. Great refreshing snack for the summer. Um and yeah, shut it down. Shut down Delaney Hall. Close the camps. Thank you. >> Um
went to the uh the wake of my neighbor Bob Telerico. Um really nice turnout. Um it was important to a lot of people. The the apparatus the apparati what what's plural apparatus? All right. were uh in
front of his house on Harrison today with the ladders extended and the big American flag flying. It was a really beautiful beautiful tribute to a beloved figure. He will be missed. Um yeah, as as uh Ben mentioned, we're at the Habcore ribbon cutting
um on Wall Street and uh yeah, it'll be providing uh homes for for three families. Um, it also meets some of our uh our low-income housing requirements. Um, and always happy to partner with Havocore.
They have a couple properties in town and they're a wonderful organization. And, uh, I will not be here at the next council meeting. You'll be in the capable hands of Deputy Mayor Triano. I'm going to Los Angeles to catch the opening game of the World Cup and I'm
not apologizing for it. So, uh, we'll see if I can, you know, maybe I can stream in from the meeting. Um, yeah, that's all I got. Jamie, you got a anything to add? >> Yes, sir.
>> U first, I want to thank the mayor and council for their support with the passing of the resolution uh for working with you guys for three more years. Um, I'm truly looking forward to it. And >> what's that? little thing like that.
Yeah. Uh it's really big and and truthfully it it means a lot for the staff here that they know the continuity of leadership that's in this building and um I'm looking forward to being at the helm of that for another three years. Uh with that said, today I
attended the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association mini conference. It was a half day conference in Edison where we talked about um redevelopment projects, rehabilitation projects, how towns navigate those um and the different nuances in those agreements
with developers. So, it was good to get in a room with a bunch of uh municipal managers and professionals to um kick around how other people are handling and navigating those situations, too. Uh just yesterday we had our public works celebration at uh DPU to honor our
public works employees with a barbecue for uh National Public Works Week. So again, I just want to give my my thanks and appreciation to all the hardworking uh men and women over there at public works um under the leadership of of
Terrence and uh Jerry um who do a tremendous job just day in and day out. Um, this past week also too met with uh our grant writer and engineer about going over the uh 2026
uh New Jersey DOT grants and uh discussing projects and using our Violytics program to identify streets in the bureau that are in need of resurfacing and repair. um in that grading system, we were able to kind of hone in on certain streets that are
worse off than others and prioritize those. And then in that at that same vein, I asked then our engineer Mike Riser to take a look at what the obviously the subterrain conditions are that we have to consider as well in those projects. Um it's unlikely that we really just want to focus on a
resurfacing project. Sometimes there's a need for that. Um, but I really want to take a holistic look at this street from the uh, subterrain infrastructure as well too, so that we're making, you know, good investments with our money um, that's just beyond asphalt.
Um, mayor, uh, hats off to you for MCing a great Memorial Day ceremony uh, this past uh, Monday. Um, and to our comm's team here, um, Adriana, Fatima, and Joanna, they did a great job, uh, pulling that ceremony together, and it's
always a great tribute to have in the burrow and get a bunch of our community partners and and the community together as well. I want to remind everybody that June 18th and June 19th, we have our um, World Cup watch parties. Uh, those are going to be at Count Basy Park. We have
a really big event planned for that um utilizing our $50,000 grant from NJ economic development and uh that we were awarded from the state. Um so we're going to do a tremendous job there just bringing a great community event um at
Count Basy Park, but at the same time we're also bringing a watch party to Broadwalk on June 11th. Um so that's going to be kicked off too with uh Brian Kirk and the Jerks as a as a band act. um to go along with that watch party.
So, it's going to be three great events um utilizing that grant. And uh just another highlight of just the great work that this this these employees do here. We were just awarded again uh $10,500 um grant through the Central Jersey
Health Insurance Fund for our employee wellness program. So, uh, that's the second year in a row and, uh, we do a lot of great events for the employees here and it's really appreciated and it goes a long way and really we have an emphasis on, uh, our employee wellness and I think it makes a big difference
uh, for the culture of the organization. That's all, mayor. Thank you very much, >> Jim. I just have to say it makes a huge difference as as somebody who's been serving for seven years. You have completely changed the culture of the bureau. And I believe that anybody could
ask any employee of the burrow if that is the case and every single employee of the burrow would say that you have accomplished that. Um, and I remember when you first started some of them having that hesitation, people being
like, is he is this is guy is this really who this guy is? And you truly are. You truly are that phenomenal of a leader and we are so fortunate to have you in Redbank. So, thank you so much for staying with us. Thank you for doing
your contract with us. We could not be accomplishing what we are accomplishing right now as a burrow if we did not have you. So, you know, and the employee wellness program is paramount and our employees appreciate it so much. But I
saw this place when it was at its lowest and I am seeing it now in a completely different way and and you did that. So I really hope that you absorb that and it's a beautiful thing. So thank you.
We're we're very grateful for you, Jim. >> Yes. >> Bless you. >> Thank you, Jim. We're really grateful for you. It's gonna fade back into the >> um anything else? No. Can I have a motion to adjurnn? I have a second.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Yes. >> Thank you. Yes. Now we can have a nice >> chat. That's all right. Oh, what's that? >> Bye. Oh, bye.
Charles, what was your question?