Thank you so much for your patience. Can I have a motion to come out of close session? >> Motion. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Woman of PG will be absent from today's meeting. Mayor Committee Judge Cavlla. >> Yes.
>> Committee >> here. Mayor Chinsky >> here. >> Yes. >> Please join us and stand 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 righty. We're going to begin with a presentation
uh for the environmental uh and shade tree commission budget presentation. So I want to invite Commissioner Michael Warren to join us at the table to present the budget. All right, this on is working. Okay, if I would have known you were going to
hand out my writing my template, I would have wrote neater. Sorry guys. Um I just it looks a crazy one looks like from the way I wrote here. So um thank you for allowing me the time to come up to uh present uh both the Sha Commission um
budget for 2026 uh and the environmental commission budget. Um and uh which one do you want to start with first mayor? Uh let's do shade tree commission. Okay. Um so um let's talk about last year briefly. Just want to highlight a couple of things that we were able to
accomplish with the budget that we had. Uh we were able to pay for the uh grant that needed to be developed for uh um in conjunction with the arburist and the grant writing uh staff that you have here for the NJP community forestry
grant that will allow us to begin