Call to order. Good evening everyone. The date is January 28th, 2026. The time is 6:00. And I'd like to call this public meeting of the Rochelle Park Township Committee to order. Open public meeting act. Pursuant to the Open Public Meeting Act, notice of the
January 28th, 2026 meeting was published on the Township website on January 7th, 2026 in the Bergen Record and Herald News on January 11, 2026 and the Hourtown on January 22nd, 2026. Notice of the close session meeting was
published on the Township website and transmitted to the Bergen Record in Herald News on January 23rd, 2026. Copies of all notices are on file with the township clerk and have been available to the public. Roll call, please. >> Okay. Um, mayor, uh, committee woman and
deputy mayor Tinsky will be running a bit late today. Uh, committee woman judge Corbelloo >> here. >> Committee N Smith >> here >> and Mayor Millis >> here. >> All right. At this time, I'll ask for a motion to adopt resolution number 26-054
authorizing the township committee to enter close session to discuss legal issues, litigation, and potential litigation, contract negotiations, and attorney client privilege matters. Topics include toll for realy litigation, website contract ascend contract negotiation, fair share housing
matters involving the bank diner property, sanitary pump station matters and personnel matters including DPW job title removal and creation and a building department job title. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please.
>> Committee woman judge. >> Uh, yes. >> Committee member. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Miller. >> Yes. Thank you. The township committee will now enter close session for approximately 1 hour after which we'll return to public session for further action.
We are now in close session. Uh we ready? We're ready. Thank you everybody for your patience. Can I get a motion to come out of close session? >> Can I have a second? >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. Committee woman.
>> Yes. Okay, committee members >> here, >> deputy mayor is here but not at the Mayor Mill. >> Yes. Wonderful. Please rise and join me for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may be seated.
All right. All right. Uh first item on our agenda is a presentation. Um so we're going to be recognizing uh new members of our search team. So I want to invite up Mr. Pete Donatello and the new members of the search team to
the front of the desk for the presentation. >> Wherever is comfortable for you. This is great. >> You guys want to stand? You want to have your back here? see you because it's a great time to recognize our two new search graduates, Gloria O'Brien and
Adora Angela Carella. Uh it's reassuring to know our community there are still people who step forward not just when skies are blue but when danger threatens our township and along with our members are individuals willing to assist our neighbors in the times of need. Through
recent advanced training, they have shown unwavering commitment to being ready when our community needs them the most. In times of crisis and uncertainty, the courage, selflessness, and dedication remind us of the true meaning of service and community. Their
training included basic preparedness and working within the incident command system in NIS, the national incident management system, disaster psychology, disaster medical operations, disaster fire suppression, terrorism awareness, and life search and rescue. They also
successfully completed a comprehensive final exam, including rigging and practical exercises and they were able to apply their training in performing search and rescue on fire simulating conditions, hands-on fire extinguisher operations, and removing a trap victim
under a trailer and recognizing the hidden hazards associated with that type of exploitation. Congratulations to Lori and Angela on this outstanding achievement and your commitment to serving our community. Thank you. Thank you so much and congratulations.
All right, our first item of discussion is the 2026 revaluation. Um, so the assessor Ed Brown and representatives from ASI were present at the township special meeting on January 14th. Uh, and the township uh did put out some social
media to inform residents about the reassessment letters that would be arriving and those letters arrived in mailboxes around January 20th. residents have begun meeting with uh representatives from the appraisal company uh in the senior center and details on how to meet with a
representative from ASI are included in the assessment letter, but we've invited the assessor back as well as the representative from ASI to answer any additional questions. So, please come on down. Good evening, mayor and committee. Um,
just to follow up from my last uh appearance here or maybe just to reiterate a few of the things that were said last time in case anybody was here. Uh, the evaluation, as we all know, the preliminary numbers have been completed as you just mentioned. Uh, letters have
been sent to the taxpayers of the town. Um you know the big story here specific to Rochelle Park is that there is there has been a shift in the rael base. Um some of the tax burden has moved off of the commercial properties and onto the residential properties.
As such we are seeing um some increases on average although not every property and we're talking about averages here. Um but an an average increase of roughly about $950 for the average taxpayer. Um those numbers of course will will change
from property to property. So that's kind of the big story here. Um if anybody wants to meet with um I just I urge everybody actually to meet with a representative appraisal systems go over the property record card, make sure it's
accurate. Um if there are any issues, um they can have that corrected. They can reinspect the property. um there might be something that they were unaware of that you could make them aware of um and that might affect the value. Additionally, any properties that we
didn't that the valuation company didn't get into. Um case law dictates that we have to estimate a property to the highest reasonable potential. So in that situation, um we have to we're forced to assume that the interior of the property might be renovated. Um if there's a
basement, that basement might be finished. If there's an attic, that attic might be finished. Maybe we have more bathrooms than really are than there really are in the house. So, it's important that we accurately assess each property. Um, so I urge anyone who didn't let their evaluation company in
uh to contact appraisal systems and uh set up an inspection of the property. >> And just to piggyback that just real quick, um when you call, let them know you're calling for an inspection. Don't waste your time of having a meeting when you're going to review inaccurate data.
So if you do if you're aware that no one came inside or they can check for you, please make um an appointment for an inspection immediately for that. >> And also uh I know Bayor that you mentioned that we are conducting meetings in the senior center. Uh if that's not convenient for anyone, um
plenty of meetings are also be uh schedu are also scheduled over the phone voice meetings. Um, they can also get copies of the property record card if they email uh the appraisal appraisal systems or the reval company. Um, the email address is very simple. Roshchelle Park
at NJ.com. Um, it's also on the letter that uh the property owners received. >> Wonderful. Do you know how many appointments have been made thus far? >> Um, approximately 115. So, >> all right. Any questions from the township
committee? >> So I know there's a couple of questions about the um with the seniors. Thank you. Um could you talk a little bit about that please? >> Yes. So um there is a program that that it's known as PTR property tax
reimbursement but also better known as the senior freeze um which you mentioned. Um anybody who's in that program their taxes are are frozen. So, if they are seeing an increase from their evaluation, um, when their tax bills come due, and this doesn't take
effect, even though it's going to be effective for the entire 2026 tax year, these changes in assessment won't actually hit until the 2026 tax bills are are uh due. Um, which is going to be the bills will be mailed out in the late spring, early summer of 2026. But if
anybody has their taxes frozen, um, effectively they're still going to be paying the same taxes they have been since the property was frozen. they'll have to pay out if there is an increase, they'll have to pay out more now, but they'll re be reimburse the difference between where their base year was and um
where the taxes will be in 2026. And the other thing to mention too is the senior freeze is always a year behind. So, the applications have yet to come out towards the 2026 tax year. Typically, they're released by the Division of Taxation in late February, early March,
but they'll be working on the 2025 tax year. So, anybody who's eligible for the senior freeze who's not in the program, if they were to enroll in it uh this year in 2026, they would be setting their base year at 2025. Hence, if they're um looking at a big
increase or any type of increase for 2026, it'll be mitigated by the senior freeze, they'll be reimbursed uh from from that the difference between that base year and where the taxes are uh in 2026. >> And that's a question that I got as well. So why do the seniors have to pay
their taxes upfront first just to be reimbursed nearly a year later? >> Well, you you're when you pay your taxes, you're paying your local taxes, meaning you're paying them um to the to the township and we collect on behalf of the county and the schools. When they're being reimbursed, we're it's not the
township reimbursing, it's the state reimbursing. So, we need to be made whole. We have budgets that need operation. Um but the division of taxation does have this program to give seniors relief but it's it's coming from a different place. So they do of course
they still need to pay uh their traditional taxes but once those those checks are issued by the division of taxation uh they'd be made whole. >> Great. Anything else from the township committee? All right. So I'm going to make a uh a motion to open up to public
comment limited to the 2026 revaluation. >> Have a second. A second. >> Roll call. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman George Carmelo. >> Yes. >> Committee member Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Joinsky. >> Yes. Mayor Miller.
>> Yes. All right. Public comment is now open in case anybody has any additional questions for our assessor or the representative from ASI. Seeing or hearing nobody, can I ask for a motion to close public comment? Motion
>> second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman George Corella? >> Yes. >> Committee Menson? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Jinsky? >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller? >> Yes. Wonderful. Thank you both so much for coming. We really appreciate it. >> Have a great evening.
>> You too. >> Thank you. >> All right. Up next, discussion regarding our flood damage prevention ordinance. Um, we're joined by our flood plane manager, James Di Maria, who will walk us through this
ordinance. >> Yeah, come on up, James. You can take a seat. Oh, you've got a presentation. >> Uh, last slidesh want that. >> Um, yeah. You know what? just to go over
some just key points. Not to wor everybody, but just as big changes um that you know anybody that lives in a zone prepared for you. All right. So, um
good afternoon everybody. So, a few months ago, uh we gave this uh presentation regarding uh this model ordinance that uh all the municipalities within the state of New Jersey are required to adopt. We currently have a flood damage prevention ordinance in
place but it's it's minor in nature. So through code change um the um UCC which is the uniform construction code changed requirements for the requirements for building limits. So right now a lot of work could
be done on your property without requiring a permit. And that goes from, you know, ripping out and, you know, rehearing your walls, direct replacement of your bathrooms, direct replacement of your kitchens, uh, regrouping, new siding. Uh, these
were all, you know, significant uh, you know, revenue generating items, you know, facility departments and oversight. So you know when you know the work's done you know you get the average assessment uh so the town's now missing out on a lot of that and the insurance
companies are also missing out on a lot of this. So that was the reason for uh creating this new model ordinance because what this now does is if your house is located in the flood plane, you're not going to get an inspection, but you're going to be required to get a
flood plane development permit. And um the caveat of this flood plane development permit is it's more of a tracking tool. They don't want us physically inspecting the work. They want us to keep tabs on all these properties within a flood zone to see how much money is going into these
houses because the more money that goes into a house, the more the insurance payout is when it floods. Um, so we all know with all the natural disasters throughout, you know, the United States, uh, the insurance companies are constantly paying out and they really
can't afford to do it. Um, even now when you do elevate your house, your insurance no longer goes down. used to go down to a bare minimum, you're still paying full premium price. So, um, in the big picture, how does it affect,
you know, this township? Well, typically when it was flood, uh, you know, a lot of the, you know, veterans in the the flood areas, they had their routine down, they knew that they're going to cut out, you know, the bottom floor in their sheetrock, riot out the insulation, prevent holes build up, and
reheat rocks. and at least have a habitable place to live and really not have to be relocated if you know they could. Now, unfortunately with this regulation before you can do any work, you pretty much have to tell the town how much
you're, you know, spending and we have to evaluate it to see if it's going to be substantial improvement or a substantial damage. Um, which will slow down the people getting back into their house, which isn't good during times of an emergency. So that's probably,
you know, one of the bigger issues with this, but it's totally unavoidable. The other part is there's a look back period. Um, so the town's had an option of either selecting a 10, five or threeear look back. Um, the town of
Warell Park after, you know, discussion decides to go with a three-year look back. Um, and that three-year look back is three years cumulative consistently throughout the life of the property after the adoption of this
ordinance. So, like I said, we're going to be required to keep track of uh, you know, the expenditure. So, a substantial improvement is when you exceed 50% of the improved value of your house, not
the land, just the house. So, for Matt's sake, if their house is worth uh, you know, in this market a little higher, thank God, but if you had a poor market, it would be less. If the approved value of your house was $400,000
in a three-year cycle, you couldn't exceed $200,000 in work. Um, so if you just, you know, if you if you're a developer, you come in, you buy a house in the flood zone and you want to beautify this house and
you go spend $150,000 on a, you know, new roof, new siding, redoing all the bathrooms, and then, you know, that individual sells the house, that new owner only has $50,000
left before they go over into a substantial improvement. So, if they move in and next week they get hit with a flood and have $55,000 in damage and exceed that $200,000, like $5,000, we
have to notify the insurance company, not issue a permit, and then they have to elevate the house out of their pocket. And we're going, you know, through just two minor elevations in town, and what's that cost them? $350,000.
So just imagine the impact and you can see you know not everybody here that lives in a flood zone is even aware of this. So it's going to be a big surprise to a lot of people and that's why we tried our best to you know get it out there. you know, you know, we spoke at
uh, you know, the OEM uh, conference in May, you know, that was, you know, unfortunately, you know, not well attended, but there was somebody from another municipality going, "Oh my god, my counter just adopted this." And they didn't tell us any of this. And, you know, that's the unfortunate side of
this. But, um, you know, all Bergen County was required to adopt this by July 2025. Um, you know, we're a little, you know, past the deadline, but it's a very serious, uh, you know, ordinance with, you know, major implications and
it's, you know, not an easy decision. There's no fighting it. You know, we have no choice to adopt it. If we do not adopt it, we get kicked out of the National Insurance, the NFIP, and without the NFIPs, you cannot get a fedally backed mortgage, which means
nobody would be able to buy a house in the Rosell Park, but a mortgage. you have cash. So they really, you know, there's no way around unfortunately. So you know that's the brief scenario and synopsis on this and you know it'll be
adopted tonight and the enforcement. >> Thank you James. Any questions from the township committee to the public? James, uh, who determines that valuation? Is that FEMA or is that the township and including yourself, the flood plan manager? >> What the approved value?
>> Yeah. >> So, uh, typically prior our old ordinance would only allow based on what's on the tax rules. Um, when they did this, they now give you multiple options where, you know, thankfully now
you can use the market rate. So in times like today, that market rate is great for, you know, the person wanting to do work. But if you were to take yourself back to a 2008 when the market crashed, that $400,000,
you know, might be only $200,000 and $100,000 is, you know, pretty much roof sighting and, you know, maybe a few other things in, you know, this climate. So, you know, but that's how it would be a third party app. Great. Thank you.
>> Right. Thank you, James. So, can I get a motion to open public comment limited to the flood damage prevention ordinance? >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman Judge Cabllo. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Public comment is now open. Limited to the flood damage prevention ordinance. Thank you. Question is going to be for James Republic emergency management. James, you mentioned accumulation back
of 3 years. Yes. Could you just maybe explain to the folks what the book process was instead of going back five, but you had an option two or seven or 10 and why you chose three instead of making it a long term? Yeah. So, if if you went with a 10-year uh look back, um
it would be, you know, pretty damaging uh to the homeowner's pocket because there's a pretty good chance within a 10-year period, you would definitely exceed that improved value. By going to grade three, you know, although it's not in line what the insurance companies,
you know, want, but it's a little easier. So, you know, God forbid, you know, you know you need a new roof, but you're close. You know, you can maybe push it forward a year and wait to do the roof to kind of, you know, work
within that threeyear cycle. Um, so that was our um, you know, look at that. And that's what you know, some other towns did. Some other towns didn't even look through it and they just adopted it, but every town's affected totally differently when it comes to play. you
know, Saddle Brook, you know, maybe adopted it as is. And, you know, I think um Florida, I think Wesley, you know, they they took the tenure. So, you know, it ever came down to enforcement, if they ever had, you know, a freak incident, you know, I don't know how much, you know, they, you know, they
could be hurting a lot of their residents with not doing their due diligence on those orders. So in essence, what you did is you protected several homes because we went through a significant flooding in 2021 and then going back to 2018 even we protected all
of those residents by a three year instead of a longer look back. >> Yeah. So so thankfully you know that threeear roll back doesn't start until the time of adoption. We won't be looking 3 years back. So we'll be starting with a fresh threeyear bank. But you know the way the climate and the weather is you know look you get hit
twice in one year and you really never know. Um it might be you know three is better than five when it comes to basic. >> Thank you. Anyone else question >> please
the evaluation is that considered just for this going to be evaluation now 5 years from now our properties go down in value okay what what is going to be used when it will be five years from now you know what I'm saying or would it
still be based on what it is today. >> Yeah. Well, so you know that's the nice part of this. They do give you a little, you know, flex. >> So, you know, right now we're at, you know, 100% or 99%. So, pretty much what
people properties assess at right now is, you know, pretty much close to market rate without that factor ratio built in. But it's it's up to our discretion and typically, you know, look, we're not going to want to, you know, really hurt somebody and, you know, cost them 400,000. So, as long as
on paper, you know, it shows that either they're compliant with what's on the tax rule or the third party appraisal, we're operating within the scope, you know, of the ordinance, you know, and that's the only leeway they kind of gave us in this because prior they wouldn't even allow
anybody to get a third party appraisal because they took the stance where, well, it's not fair, you know, he might be able to afford it, uh, you know, third party appraisal, but this poor person might not. So, you have to go, you know, with what's on the cut out. >> Yeah. So, you do have a little flex in
that depending on you what you've done might not circumstance. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Seeing or hearing no one. Uh, can I ask for a motion to close public comment? >> Motion.
>> Got a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman George Carell. >> Yes. Committee Man Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. >> Yes. Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> James, while you're still nearby, let's
talk uh commercial dumpster ordinance. I'll just provide a little context here. We've been getting complaints from businesses in town that are seeing um dumpsters in the roadway near them. Uh they've been sharing that that garbage has been spilling, showing up on uh
their business property. Um so I contacted Mr. Di Maria uh for some feedback and uh he'll share it out right now. >> All right. Uh so just to inform you know the committee uh so after receiving uh
you know the complaint uh the zoning ordinance was looked at and uh back in 2011 uh an ordinance was adopted 185-103 hem uh which required enclosures around all dumpsters that are visible from
street level. uh this section of or or this uh statue was locked into a section that would pertain to no different than if you were to buy a boat and you started um you know storing it in your
front yard. Um so it's a automatic enforcement action you know 30 days to get it done. Uh the only issue with putting this there I guess in 2011 uh and I don't know you know what tendency review it
was even ever looked at but now you have a situation where the business would get cited if they have a visible dumpster from street level which uh our code enforcement officer went out and did a survey and that's about between 30 and
35 businesses. Uh so all those businesses after receiving a violation for this uh would then have to submit an application to the land use board because it falls under site plan approval because you know adding a dumpster enclosure could affect this the
circulation or you know vehicle circulation. It could remove parking um and uh this comes at a major expense you know. So, uh, if, uh, the committee decides that, you know, they're in favor
with keeping this part of the requirement here, you know, it's going to cost each business about $30,000, you know, and it's going to be, you know, rather, you know, burdensome on, you know, the landings board and the bank, you know, if anybody wants to come
and develop here, you know, to make an application. So, um I would, you know, I would strongly suggest that, you know, maybe, you know, they refer to this section of the ordinance, you know, to the land board and and discuss the best way, you know, to handle it. And there's not even a guarantee that some of these
businesses are even going to be able to comply with this and, you know, we just have to, you know, grant additional variances that might end up with the same result. Um, so that's that section for the commercial end. And then at the same time we started discussing the
residential aspect because there was a complaint regarding a uh property in town. Uh you know currently the police department issues dumpster permits for when dumpsters are located on the street. There's no permit requirement when it's located on private property.
Uh so you know as a recommendation you know the board uh you know the town committee should look at you know a broader scope of also requiring some type of permitting for when a residential property gets a dumpster. Reason why uh you don't have to charge a
fortune for the permit but it almost helps as a fact. If you're getting a dumpster why are you getting a dumpster? Are you doing work on your property? Are you moving out? Um and also sets, you know, sets a time frame of how long the permit could be issued for for you don't have dumpsters sitting on properties for
three, you know, four, 5 months. Uh also, where could it be placed on private property? Do you want it in the driveway? Do you want it on, you know, the grass? you know, the reason why it might not be there is because of the overnight parking. Maybe you know, you know, since, you know, there was always
always overnight, you know, parking, uh, you know, limitations, they never even wanted a dumpster in the driveway because where would those people park, you know, so he would either be dumpster in the driveway or, you know, dumpster on the street. So, it's just one thing to look into. You know, I know, you
know, the committee's, you know, big on beautifification of the town. you know, this is something that, you know, it's a little bit, you know, just more on the residents to be able to come to get a permit, but, you know, I think it's a good outweigh, you know, for that. And then you can also address, you know, how
long a dumpster could be on the street. I don't know, you know, police department, you know, sets amount of time. I'm not too sure, but, you know, that's the dumpster. >> Thank you so much. Um, yeah. You know, I
think that we should enforce the ordinances that we have. Um, I I hear what you're saying, but I think that we're basically in between two options. If we don't enforce, then we're going to have dumpsters in the roadway with really no consequence to these businesses. Um, the other option is that
they have to enclose them and they'll have to appear before the land use board. The land use board could obviously offer exceptions to businesses that make their case, but ultimately I think that we should enforce the ordinances that we have. I'd love to hear from the rest of the township committee.
>> I'd like to speak. Uh being a former member on the zoning board years ago and currently on the land use board, every application that came before us had to have an enclosure. Every new business, every existing business, they had to be enclosed. And whether it was just some
fencing around it with some gates, but yes, on the property, having the ability to open the gates, swing them open and get around traffic if there's traffic on the property coming in and out and just for ve, you know, uh garbage for for the roll roll off dumpsters. uh the the the
regular ones that are picked up weekly. You know, those having those having those um stipulations in their approval of how they get in and out and what times they can get in and out so it doesn't burden the traffic and burden the day. That's
all part of the land use board now. And I was part of the zoning board before and I think if we I wasn't aware of that that existed that you just brought out. Um, but I do know, >> but in in agreement with uh with the
mayor, I I think feel the same way. I think, you know, the land use board certainly can uh grant for hardships, right? So, if a business comes to force and they have a hardship, well, we're not talking about a financial hardship. If they have a hardship, they can't figure out a way to get that enclosure in, they've been existing, they
certainly could get that get relief from us. uh you know it's it's it's not not unreasonable but to just circumvent the ordinance completely and I I think that I agree with the mayor on that >> mayor just ask a question >> go ahead yes you had stated James it was
about $30,000 to go before the landing I'm just explain that >> yeah so you know uh general number so in order to appear you you know it's a business so they would won't have to hire legal counsel to appear on their behalf they would have to you know post the township you know, escrow
application. Uh, since it's a site plan, uh, I assume some of these businesses might have been there, you know, quite some time. So, you know, they would have to hire an engineer to prepare, you know, a site plan and then depending on if it triggers more variances, it could
turn into a a major site plan. So, you know, an engineer is going to charge, you know, roughly around, you know, 10 to 15,000, maybe even more to prepare uh a site plan. I can only, you know, speak to like a site plan, you know, I had
purchased, you know, to to do on a property, you know, and that was 20,000. Um, so if you have that expense and then, you know, they got to come to the front of the board, you know, get the approval and then they still have to pay to do the enclosure.
On top of doing the enclosure, if they have to restart the parking lot, repaid, you know, it could farce $30,000 easily in this space. So it's just, you know, I'm not saying circumvent, but you know, maybe look to see where we could
put it and, you know, maybe slowly grandfather in or, you know, change it, you know. >> So by So by example, the bagel shop and the Shopright facility. I know they have a dumpster behind the building. It's just sitting there. No fencing. Same with the bank. Same with the hair salon.
Would the property owner have to pay for that or that's the individual business's responsibility? >> I guess it all depends how their their leases bring. Okay. >> You know, you got a triple net right here responsible. Um, but you know, this specific is only when it's visible on
street. So, if it's in the back of the building, technically it doesn't have to be exposed. Well, like I said, we already did the survey just to see the financial >> the back of that building. You can see from the section. That's why that's why I brought that one up. >> Yes. But there there's definitely 33
businesses that would most likely receive a zoning. >> Okay. >> So just you know it's you know just for everyone's you know well aware and you know >> then maybe maybe what we should do is
have a further this discussion with the land use board. I I would strongly recommend and see if there's a better you know maybe speak to see if there's come up with a reason to do this to you know maybe limit the expense maybe not
require you know them to go and get a full sight plan done >> right you know let me just say the the planning board although look if it's going to trigger variances and realignment of the parking there's no way to get around it but if it doesn't the planning board has the right to wave
one side plan requirements and even eliminate it and just they would come in >> look at the issue >> was that just to focus on the issue, >> right? And what would typically happen in that case is they'd come in with their existing survey and they'd show where the dumpster was located and and
then identify to the uh board, you know, how you know its location basically. And again, as long as it doesn't trigger uh having to redo the parking lot and all those other issues, the planning board would it would be appropriate for them
to wave a formal site plan. But more than likely, if you required all the other work that was just mentioned, you would need a site plan for that. you know, if you had to, you know, reconfigure your parking and
and so not if you had to re even to realign or realign your parking, that wouldn't require a site plan either, >> right? >> And if they have excess spaces, let's say the parking requirement is 40 spaces. Now, they're going to go to 39, but that still complies with the ordinance. You wouldn't need a formal
site plan for that either because they're still exceeding the parking requirement. So, you have this the board has discretion, right? ju but just put into consideration that these 33 properties the reason why the dumpsters in front of the building is because they're unique lots where they're
limited on space. That's the only issue. But you know totally you know agree with you know Mr. Sino you know you know waving you know that maybe additional you know burden of having to get an actual site plan you know we got you know aerial imagery. It's all what the
board professionals are going to be comfortable, you know, with doing. And, you know, they're still going to have to do a resolution. So, you're still putting, you know, this into, you know, the record. It's not like, okay, you should put it there. You know, it's it's going to stay, you know, with it and then a few years from like, oh, why did
this go? So, but, you know, obviously I think, you know, there needs to be some type of discussion to really saying, you know, this is how we're going to, you know, do. That's just my personal.
>> So also on the residential end, you know, from a police perspective and safety, putting a 30 yard or 40 yard container on the street like the one on El Dorado, I think we were talking about visibility. I mean, that's a pretty to
me that's a pretty dangerous dangerous situation. The line of visibility around a dumpster like that and and you can't see. So I believe it's state around the other side of that car. >> It's not like coming out behind a park car. >> And unfortunately state statute only
speaks to reflective devices warning motorists of of the vehicle, not so much if you can see around it. Um so yeah, I think putting a time frame on it does make sense and you know >> maybe a size requirement. Uh sometimes people don't have enough front lawn like these houses they're being raised so they need to be able to access the front
where the equipment's going to you know jack up the house. But I know we had one on Parkway recently and they put it on the lawn and I received complaints about it being on the lawn that it was on site, but it's u you know there's there's a balance somewhere to talk talk to the point of during a construction
site like that too in the early phases of a construction site like that where you're lifting a home, right? You're doing demolition in the beginning. You bring a 20 yard dumpster and not a 40 yard dumpster in. You bring it in, you load it up, you pull it out of there. You don't leave it. You know, I know guys like to leave a 40 yard dumpster cuz they don't want to pay an extra 400
bucks or $300 to drop another dumpster and have it carded out. But in a case like that, you know, it's put it on the street or pay $300, get it out, get another one back when you need it. You know, I I mean, that's we got to be reasonable to the residents and people driving up and down the block and the safety of the people that are here. also
for the DPW to be able to plow properly and get around. And that, you know, I think we got to be reasonable both aspects. >> Well, that's why, you know, this the street dumpster permit, you know, would have to go through, you know, the police department, the DPW, you know, you don't know if work's planned or, you know,
significant snowfall. So, you know, just a little more oversight, you know, on that and then there'll be oversight on the residential set in that time frame. You know, right now you have nothing. So if if you put a you know a time limit a 10day time limit on that dumpster on that residential property plus the
contractor is going to be forced to you know like you said >> um bring a dump if I may through your chair. >> Go ahead. >> And again you know Mr. Dar mentioned the overnight parking and for those of us that have you know ventured into other towns that allow on street and overnight
parking to see the mess left behind after this snowstorm. It's and I was speaking with the burrow administrator in Loi today saying it's just a war zone. Um so yeah, you know to to force those dumpsters into the driveway and putting the cars doesn't accomplish anything in this time of year. So you
know we we need to just look at it all and you know talk about the on street dumpsters. So thank you James. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. So James, you're just talking about when we're talking about the dumpsters and the ones that are pretty much permit for the businesses, correct?
>> Okay. Not the not the ones that are somebody >> just the commercial. >> Correct. Yes. >> Right. So that's what you're talking about has to have the enclosure on them in that aspect. But if a dumpster is in a driveway and it's over burdened with too much material it's falling on the
property of others. >> That's that that's that's a property you're speaking about res I'm sorry you commercial res and you have residential. >> Yeah. So so residential you know twofold. So, you know, if it's overflowing with construction debris, obviously, you know, it's it's a
property maintenance, you know, issue and, you know, a violation, you know, would be, you know, issued for that. We we do have that those enforcement, you know, capabilities. You know, we could also say at night it's, you know, required to cover to prevent, you know, the wind from that >> that's actually in that's actually in
our current ordinance, right? It says nothing should be able to spill, leak from any dumpster, trash container. It's a general storm water management. Correct. You know, the inland and all that stuff. Um, but you know, this would be, you know, pretty much specific to
Rosell Park like, you know, any other town, you know, might might possibly do is, you know, how you want to control, you know, the dumpsters on your residential project, you know, you know, residential properties and, you know, even pots. You know, a lot of people call, oh, can I put a pot on my property? You know, you know what we do
right now? you know, we kind of give them like a temporary zoning permit, which, you know, it's just being created to make sure that that pod doesn't sit there for a year. Uh, you know, so you know, we just say, "Hey, look, yeah, you can have your pod. You're moving in, you know, 30 days." But it would be nice
just to have something because if I was ever challenged on it, I wouldn't be able to uh, you know, win that battle. So, um, Mayor, would you think that at this point we should consult maybe the other professionals and other boards to get their input and maybe have the
attorney look over to see about the resolution or or change? >> Yeah. No, I think that this definitely calls for an ordinance that creates a permit process and time frame for dumpsters on residential properties. So, let's make that a goal for >> residential and commercial.
Well, yes, but technically the commercial ordinance, we basically have the means to be able to begin enforcing that now unless we want to make an adjustment >> unless you want to put them together in the dumpster. I don't know how, you know, the residential ones you typically, you know, you would call it
like a rolloff permit, a roll up dumpster that comes the ones on commercial properties are, you know, smaller ones that are, you know, picked up by a private carting company where they have to wheel it out to the street, hook up, dump it, and then, you know, the, you know, property managers, you know, responsible for taking that back
up to the the physical enclosure, uh, or wherever it's resting places. So, two separate issues. You know, it might as well just loop it all into, you know, one session just for it's easily, you
know, enforceable. >> Thank you. So, let's revisit this for discussion in February uh with an ordinance uh hopefully ready by then as well. Thank you so much, Mr. D Maria. That can come up later.
>> All right. Up next, police department personnel. The police department is here. Thank you guys so much for being here. Uh at the December 11th public meeting, the police department did a presentation where they requested that a lieutenant position subject to an upcoming retirement be filled. Uh that
position was designated also as the special resource officer at our local school, Midland School. And in response, CLEO 3 uh has been assigned to the school and has been serving that role since the beginning of the year. And I believe it's appropriate to allow some more time to evaluate how the department
operates under the current arrangement before revisiting the idea of a promotion following further review by the township committee. So, are there any comments from members of the township committee regarding this? >> Yes, I may. Um there is an ordinance
that we have that um has a committee under state statute for uh so that committee can discuss this and then and I mean it's up to you of course to decide but on that committee certainly people that have in the ordinance um
would have to change the ordinance or not because it doesn't get specific of exactly >> the the existing ordinance This which is required actually to have what is called the appropriate authority
uh which primary focus is to uh provide some oversight with respect to ensuring that all the regulations are being followed in the police department. But any other authority that is given to the appropriate authority has to be given to it by the township committee either by
ordinance or if it's a if it's just a single instance by resolution. if it's a single distance. So for example, if the uh township committee wished for again and I'm referring to it
as the appropriate authority because that's how the statute refers to it. So if the township committee wishes for the appropriate authority to review whether a promotion should be made in the police department, you have the authority to
confess that to the appropriate authority. They can only make a recommendation which would then come back to the township committee for a final decision. >> So John, who is the appropriate authority? >> Your or your ordinance. Why don't we
start with the statute allows you to name one person from the governing body, to name multiple people from the governing body, to name the administrator, to include the administrator, to name uh uh the uh police chief. Your ordinance names three
individuals, the uh mayor uh committee person who's the I believe the police liaison and uh the burough administrator and police chief. However, in this case, since one individual has both the police
chief and uh administrative title, uh there's the appearance, not that to say that there is a conflict, it's the appearance of a conflict to >> for him to participate in making that determination. There would not be a conflict for him if a determination was
made to do so to participate in determining who should receive that promotion. But in terms of the decision whether a promotion is warranted that he would be procluded from that would only leave two members
based upon your order. So just to clarify since the administrator police chief can't be a part of this committee could the captain >> no any statute does the statute refers to a man a man manager which you don't
have some forms of government have a what they call a manager which is similar to the role of an administrator or an administrator or executive officer which would be in this case in Europe foreign government the administrator So again because of that conflict that
it uh excludes him. If you added a third member from your township committee which you could do >> that would be a quorum. >> That would be a quorum which would require you to advertise and have some of that discussion in public. So maybe able to be held in executive session but you'd have to go through the same
process you do as a regular meeting. >> So the only people that could be on this committee are myself and committee woman Terresa Judge Bell. >> Correct. All right. So, >> so I have a question if >> Yeah, please. >> Um,
>> so would an ordinance have to be changed? Would the ordinance have to be changed to do any specific the way the way you just explained it would have to be changed to to >> only if you want to make that permanent authority. Otherwise, if you don't want
to make it permanent, you this township committee would have to vote to authorize the appropriate committee to review and make a recommendation with respect to whether a promotion should be made uh in the police department.
>> Okay. >> Well, we can't do it as a resolution. >> No, no, you can. >> We can Yeah, resolution >> for the two of us to form a committee to discuss this >> as administrator. >> I'm sorry. I said you could terminate my administrators ro that I have no problem
with that if that's what it takes. All right, great. Uh any other responses, questions, comments? No. All right, thank you so much. So Teresa, we can
visit this at a later date. Let's move on to the 2025 open space grants. Dean, would you like to speak about this? >> Where we at, mayor? I'm sorry. Open space grant. >> Open space grant. So, we've been awarded Good news. Yes. Good news is we've been awarded $200,000. Probably one of the
highest um grant amounts out there for all of municipalities of Berg County that applied. U we the intent was to use it towards um improvements at Carlock Field, namely some ADA compliant playground equipment, resurfacing of the playground surface, which is horrific
down there. No, we got the word twice tonight. Terrific. Terrific. Um possibly a scoreboard and other improvements to the to the park area. So I'm excited about that and we will go from there. Y >> uh yes fencing as well. There's you know we put it and basically when you write
these grants you're coming up with a broad idea. I know Mayor Crellll and I walked the facility with Ker's engineering um a while ago when you know coming up with some ideas and things to do. So looking forward to uh once the grant contract is approved, we will go forward and um we just need to, you
know, seek funding on our end to do this project. But again, $200,000 is definitely among the highest uh given to any municipality in Bergen County. >> Awesome. That's great news. Can you can you reiterate to the public cuz it was a lot of noise. So, uh what what exactly is included? So, uh, we're looking to do
some ADA, um, compliant playground equipment, replace the playground surface, which has been a nightmare down at Carlock, and that alone is close to $200,000. Um, as well as some fencing, electronic scoreboard, um, some other, you know, miter upgrades to the park.
And again, and that can change, the scope of work can change within the the framework that we've laid out. >> Great. Thank you. >> Take away. >> So, I'll come next. Um, so the playground that we have there now in Matthews Field, um, at this time it's
not ADA compliant. >> Are your friend Carlock? >> I'm sorry, Carl. Sorry. Um, that's not ADA compliant at this time that we're going to look to get that moved into the ADA compliance. Is that what >> that was? One of the goals of it. Yeah. And I think, you know, by removing of the curbing, we should be able to do
that. And replacement of the surface. >> What curbing? >> This curbing around the playground subsurface right now. >> Coral. >> Correct. >> Oh, on the outside of it. >> Correct. Great. Thank you. >> Go ahead, Jen. >> One of the things I'm curious about when
we're redoing these parks, can we put in some sort of um equipment for people with disabilities >> and that was one of my goals was to actually get playground equipment that's ADA compliant. >> Correct. Correct. Yep. That was one of
my goals with this project and in within this. And just really quick, I know initially when those sprinklers were put in in carlock, I actually have good news on those. >> The pipe was put in the opposite direction, should be put in the inside. >> It wasn't not necessarily they were put in wrong. Um the manufacturer took back
their mystering heads and just last week I got information from them that not only they're not just repairing them, they actually built new ones to go and they'll be shipping them up in the springtime and coming up from Florida. They're actually doing a lot of work in some tropical islands right now, but they will come up themselves and install
it to make sure that it's working. >> So, yeah, it is good news. And we we still haven't paid them for it, so they're not getting paid until I see them working. >> Yeah, great news. Anyone else? >> All right, let's move right on to welcome signage. So, as we've talked a
lot about uh beautifification is a priority of this administration. That's why we've established a shade tree commission, environmental commission. We've adopted sustainable New Jersey. We've advanced completing green streets. But another great high visibility strategy would be welcome signage. Uh
Dean, can you provide an update on potential locations, funding opportunities, and next steps for what that looks like here in Rochelle Park? >> Yes, mayor. I've taken a playbook out of some other administrators uh in Bergen County that have done this type of work for for their town committees or
councils. Uh unfortunately, I reached out to a signed company. He promised me I'd have a a mockup and a um proposal today, but it's not here. Um however, we we have our letter ready to go that we can send out to local businesses. Our goal is we have about six to eight different locations. Some of the streets
that you come in off of are 17. Um obviously the one on East Safe Street could use a nice upgrade. The Ramada Hotel one is welcome signs currently being worked on by the scouts. Obviously the weather has kind of dampened that effort, but I look forward to their product or their finished product. Um but these welcome signs will be a little
bit smaller. Um anywhere but about $2500 to $3,000 depending on the size and and the amount of you know the location. And we can again ask local businesses. maybe some of our professional um you know professionals here in the town that that work for the town would want to you know
get their name out there. Um it worked very well like I said in several other Bergen County municipalities. Thank you to Michaela for helping me draw up uh a mockup of the sign and thank you to Gina for her um efforts on getting me the the letter. And you know as soon as I get these mockup from the Swan Sign Company, I'm going to seek other quotes as well
and I'll get that over to this committee to look at. >> Are these the same signs that we have at the gas stations? No, that's horrific. Again, that we're third. That's the third one today. That's um No, so they'll be a little bit smaller. Um and because again, we're going to look to
put them in locations kind of like on High Street at Essics, right? So, and and give the opportunity again as a fundraiser and for the business to get their name out or the professional. Um Easter sake, I think we could do a larger one and a nicer one. You know, I'd have I'm going to seek DOT approval. Again, 17 is going to be expanded, but
at least if we get something maybe even on that island close to the bridge as you're coming into town, but it'll be a little bit smaller. That one was designated by the zoning board, I believe, back when. Um, that was specked out. Uh, yeah, I I you know, it it is what it is. Um, but these would be a
little bit nicer. And again, I I will absolutely share with this committee the suggested products and the the mockups from the different sign companies as they come through. And the ones that I'm very familiar with are very nice. And you know, Elwood Park has similar ones as well if you've ever gone in.
>> So, we're going to go with metal uh for several reasons. Wood post, I know Dave's like, "Don't give me wood post cuz they rot." And then the metal will last longer. So, they'll just be decals on metal, but they they will look sharp. I can guarantee it. >> Great. Thank you. And I I think that it
would be great to uh bring in our uh community outreach committee, which uh Dian Verhassel is the chair of. that'd be great to get their support and reaching out to businesses as well. Getting volunteers involved, I think would be uh fantastic for this initiative.
>> So, I'm sorry. >> Go ahead. >> So, are you looking for businesses to donate? >> Yeah, they could they could actually sponsor the sign. So, there would be a standard welcome to Rochelle Park sign and then on the bottom would be a placard that says donated by uh you know
construction. >> Right. Right. Okay. Well, but Um, no pressure, but um, there you go, Matt. So, something like that would then be permanent on that. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, this would be on a metal sign
which has a thin post that I I saw a picture of. >> Correct. >> And it would go in order. How would you actually >> Well, we give, you know, you put it out there. We'll have a form where they can pick the location and, you know, whoever first come first serve and let's hope let's hope we have that problem. >> Well, that would be good, right? we can
get some donations and then maybe whatever we get we can get maybe a larger sign or whatever. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving right along to correspondence. Gina, >> mayor, we have uh one piece of correspondence that I would like to read
into the record. Everybody hear me? Speak very softly. Okay. So, this is um from Mr. Lee and he sent this over um high praises for our court administrator. I quote, "Awesome. Thank you so much for your help. Thank you for
being so patient and keeping me up to date. I couldn't have asked for any better. The court is lucky to have you." And again, this was just said by um somebody who had a very positive interaction with our court. >> So that's wonderful to them.
>> Thank you so much for sharing that. All right. Adoption of minutes. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the following meetings collectively? Executive session December 17, 2025. The sign meeting January 3rd, 2026. Reorg
January 3rd, 2026. Special meeting January 14th, 2026. And executive session, January uh 14, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Woman Fiji. >> Yes. Committee woman Judge Carell.
>> Yes. But I need to recuse myself from this special meeting on January 14th in the close session of 14th as well. Okay. Okay. Committee minutes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Schwinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes.
>> All right. Uh, approval of the agenda. So before we approve the agenda, can I have a motion to add resolution 26-072, authorization of trial extension of operating hours for Ascend New Jersey
LLC and the execution of a host community agreement as well as resolution 26-073, award of contract to EVO gov for development and hosting of new township websites. Do I have a motion?
>> Motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committeewoman Opichi. >> Yes. >> Committ Judge Carllo. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Jinsky? >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller? >> Yes.
>> Thank you so much. Now, may I have a motion to approve the agenda as amended? >> Motion. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committed woman. >> Yes. >> Committive woman George Corell. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. That be Mayor Schwinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller.
>> Yes. All right. Committee reports. Administrator. Would you like to start? Sure. I have one quick item, mayor, and then I'll go through as questions may arise um throughout the rest of the meeting. I did receive an email from team RP, Mr. Michael Warren, requesting that this township committee formally
consider providing team RP with um money from the clean communities grant uh for any cleaning event that they do in 2025. I did follow up with Lisa Sheiley, our recycling coordinator. She absolutely confirmed that we can give up to $500
per event for specific groups. Team RP being one of them um under that grant. So, if any, you know, scouting program, youth sports program wants to do some community cleaning as well as team RP, um we can absolutely write them a $500 check out of the clean communities
grant. So, I just wanted to bring that to this committee for further discussion to make sure you're good with um you know that going forward. >> Absolutely. Why not? Definitely. >> Very good. Awesome. Thank you. >> Resolution for that.
>> I have to for that mean to accept the grant >> that we have the grant. The funds are there. Um it's it's basic purpose >> provide to groups that have done community cleanups. >> Oh authorize it. Sure. >> So I I I think once they provide us with
an event date we would you know do a resolution at that point authorizing them to do a clean up on behalf of the township of Roial Park and authorizing that of 500 once they're upon completion. I don't think we need anything right now. Right? >> Correct. >> All right. Well, once we receive >> Yeah. And and the program guidelines for
clean community grant actually require them to do it has to be a cleanup event. Can't be called anything but a cleanup event. And they have to ask each time before they go ahead and do it and to receive that renumeration. >> All right. Command Smith, take it away.
>> Yes. Uh thank you, Mayor. Um three things. America 250, I brought it up last meeting. Um Jen, you got to help me, right? Thanks. I'm all over it with you. >> Awesome. Susan, I'm looking at you. Uh I spoke to uh Chip Wter. He is my bad. He
is uh also interested in uh you know getting involved in this. I plan on having an initial meeting in the middle of February. So as soon as all those volunteer forms come in, I will be reaching out via email and setting up an initial meeting and then hearing ideas.
So I'm really looking forward to that. Um, Wreck, I was at Wreck. First meeting of the year was uh January 20th. Um, we have our chair, Mark Wrigley, who's going to stay with uh Wreck as the chair. He's going to be continuing,
thank God, in for 2026. And we have a new vice chair, Rob Fce, uh, who's really fantastic, I think, really good shape that Mech will be in for the f for the for this year. So, that's really exciting. uh signups for baseball. It
ends March 15th. Please don't wait till the last minute because then you know you wait till the last minute. You try to get a count of how many people are going to join and then you know you don't know if you're going to be able to fill spots and the next thing you it just it's a pain. I can't curse, right?
It's a pain in the neck. Uh so please, you know, sign up before March 15th. Um access for all, we had our first meeting the 21st. Uh Walter Hton's going to stay on as the chair. We have two co- vice chairs. Pete's going to stay on, Pete
Donatello along with Debbie Kadire who will be co- vice chairs and Caroline Kad will be the secretary. Again, volunteers, please. We need volunteers. It's easy to post on social media about stuff that you can complain about.
Please volunteer. 5 to 10 hours a year is not a lot to volunteer for the community. five to 10 hours at you know for the year is not a lot. So let's come on step it up. That's what I have to say. Thank you so much Teresa.
>> Okay. Thank you. So the December um monthly police report is that there was 1,227 calls uh for service, 175 motor vehicle stops, 11 arrests, 17 criminal charges, 411
summones issued. the police department year-end numbers. So what we have here is in the 25 2025 um there were higher numbers listed in the year end report second highest in national park history that I have here.
Um and there were I'm going to list these off quick. motor vehicle. There was 587 total police department calls for service. 1,700 1,17 117,000
sorry 17,480 it's written correctly correctly sorry 7,119 of um total summones motor vehicle stops were 3,234 emergency through 9897 community outreach was um 132 fire
department response 243 um and total arrests were 256 6 911 calls your end businesses was 27 residential 40 BIP
um is 484 and the wireless was 250. So that's the police department. Um I also have here the library. We have the president of the library um committee is Diana Hassel and the
vice president is Chris Sheridan. Also, there's a new member who was sworn in as Leslie Fernandez. Congratulations to all. The next meeting is February 9th at 6:30 p.m. So, the seniors uh was the last meeting was the 22nd last week and
they played bingo. Had a great time from what I could see. Um, one of the seniors, which I have right here, one of our resident seniors, uh, just became a publisher and, um, her name is Anita
Novo. Um, she wrote this book um, and it's called Where is Adeline? And this book could be purchased at um, Barnes & Noble that I saw so far. Um, it's basically about triplets and one of them
disappears on a family vacation. It's pretty interesting. She's 90 years old. She wrote this book at 90 years old. So, I don't It's also on Amazon apparently. >> I see. Okay, great. Um, but she's 90
years old and I don't know if you want to recognize her yet for this accomplishment. She is on older street and um, was terrific. I don't know if you can see it from here, but I did get a little bit of a glimpse of it and it looks really interesting. It's a It
looks like quick read, too. So, this is uh Anita Nobo. That's her name. And uh if you want to reach out to her or something. >> Absolutely. That would be great. We'll actually recognize her and her hard work at a later meeting >> hopefully in February. >> Already got the court where was the nice
correspondence here. So, that's all I had. >> Great. Thank you so much, Jen. >> Just I'm sorry. Really quick, I forgot to mention the next WCK meeting will be February 3rd at House Hall and the next uh access for all meeting will be the eighth floor. My apologies. Thanks,
John. Jen. >> Sure. Good evening. Um the fire department responded to 39 calls on the month of December. In total for the year of 2025, 340 calls in total.
OEM OEM has been actively monitoring weather conditions throughout the month in advance of the recent snowstorm. Several notifications were sent out through OEM emergency contact list to ensure residents were informed and prepared. OEM continues to closely monitor weather conditions, including
the potential impacts for this weekend's forecast. I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Dave Brown and the Department of Public Works for their tire tireless efforts for this weekend's storm. DPW worked around the clock to ensure the safety and accessibility of our streets
and public areas and their dedication does not go unnoticed. I'd also like to thank our fire department for the for remaining on standby as well as our police department, OEM, and search teams who are all ready and available should assistance have been needed. This coordinated effort truly reflects the
strength of our emergency response and the commitment we have to keeping our community safe. Residents are reminded that they can sign up for emergency and non-emergency alerts by texting the Rochel Park alert 67283. Is that correct? 67283
or by visiting the Rochel Park Police Department and the township websites. Uh residents are also encouraged to follow the Rochel Park S Facebook page for reliable timely safety updates and important information. Shelter reminders for long duration power outages related
to snowstorms and extreme cold. The senior center is designated shelter for non flood evacuations. Midland schools also designated shelter for all flooding evacuations. All shelters are staffed and operated by members trained by the American Cross
shelter um uh management. For the Boy Scouts, there will be hosting their annual spaghetti dinner and tricky tray on March 21st at the American Legion. The seating times will be 2 to 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. And there will be
additional details shared as the event approaches. Lastly, the parade committee met last night. Their planning officially has is gone underway for the Memorial Day parade. It's always encouraging to see residents that are coming together to honor those who are served. and I look
forward to working with the community as the plans continue to develop. Thank you. >> Thank you, Matt. Hi, everybody. Um, first off, to piggy back on what you said about the DPW to recognize the DPW for their tireless efforts on on the
streets and I hear that plow scouring down the middle of the night when I'm asleep and I can hear them and they're out there all the time. Um, not only that, for those of you who don't know, the school had an issue, an equipment issue, and they reached out to um myself
and mayor and u Dave and DPW jumped on board and and were over there clearing the school property so they could have their opening. So, hats off to them for for jumping in and doing what they had to do. Um, I do have a
question though about the verdict when challenge stop sign on uh on the corner. Was that with the plow that one? What was that? >> Motor vehicle crash. >> Motor vehicle crash. Okay. I >> see insurance. >> Stop sign was about I just you know I
well whatever. Okay, that answers that question. Thank you. Um, for those of you who don't know, again, back on the the part of the grant for the fields, we are also, if you haven't noticed, the last resolution that's on
this agenda covers an estimate for a contract for the upgrades to Matthew uh Matthews Field Fieldhouse, and it's pretty extensive. Um, it's going to have a full makeover from top to bottom, which reminds me that we're going to
need recreation. We're going to need some support on emptying the facility for the um the trophies and the contents and the cabinets. Everything needs to everything needs to be emptied out of that facility cuz it will be completely redone. >> What's that? >> Where are they going to put all next?
>> That is the question. Where can we store that? U what they have in there? I don't know. I don't know, Carla. I mean, if you put it out at home, then you rent it out, then >> Okay. Um, >> as far as a start date for that, now
that we're passing the resolution, I believe the contractors will jump on that in the month of February, pushing for having that place ready and reloaded with whatever they have to take out of there back in before opening day. So looking forward to that.
Um that's about all I have. >> Go ahead. >> The um the garage by DPW uh I know part of it is accessible. Is it possible they can store some stuff in that? >> I'd have to look. I haven't seen what's
in there in a long time, but I'll take a look with Dave saying no. Figure yourself out. >> I'm just asking because I you know >> it's trophies intel. trophies pictures from old refrigerator. >> There's a lot of trophies. >> There's a refrigerator.
>> There's a lot of trophies there. It's pretty significant. >> So, we'll have cabinets. You got content in cabinets. You got appliances. >> Temporary location for that. >> Maybe we'll get a pod and help us update our ordinance. >> We'll look at we'll do something. We'll figure it out.
>> Thank you so much. Um, I just want to start by echoing what's already been said. I want to thank all the first responders uh as well as Dave and the DPW team for their outstanding work during the recent storm. Uh the residents really appreciated and we heard a lot of positive comments from
them. Uh I also want to follow up on an item from our last meeting on January 8th. The Rochelle Park Environmental Commission hosted Dave Refkin, chair of Green Rididgewood for anformational presentation on regional flooding impacts along the Saddle River. So following that presentation, uh there's
a lot of residents here that have strong interest in hearing directly from Mr. Refkin right here. So in response, uh Mr. Refin will be joining us at the February 18th township committee meeting to present the information uh to this community. I just want to say it was an
honor to swear in uh Rochelle Park Board of Education Vice President Alen Reon and board member Dominic Bazuda. We thank them and the entire board for their continued service to the Rochelle Park community. And echoing what Matt said, I want to thank the interim superintendent Giovani G and Gian
Castro. During the recent winter storm, he reached out regarding school closures, delayed openings, plowing concerns, and overall coordination support. So, his communication, collaboration was really appreciated. And that's all from me.
Uh Gina, >> thank you, mayor. Um, I just want to quickly remind everyone that the deadline to register your pets is February 17th. Late fees will be assessed after this date. Thank you to everybody who has already come in to register your pets. It is very
important. Uh, taxes are due February 1st, 2026. Grace period ends February 10th. So, please come in and pay your taxes. That's all. >> Thank you, Gina John. >> Uh, yes. just uh updates on the uh the
Tuler uh litigation that is taking place. First with respect to the uh building violations centered around the use of the residential parking spaces uh for commercial purposes which is the
rental of those spaces to Mazda for the storage of vehicles that has uh the venue has been changed to the municipal court in Saddlebrook and a conference is going to be held by that judge in the end of February. I believe that may be
uh February 24th. And the purpose of that hearing is to determine whether the fines that have been levied by our building department uh can be enforced uh by the municipal court judge. And uh we're confident that there is a violation
uh and that fines will be levied with respect to the unauthorized use of that property for the rental of spaces to a commercial entity. Uh not only is that the usage of that parking facility for
the rental uh in violation of the redevelopment agreement, but it's contrary to our zoning ordinance, which does not permit the use of that property for that purpose without securing a variance. A variance was never obtained, nor was approval ever given by the governing body to do so. Next we have
the uh litigation in which the municipality filed against the developer for failing to comply with the redevelopment agreement that was negotiated and entered into between the developer and the municipality uh a few years ago which led to the development
of the site across the street. uh the issues or the uh what we contend are breaches of that agreement are one they never developed a retail space which they were supposed to do uh within a 2-year time period. As everyone knows the it's still an empty uh piece of
property and they did not uh do not wish to develop it for retail space. that led them to uh try to put a daycare center in which was denied by the land use board because it was contrary to the redevelopment agreement and the
redevelopment agreement required them if they wish to change the redevelopment plan. They needed to get the approval of the governing body which they never obtained. Then there's also the fact that the redevelopment agreement required them to
maintain the site as everyone I guess in the community uh sees there's a pile of dirt that has never been removed. And the third part of the uh breach is their failing to uh post the necessary escrows in the account which they were required to do in accordance to the redevelopment
agreement. And a fourth breach is again the rental of the uh property to a uh dealership for a commercial purpose which is the storage of vehicles. As a result of that lawsuit, the developer then filed a lawsuit against the
municipality, several committee members and private citizens. And the basis of their lawsuit, if I can just put it in a a very concise manner, is that the burrow has no right to enforce the agreement that they agreed
to that the the burrow was wrong for not allowing a daycare center even though that matter. Judge Padavano issued the decision saying that the municipality was correct. Well, when I say correct, the
land use board or at that time the board of adjustment which denied the application their decision was correct based upon the redevelopment plan that a daycare center was not permitted that they were required to use that space or develop that space for retail use. So
that part of their complaint essentially has already been addressed by Judge Padavan's decision. They also contend that they should not be subject to uh fines by the building department for using the property for commercial space versus the residential use which is what
it was uh supposed to be used for. And uh they're not uh they're not required to uh post the escrow that is again required by the redevelopment agreement. They're also uh challenging private
citizens who spoke at the hearings regarding their redevelopment plan or their request for a daycare center saying that essentially they had no right to object to their plan. So needless to say uh we feel very strongly that their complaint does not have merit
that the actions taken by the municipality are clearly enforcable and that we will be successful. Now, because they filed that lawsuit, we have insurance coverage for those type of claims. Has been turned over to our insurance carrier. They are in the
process of assigning at least one attorney, possibly more than one attorney if they feel there's conflicts between the different parties. And once that attorney is uh retained, he will get in touch with the various parties in the lawsuit and discuss uh the case with
them. >> Thank you so much, John. All right. Any questions, comments? Great. Uh, is there any new business? >> Wonderful. >> So, can I ask for a motion to open up to public comments?
>> Make a motion. >> I have a second. >> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman George Cello. >> Yes. >> Committee man. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Juny. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> All right. We're open to the public.
say words. I just want to make an announcement real quick. >> Sure. So, I I just wanted to touch on our our retiring officer. Um I'm going to address the township committees the mayor and the town. So, I would like to take this time to recognize one of the long-standing public servants in Roial
Park history, Lieutenant Kenneth Kenny Stson. Kenny began his police career in 1999, 26 years ago as a Roshaw Park emergency police dispatcher. After three years in the communications department, he was hired by the Bloomfield Police Department in 2002. In 2003, he returned to his hometown roots and was hired by
the Rochaw Park Police as a police officer. The lieutenant service history dates far before this his 2003 police hiring. Kenny volunteered with the Rochaw Park Fire Department and EMS squad as a teenager beginning in 1996. Kenny, who's heralded for his technological expertise, has served many
roles within the patrol division. Lieutenant Stapleton was assigned to the cyber cyber crimes task force in 2007, was propon promoted to patrol sergeant in 2015 and lieutenant in 2023. He most recently served as the Midland school school resource officer for two years, developing lasting relationships with
the youth of our community. During his career, he served as an instructor in firearms, use of force, active shooter response, and deescalation techniques. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator for the Rocher Park Office of Emergency Management. And on this Friday, uh, January 30th at 2 p.m., Kenny will officially walk out from the
RPPD. He'll be honored with a retirement walkout ceremony, which we encourage all to attend. Uh, the ceremony will recognize over 30 years of service to the town of Bro Park, a place where Kenny grew up, volunteered, worked, and ultimately retired from. In true public service fashion, he won't be leaving us too far. He will still stay on as a
deputy emergency management coordinator. So, you won't have to go far to do to see him. So, we welcome everybody to come on Friday on front steps of headquarters. We will have bag pipers and a lot of pomp and circumstance. So, please attend. Um, and then just with that being said, mayor committee, we we welcome dialogue replacing penny. Um,
that's we were hoping to have that tonight, but whenever the appropriate authority is determined and and we're going to have those communications, we look forward to it. >> Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Oh, that was from uh Scott Craw 189 West Solder Street. Uh
real quick just for uh the attorney, I know you had stated because of the conflict with the chief and and also being a business administrator. Is there an addendum or amendment to that statute that you stated in order for I mean if the chief isn't around
uh Captain Dre is the executive officer, he's the second guy in charge. Would he be able to fulfill that role on the committee that you were talking about? Uh, no. The the statute specifically doesn't say that you can have an author. It just says because you can only have one person if you want. So, in other
words, it's not that you're required, >> right, >> to have multiple people. So, the the position would be, well, if if you only have two people eligible, only have two people. If you only have one person eligible, only have one. And again, the statute is specific as to the title. And
in fact, they give the examples manager, administrator, >> and the captain just doesn't fall under those categories. >> But did you say something about the executive officer? Because >> that's the examples they give as the executive officer, a manager and administrator. >> Okay.
>> They don't they don't say any officer in the police department above the rank of sergeant, let's say. >> Okay, understand that. But as far as him being second in command, when the chief's not around, he is the executive officer. >> Yeah. But that's not his title. Okay. >> He's in an acting capacity.
>> Okay. No, I just figured I'd ask. Thank you. Sure. >> All right. Uh the other thing I have I'm going to put my hat on for uh president of the uh Roshial Park Board of Education. Again, we would like to publicly thank uh Dave Brown. Yeah, I
know. I don't do that. Um and mayor, deputy mayor, and the rest of the uh council people. Thank you so much for letting him do what he did. And you saved
you saved the school and the taxpayers a ton of money by letting us have his service. And uh as far as shared services go, you know, and same thing with uh the administrator. Thank you so much for all your help. We couldn't have done it
without you guys. So we just want to let you know from our hearts to yours, thank you so much. It it really you bailed us out on a time that we needed bailing out. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Scott. Yeah, Teresa.
>> Um to Mr. Carl Scott's point with the uh chief uh because of the conflict, can we not uh introduce the do of necessity in that case? >> No, because again, you're not required to have any number of people. The
doctrine of necessity comes to play. Let's say for example on the township committee there was multiple people out of conflict and therefore you didn't have enough people eligible to vote. In that case the document necessity kicks in and anybody with a conflict would participate.
But in this case you're not required to have any again you could have just one person be the appropriate authority. So you're not required to have a quorum of the appropriate committee to take action or a certain number of people to be on the uh appropriate
authority >> unless and correct me if I'm wrong but unless you do this by you can do it by resolution to or no >> no the only again going back to that your ordinance does not ex expand the authority of the appropriate authority
at all in fact it doesn't mention anything so you look at the statute And the statute only references uh that the appropriate authority is an oversight regarding rules and regulations. Uh and actually it can also have involvement in uh uh disciplinary
actions. If you want the appropriate authority to have more authority than that, you would have to adopt an ordinance outlining additional powers of the appropriate authority. Or again, in a specific case, if it's only for one
specific issue that you want the appropriate authority to be involved in, you could authorize it by resolution of the township committee. So if you wanted to permanently add powers to the appropriate authority, you'd have to adopt an ordinance and add it to that amend that ordinance to include other
authority and you can amend the ordinance to to only have one person if you wanted. >> Okay. So I just to Mr. Carl's point and I understand what he's saying because the be second >> he'd be second in command. Correct. >> Command. >> He is a second in command.
>> He is a second right. Right. That's where I'm I'm >> well I think what John's saying John correct me if I'm wrong is basically in Rochelle Park our situation is that we would our proper authority would be four total individuals the mayor the police
liaison the administrator and the police chief because the administrator and the police chief are the same person we have two and two is okay and one is okay so there's really nothing that we have to do on our end to extend the proper authority
The only disadvantage that we obviously have is that it is a a smaller group. So, you know, that's that's the reality of our situation. And just one other thing cuz I didn't include when I was giving the examples of what they consider an executive officer, they also consider a public safety director
>> as an executive, but you don't have that either, >> right? But again, just to be clear, no, I appreciate the different examples they give as someone who >> is defined as an executive office, correct? Or administrator. >> Okay, I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank
you, Scott. >> Good evening, Diane Hassel Rial Park. Um, first I want to also agree with everybody else. Dave, your crew were amazing. Um, I appreciate I know my street and others were You guys did an awesome job.
Um, I had a couple questions. Oh, to pick up on what Jen mentioned. Yes, the Boy Scout dinner is March 21st with the snow and everything else. I didn't send anything out. I will be having, you know, information sent out to Gina to spread, but I figured you had enough on
your plate this week. Um, we will be selling the tickets same prices as always, $10 ahead, $12 night up. Um, I have two questions. One, um, I'm hearing one of your That's the right thing. One of your resolutions, I guess. Um, will
you talk about the work on Berdan Street? Will that be including paving if it passes? >> Do you want to touch on that, Grant? >> D, it's going to include paving. Yeah, that that we're actually awarding the bid for that.
>> Okay. The reason I'm asking that is when they're paving the road, etc., what will that do to the ability to get to the municipal building and the library? Because if they're paving, the only entrance is offered a van. Is there any thought of what will happen? >> Yeah, we'll have to um make changes
probably to one driveway and you know, stagger the milling and paving as best we can. Yeah, cuz I'm just thinking >> your building, you know, your offices and the library won't be available while they're doing that. >> So, it's just something to think about. >> It's kind of like when it floods.
>> And um the other thing, and I guess this might end up going towards D, but I don't know. I was curious, how many tenants are on the second floor? And do they have a specified amount of parking allotted to each? >> Um there's about 22 office spaces up
there. We're at full capacity. Yes. And it's it's conversation I had, but I will tell you when I came into the administrator's role, I had maybe three tenants that were paying um and the township's realizing about $20,000 a month in revenue since I've taken over and brought in. >> Oh, I think it's great. >> Yeah. And I understand I've had
conversations about the ambulances and there's two separate tenants that have those ambulances. Um it's a conversation that's ongoing and going further. It's going to be limited to two spots. That's exactly where I was going because I mean even coming tonight between residents that park here all the time and you have
to assume they are because they're plowed in and for ambulances that are here day and night, it takes a lot of spaces for when residents want to come to a meeting. So that's why it's curious. Thank you. >> No, thank you Diane. I think uh revisiting all the cars in the parking
lot is definitely a topic of discussion that we should have this year. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Pet fellow emergency management. I got a couple of topics I'd like to uh just touch on. One, I'd like to read a statement into the record regarding the
building department ordinance. The other is I'd like to address the uh the council regarding the police department's uh promotion and their request. What I'd like to say is I really um sincerely support constructive dialogue uh with the police department to fulfill that vacancy um for
lieutenant. I'm kind of surprised that you're only able to replace him with only one other lieutenant considering all the work that uh that he had done. But uh according to the table of organization, if that allows uh for the lieutenant's position and then ultimately a sergeant's position to be filled as a concerned citizen and also a
first responder working very closely with the police department over the years, I strongly encourage you to uh let the police department fill their table of organization and those vacancies as they see fit. To be honest with you, nobody really knows better than these guys here on what they need and they are the professionals. Uh
they've always responded accordingly and acted that way. I just strongly encourage that kind of dialogue constructively to let these guys be able to do what they need to do uh ultimately to keep them safe and then to be able to provide for the residents as they do. Um the other is um I just want to mention
but before I do that I'd like I'm going to sit for a second if it's okay. I just like to read into the record uh a statement regarding the building department ordinance if that's okay. And what I'd like to what I'd like to have read uh into the record and may not be able to supply you
with a copy tomorrow is that I respectfully request that you um can't read my writing. Just stand by a second. I respectfully request that you reconsider the ordinance regarding the building department based on several
important several important concerns. First, first from an emergency response and public safety standpoint. Emergencies don't always occur Monday through Friday 9 to5. But I can tell you firsthand the critical role the building department plays both inside and outside the normal business hours. As an
example, Father's Day just over a year ago, we responded to a house fire where a structural evaluation was required without hesitation. The inspector arrived within minutes, ultimately condemning the home as unsafe until repairs could be made. This determination allowed me as the emergency management coordinator to
secure Red Cross assistance for temporary housing, clothing, and financial aid for the displaced residents. Most recently, in flooding events, the inspectors have proactively surveyed flood damaged homes and businesses, significantly expediting the permitting process, which
helps residents and business owners return to normal as quickly as possible. Inspectors also responded to two foundation issues discovered during evacuation. As soon as they were able to access the area, they assessed both homes, red tagging one due to structural damage and determined the second was
safer occupancy. And this information was critical to give to the first responders so they wouldn't enter an unsafe structure. Not too long ago, we had a tree into a home. Sometime early last year at approximately 4:00 a.m., the inspectors responded to evaluate the structure
stability. Their their prompt response again allowed me to quickly request Redforce assistance for the affected family. Now, let me just say on a personal note, we recently completed an addition to our home. If not for the extraordinary effort and availability of
James and this project would not have been completed based on our time constraints. I believe these are tenure roles and removing two competent individuals who consistently make themselves available at all hours could present significant challenges. More
importantly, it removes experienced professionals who constantly make themselves available, let alone the added cost of additional full-time employees and taxpayers. Given these examples, I strongly urge you to reconsider your position. The building department's responsiveness, their
expertise and their commitment to our residents and particularly during emergencies are invaluable to our community and also cross by email. And the last thing I'd like to say is that um from an OEM standpoint, we recently uh
met with two of our SER members and reviewed the fire department special needs list. Uh that list was up well over 100 individuals. Uh after um further inquiries by two of our members, that list is now 75 76 people. Out of
those 76 people, they determined that they're still active. What we need to do now is transition them from the old fire department special needs list to the new register ready which you know made presentations in the past about and in order to do that um the two individuals
will be reaching out to those 75 to 76 residents. We'll be doing that by phone again and also providing them a copy of the form they need to register. Now the registration is strictly online. You can't do it any other way than getting on a computer and making that registration into that portal. If the
residents are having difficulties doing that, these concern members at the home should be doing it for them. But what I need you to know, the point really is simply that they will be reaching out both by phone call again and also dropping off information to their homes. I don't want the residents to be concerned that that people are coming to
their homes looking for something other than a legitimate reason and a legitimate concern. So that'll happen probably in the next week or so. I think soon get out of the area, make it a little bit easier for them to travel. So they will be reaching out and we will be getting that database up and running
right now. Uh countywide is probably over,200 people uh in that database. The Rio part we need to we need to at least get that 70 some odd people into that system so we have ready access to that. Okay. So thank you Pete. Just a quick
question. So were you mentioning that you were reaching out to the uh folks who have already used register ready or you referring to reaching out to residents that are from the previous list? >> Yeah, this is this is from the previous list. Uh we've only been able
rather than eight or nine that were able to do it on their own. So we have about another 76 people or so that need to be put into the system. They were they were on the old system and can now be transferred to the new system. system was just a matter of filling out a card with a questionnaire and sending it back to the fire department through
their annual certification of fines. However, that's not acceptable anymore. Uh so we need to get that into a computer-based system uh so that we have access to that. Does that answer your question? >> Yeah, it does. I was just confirming if you still have legal access to that list
even though it was discovered that it wasn't a legal process getting the names right. Um but yeah, I don't know how whether that was legal or not legal. The bottom line is we have access to it. We've already made response calls and we already probably 30 or maybe more than 30 people off of that list already
contacted those that are on that list and now it's a matter of getting them the paperwork and assisting them getting that information into the portal. I try not to get legal advice. >> Yeah, register ready is extremely important. So, thank you for sharing that. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Pete. Uh James E. Maria. Uh I serve as the uh construction official, zoning official, CRS coordinator, flood plane manager for the township of Roshaw Park. uh since 2019. Um I've been through a lot with this town through COVID making sure this town
stayed afloat all your major construction uh and for years have uh begged for, you know, financial assistance, you know, in the department to try to better the department and uh fiscally just it could never be done. Um
I didn't hear the building department report uh read uh at this meeting uh but just to give everyone uh some transparency here uh 2025 was the worst fiscal year for our department since uh
2022. Uh we seen a 235% uh decrease uh in revenue. uh our annual report that we're required to submit to the DCA, our revenue last year was $149,612. Our expenditures in our department was
196,582. We were at a deficit -46,970. Uh I see you know on the tonight's agenda there's a uh uh introduction to uh create a uh full-time uh position within the department uh replacing
myself and uh my building sub code official uh Al Reiner. Um we've uh worked tremendously hard uh making you as said you know 24/7 365 days a year you know from civilian
department outside you know Roshaw Park is a very small team of people that do a lot and uh you know for instance recreation town couldn't afford to buy a recreation program for kids to sign up for sports
so I had to go out of my way to make that happened and Jen abuse could you know she could vouch for me my kids birthday getting calls hey we need to get the baseball registration up never said no got it done you guys were pay credit cards and your program is ranked
you're not going to find that in anybody else but spot I'm not here to beg for my job it's just sometimes you don't know what you have until you lose that person and UM and my department's supposed to be self-sufficient and operate off the money we generate. It shouldn't be an
additional burden on the taxpayers and you just had to reval the people's taxes are going up. Their utility bills is going up. You know, I sat here, you know, back in 2022 when, you know, we're trying to generate more revenue and raise, you know, the permit prices once again. Uh I don't know how much you're
going to bleed the residents once you get a full-time position because it's just fiscally irresponsible. Uh you're charging already for permit fees for a boiler replacement, $360. Uh you know, a boiler with a chimney
liner, $500. An EV charger, $130. Um in order to make this position work, it's just it's not there. You know, we went from, you know, $500,000 in revenue. You know, I asked for extra inspectors to get the project done. We got a gas card
for the for the guys for they could, you know, supplement themselves because they want to pay additional hourly rates. But you know what? We got the job. Nobody ever got a complaint. >> What year was that? >> Uh that was for that was 23. >> Got it. >> 22.
>> You know, 22. Um so, you know, it's nice that you know they want to invest money, but you know, there's never been a complaint about somebody not being able to get their building permit. The complaints are always code enforcement, you know, and you know, our building inspector, our electrical inspectors,
they do about 260 inspections a year. It comes out to four inspections a week. So, there's really not much value. But if we look at the true statistics, you know, our code enforcement officer though last year part-time did 1500
inspections, 958, you know, and and that includes 958 complaint inspections, 147 resales, 303 uh uh just spot inspections, and 162 zoning inspections. So from a UCCC
standpoint, we're licensed professionals. Uh the salary for those positions are much higher than if this town was to invest in code enforcement and bring in a code enforcement part-time, full-time during the day. Be much cheaper and you'll get results. You
know, this position might look good on paper, but you're not going to get the results that you're expecting from having a full-time person in that role. You know, and why just the building inspector? Why don't you have the electrical inspector that does more
inspections than the building inspector? So, I'm not really sure the reason I'm reasoning behind just, you know, we're going for efficiency, putting in a building inspector and not a multi- discipline, which would make the position a little more valuable at that point. Um, but you know, I just, you
know, don't know u, you know, the approach on that and uh, you know, the other dangers, you know, to come. Um the assembly they just passed uh the bill that allows developers to hire private inspection agencies without getting approvals from the town. So even if you
do had large development, there's nothing saying that you're going to get those permit fees no more, which you know is not good for the business to begin with. You know, we still won't have backup inspectors. So when those inspectors are on vacation, you're still
not going to have anybody to fill those shoes. So, when inspect goes away for 2 weeks, you're going to be able 2 weeks without um a vacation. Um there's still no administrative assistant to cover the technical assistant when she's gone, like she is now, where I'm doing it all, which you're not going to get that from,
you know, any other construction official most likely. Um and then, you know, you have other additions. You got the flood plane, you have to get software for that. That's another 15,000. And, uh the plumbing, electrical sub codes, they want comparable raises to what the building sub code gets. So,
you know, if you don't give them a raise, they leave, then you're going to be looking for somebody else even more money. So, the financial burden of the department is just going to grow out of control. So, um you know, I object to uh
you know, the resolution uh that you guys are about to vote on and but regardless, I enjoyed working, you know, with the team and doing the best possible, you know, that I could do for the capture. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Linda Bonaface 33
uh Parkway Roshell Park. Um a couple things. Um the open space grant award on the ordinance is written dog park. Is that just to fill in or is it to because are the residents of around Carlock? No,
there's a dog park coming. and look in the ordinance. But I don't think it I thought it might have been just put in there. Um the other thing was two months in a row you have had to call a special meeting
of maybe last year, the year before I tried to say to the council, you need to schedule two meetings a month. One just doesn't do it. And that just proved it. December and January, you had to call a
special meeting. The other thing I want to talk about is the lieutenant position. I was on the township committee. There was two lieutenant positions that we always had.
So, it was me who asked Dean, "Give me a reason that you need another lieutenant." and he gave me a list. I don't recall what it is. I don't have it, but it I looked at it and I studied it and I
said, "Okay, told the township committee, I think we can make a another lieutenant." And then that lieutenant got put in the school, high six figure salary. It was like a slap in the face to
sitting on that's what I felt like. I got punched right in the face. Plus, didn't we last year hire a new officer? That was to fill in for a retiring officer. Okay, so that happened. So, there's your
officer and then you got a sleo. So, in my opinion, you don't need another officer. And especially you can put it on the back burner when you get through your budget because I don't think people are going to be really happy in this town if they
get a budget increase this year. I know myself, my taxes went up $1,000. And I get it. The house went up in value by $250,000. Like I get it. I know exactly what I didn't have to call anybody. And I just
uh want you to think consciously. Look at your budget. Do your budget first before you answer to anything. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Andrew Matson, 14 Elorado. Um, I'd like to thank the mayor first of
all for allowing everybody more than three minutes to air their grievances, especially people that don't ever come to meetings. Maybe they should be. There's a lot of people they come here volunteer their time for things like recreation.
I heard of the term somebody went out of their way. Somebody went out of their way for something for wreck. That was just said in public. Somebody that collects a paycheck from this town went out of their way. I don't
think that's really a thing. You're collecting a paycheck. You have a job to do. The building department, this is the first time I come to a lot of meetings, land use, these meetings, recreation,
whatever it is. If I'm available, I want to come. I want to hear what's going on in town. The building department's been bashed every meeting. Land use bashed not being there, not being able to be reached.
So the 365 24/7 is just somebody's lying. I don't know who. That's what we've heard at the land use that it's just not not reachable. So
the other thing I wanted to address is I live at the house next to the dumpster in Elorado. So I don't think anybody here is going to tell me it's annoying them more than it's annoying me. Okay, is that fair?
But I know that that's temporary. That's a job site. That's temporary. We all know. Even if it's a 10-year job, right? These businesses we're talking about, those are going to be there forever. There's no end date on that job
site ever. So, I think it's worth addressing. And if it's going to cost $30,000 to come to the land use board and they don't want to do that, well, then fix the dumpster. seems like pretty good leverage if it's a bad idea. Um,
it's just another, you know, I'll speak for people that aren't here that I know I can hear their voice in my head. Here we are again bending over backwards for somebody else. But then when referencing this dumpster and whatever hardship it could bring a resident, it's like, well, let's immediately pounce on that and
punish them. And I get it. I don't want the dumpster there either, but it's just the tact of it to go from one sentence to, hey, we got to bend over for these businesses to immediately the next sentence. And I'm sitting there listening to that. I don't really like that as a taxpayer that lives in this
town who has the dumpster next to him. Um, so that was that was just kind of what I heard here tonight. Um, you know, they they came before the land use board or the zoning board or the planning board for a site plan, whatever
it was at one point, and that dumpster was discussed and this ordinance, the law of the land was in place, whatever it was that exists now for the dumpster, and they agreed to it. So, why would we as a township
not want to make the town look nicer? And based off of what I just heard here in public, you would think this town looks amazing. And I know as one of the few people in this room that actually knocks doors and talks to residents, that's not what the public thinks of this town. They have
not kind words to say about its appearance. I would use the word horrendous, but it would be worse than that. Horrifying. There's a new majority up here. A lot of that was to do with how the town looks,
code enforcement. There's a lot of numbers that get thrown out, stats, this many visits, this many whatever it's the police or anybody else. What are we comparing those numbers to? Um, I go to towns surrounding here, they have fulltime
building departments. I think that's a good thing to compare things to. So, do we want to be like the towns around us or the same old same old? I think everybody wanted to see some change. We're seeing change. Part of it is me being able to sit here and give my
opinion for however long. I think that's a great thing. And uh thank you guys. I appreciate that. Thank you. Anybody else? >> Al Riner, uh 91 Parkway. I'm a resident.
I'm also the uh building inspector and some code official. So um the um what Mr. De Maria had said, uh, I agree with everything and I've worked for this town
for over 12 years, and I can tell you that from my experience in the past in doing all the inspections that a full-time building inspector and construction official sub code is not necessary.
We have handled everything that the town has. um uh the uh construction, everything. Um so as far as what the gentleman said here, uh he's not
correct. Many towns don't have full-time inspectors. Maywood does not. That's a neighboring town. Elwood Park does not. So I don't know where where you got your information, but there's many towns that don't have fulltime. And for this size
town, it's one square mile and most of the major projects are over. There's nothing new coming up that you need a full-time inspector. So, as I said, you know, we've been able
to handle it in the past. And through the years, all the years I lived here, most of the inspectors have been part-time. When I first moved here, the inspector lived on Katherine Street. He ran the building department out of his basement. It worked then. The the
building department ran out of the old school house on Rosha Lad. It worked then. Now you're better off now. You're not going to find a better person than James D. Maria for what he's done and
the amount of time that he's been um the inspector, the construction official. I have done my best. I haven't had any complaints, so I don't understand. But the old saying is if if it ain't broken,
don't fix it. So that this is exactly the case right here. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> You don't mind. >> Please take a seat. uh Davidson Lexington Avenue. Um again,
I'm going to speak as a former administrator. Um I had the pleasure of having at the being able to hire both of these individuals that are are here today. I don't think that the problem is the building department. I think what
the problem is is property maintenance. And they are two separate things. I don't even know if you really understand everything that goes on with property maintenance uh as far as the what has to happen. First, the violation has to is
observed. A letter has to be sent. Am I correct? I mean, I think it would be really good if you would explain what the process is if you don't mind if it's okay because I think it's important for you to understand. We don't most cases
we don't we don't even know what exactly took place. Did did the violation get corrected? Did it not get corrected? Do we do we know that information? Because I mean I think that's that's extremely important. Again I think these are two separate issues. And I got to
tell you if again when we were doing the construction out here you had on 17 there was a lot of big construction going on. You definitely needed to have everything done. And these people did the job. They did the job. And I I don't really think that anybody up here really
has a complaint about the work that they do. I mean, so I don't I personally don't understand why you would want it's like cutting off the the head of the chicken and you love the chicken. It's like, you know, I mean, unless you have to eat it,
it's ridiculous. Just my op again my opinion. And and I really think that again you you need to address property manage because there's no question about the fact that that's what's needed here and
and I can tell you that with even with my own neighbors but the but but doing anything and with getting rid of these people here, you're not going to resolve anything. Matter of fact, you're more than likely going to make matters worse because now you're going to wind up losing a lot of your your sub your your
your sub inspections and you have some very good people there. So, listen, I I highly I highly respect both of those individuals there and I respect the the job that they do. Thank you. >> Thank you, Bob.
>> Mayor, is it okay to address the property? >> If you if you don't mind making a brief just because you already spoke. >> Okay. So, so like Bob said, you know, code enforcements plagued this town forever. Originally, when I first started, we had a code enforcement officer. He only worked 1 hour a day, 1
hour a week. It wasn't until, you know, Chief PTO came in where we're actually able to expand that to at least 15 hours a week. And, you know, Don does an incredible job. He writes a ton of violations. It's not easy prosecuting a lot of these cases by the time you get them to court. And, you know, it goes
with that whole process. But, you know, it would definitely be a major benefit to have a code enforcement officer here part-time, full-time during the day, and just policing the streets, no different than your police officers, because that's where all the complaints come from. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Anybody else? >> Hi, I'm Ellen Cider. I live at 103 James Street. I'm a wreck. I've never done this. I've never went to a meeting, but I need your help. I have the largest tree in Rochelle Park on my property and um it dropped a massive limb on my
fence, crushed my fence, spray the fence and um I panicked right away. I want to do the right thing. This tree um if it comes down it will cut across the sake street, take the wires down, take everything down. So I quickly called uh
you know the town, told them I needed a permit, take the tree down. Um, no problem. With the help of historically uh Christmas, right before Christmas, I go to pick up the permit. It's $200 to take a Oh, it's called a widow maker.
The tree's I had an arborist come check out the tree. The tree is dead. It can go any second or it can go in 6 months. Uh, with this weather that's coming up, it can fall on my house, my neighbor's house. It can
fall across the sake street and then it's not my problem. I mean, I have to pay to remove the tree, $1,800. I have to pay to repair the fence, which is 3 months old, cost me $5,000. And then I just have to pay $200 for a
permit to get this done. I think is just insanity. and and they told me the only way I could do this is approach the board and see if you guys can help me or apparently um and I don't know the correct word an ordinance was signed and
for someone in town to take down a tree it goes by the birth of the tree so they ran out measured the tree while I was at work and because the tree is 2 in I believe I'm not sure you'd have to get the I think it's from this to this to
this to this it went from 100 to $200 for two entrance. So, I don't know if you're aware that's what you signed in and I don't know if that was the effect that you wanted to cause. I mean, you're citizens of the town. You see the taxes going up $200. It took the tree down. I
worked for the county. My salary went down $50 every two weeks. So, what can I do? What can you do to reduce this permit to remove a dead tree that's called a widow maker that I'd have to pay a $200 permit?
>> Anything that can be done? So, they they told me if I address you if I can get three people to >> like to speak. Go ahead. >> I'm sorry. >> Thank you, ma'am. Um, we do have an ordinance that we did sign for that if I may. And I believe at the bottom I did a
show the administrator that it does say that if the tree is dead and determined by the DPW and you have something for it that this can be looked at. I believe I said that um to the administrator. Did you not hear back from
>> No, I I I I didn't go back to the committee. I have a letter here from the arborist >> that says it's totally done. >> Right. It says it it could be >> I mean I I believe you but I'm just saying that >> yeah um so the ordinance is not in front
of us right now Dean you know off the top of your head I'm sure Dave might know that what is the uh fee schedule and that that's mandated by uh DP >> that was DP right we had an enacted tree removal ordinance mandated by the D. What it says on the bottom of is that in
lie of replacement fee that can be waved. Doesn't talk about the peritting fee being changed. So I did recommend that she come before this committee cuz you know only you can violate your own ordinances via reszo or you know that type of action. Um I I referred this
first to the shade tree commission and Mr. Warren's on board with the current process and permitting fees. So I you know it's beyond me at that point. He's a commission. Uh I did recommend that the resident speak to you guys. >> Tell me that if to get the letter from the tree by because that there might be
a reduction in the tree is dead and a harm and I will plan on replacing the trees because I'm huge with the trees the I'm probably going to 10 trees to this one. But I cannot in good conscious leave the tree up knowing it might fall
on my house, my neighbors or across the street. And if there's anything they can do to reduce I understand you have to pay for that $100 but $200 which is the trees 2 is too big. >> It's just
the storm coming up. I mean, I wanted to take it down and go to the storm, but I just was waiting for >> Yeah, we we appreciate you bringing it to us. Have you contacted your homeowners insurance regarding this? The >> homeowners pays for the£10,000
that crushed the fence to remove it. They have to pay for the removal of the tree. That's my problem. And I'm willing to pay $1,800 to remove the tree. and that building is very nice looking to let you have the crane and come that way. Um, but
it's just the principle of the $200 to pay for the permit to do the right thing. It's not like a boiler or something. It's I'm doing almost I feel the town favor because I'm paying for the removal of the tree that can cause harm to the citizens. That's
how I'm looking at it. hoping there's something that you can do about it or rethink the ordinance or whatever that you signed into place because I I don't think it's correct to >> as the administrator mentioned it's a statemandated ordinance but let's do this
>> but did it have to be you guys signed into because I I've spoken they're like yeah it's $100 to take down take the three Yeah, that was mandated by the state. That was the information that was
provided to us by our council and that was passed. Yeah, that was passed last year. >> Part of the storm water management regulations are adopted with the MS4. Yeah. >> So, but here's what we could do. If you don't mind staying behind, I'll get your email and then we can have a conversation and we can discuss this at
the next township meeting uh on February 11th. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I have a question back. >> Go ahead. >> Dave still here? I can't see behind that. >> Dave Dave's right there. >> Dave. >> Dave, you back there somewhere. >> He's right there. Yeah.
>> Dave, at that meeting, the uh at the environmental meeting, right? Or it was at the tree commission meeting, right? The um there was a discussion about the size, the diameter of that tree. Was that reme-measured? Was it like an within an inch of the of the limit going from 100
to 200? It >> wasn't reme-measured. It was just based off the the first uh the first measure. So it's basic. So you take circumference
>> 2 pi r. Go ahead. I'm with you. >> I got the calculator in the phone does the math for me. Tells me what the diameter is. So that's ultimately what the goal is. The ratios go, I want to say from 8.99 in
>> on non streets and and up to 12.99 is $50. >> Um then it goes 13 in to 22.99 um for uh $100 after the 23 on up. I want to say
if I remember correctly, the diameter on that tree was either 24 or 26. I don't remember off that on >> was it close to the limit close to a cut off? >> I I would I would assume so. I mean it's
it's probably between one and a half in bigger than what it is. My only take you set the ordinance you follow me. I I know Mr. Cider uh very well. I I've been soccer for a long time. >> Me too.
>> I'm not arguing. >> No, I understand. I understand. I understand. But if you take that ordinance and now you change it now to everybody else who painted the opportunity, that's my thing. You want
to change it going forward. That's different. But >> that's and that can be changed. That's something that I think that should be changed for the sake of the town. I mean, and
>> hey, go back over there with the shorter room. >> I I appreciate Pete. I I just want to be mindful of everyone's time. I You already spoke, so I do want to keep the meeting going. >> I can speak on a different topic, correct? >> No, you already spoke. So, I know that
Mr. Di Maria already came up a second time, but that's because Mr. Davidson specifically asked him to reference something. So, I'm going to keep going. But if anyone else from public comment wants to speak, >> what I'd like you to just address this tree thing from an emergency management standpoint and the effort of public safety, I think it probably behooves you
uh for me to say that um look, we had I mentioned an incident earlier at 4:00 in the morning. By the grace of God, that tree came through the house and it was 4 in the morning. People weren't in the dining room or in the kitchen. Nobody got killed and they had two small kids. I think what was described here is imminent danger and I would certainly
encourage you to do whatever you could do to work with this person to get this done as soon as possible. We do have bad weather coming in although we may not get the storm or get the snow rather. The storms are going to produce high winds over the weekend which could >> Thank you, Pete. I appreciate it. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you for the comments. >> Anybody else? >> Hold on. I'm looking at this ordinance right now and it does have hazardous trees may be removed with no update or replacement requirement and that's in the ordinance that I have right here and that's the ordinance of 173. This is
what was last year. I did speak to the administrator about it. I know I did talk to him about it and I know he went to the state rec. So I'm not quite sure why this was >> right. So as I mentioned the resident, please stay behind. Uh we'll get your contact information. >> Where'd you go? >> I don't have the ordinance in front of me. So, I wanted to just review it to
see if there was any language similar and it sounds like it is there. So, stick behind and let's talk. >> Anybody else? I I heard you. >> Okay, Mr. >> I'd like to get up one thing. >> Building department. >> Building department is for compliance.
It's not less necessarily to generate money for the township. But meanwhile, a lot of years before they built 120 and Oak Street got built, the revenue was down, down, down. If you look at the revenue came in when 120 was
built and Oak Street was built, it was through the roof. Am I right? >> So, it's not about um generating money. It's about compliance. So, I'm not buying a house that somebody did fault the electric and or plumbing or
whatever. That's all. Thank you. Anybody else? >> Yakabuchi Parker on Ward Street. For the first time in my life, I agree with Miss Bonafy. >> You are absolutely 100% correct. You can't break things. You You came in.
You're a new governing body, but you can't break it up. This works. It works good. You can't You can't disturb. You can't do that. Anybody else? All right. Hearing or seeing none. Do I
have a motion to close public comments? >> Sorry. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee. >> Yes. Committ. >> Yes. I'm sorry. >> Committee Men. >> Yes. >> Okay. Mayor Jinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller.
>> Yes. All right. Our next item is the introduction of ordinance number 26-001 entitled adoption of regulations restricting the planting, growing, or cultivating of bamboo. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance number
26-001? >> Yes. >> Motion. >> Do you have a second? >> Yes. Second. Roll call. >> Committee. >> Yes. Committee woman Judge Coella. >> Yes. >> Committee Men. >> Yes. >> Mayor Chowinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> All right. Moving right along. Our next item is the introduction of ordinance
number 26-00002 amending the township code to repeal chapter 104 entitled flood hazard areas and adopt a new chapter 104 entitled flood management regulations including adoption of flood hazard maps designation of a flood plan administrator and provisions for severability and an effective date. May
I have a motion to introduce ordinance number 26-002? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. Committee woman George Cavllo. >> Yes. Marian Smith. >> Yes. >> Mayor Schwinsky, >> yes. Mayor Miller, >> yes. Thank you. The introduces
introduced. All right. Sewers. Our next item is the introduction of ordinance number 26-003 amending chapter 155 of the township code entitled sewers. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance number 26-003. Motion. Do >> I have a second? >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. Committee woman judge. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Twinsky. >> Yes. Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> All right. Ordinance 26-004, construction codes. Uh, next item is the
introduction of ordinance number 26-4, amending chapter 80 of the township code entitled Construction Codes, code enforcement department. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance number 26-4? Motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committive woman.
>> Yes. >> Committee woman judge Cello. >> Yes. Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. The ordinance is introduced. >> Statement. >> Yes. Please. >> Notice is hereby given that ordinances
26-001 through 004 were introduced and passed at first reading at a meeting of the trans committee of Rochelle Park held today, January 28th, and ordered published in accordance with the law. said ordinances will be considered for final reading and adoption at a meeting
held on February 11th at 700 p.m. in the Township of Rochelle Park Municipal Building at which time all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning such ordinance. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. Consent agenda. All
items listed on the consent agenda are considered routine and non-controversial by township committee and will be approved by one motion unless a committee member or citizen so request. This consent agenda ranges from resolutions 26-057
to 26-073. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Got a second. Second. Roll call, please. >> The woman on PG. >> Yes. Good morning. Judge Cello. >> Yes. Did you say 2655 or 53? >> Isn't it 55?
>> 265. >> Oh, five. Oh, >> weird. So, for my Okay. >> All right. Sorry. >> 05. Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. 552073. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yes. I mean, you want the roll call again or no? >> Roll call, please. >> Okay. Committee woman.
>> Yes. >> Committee Judge Cabelloo. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. >> Yes. Mayor, >> yes. Thank you so much. The next township committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 7 p.m.
Do I have a motion to adjourn this meeting? >> Yes. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> This uh meeting is adjourned. Thank you so much.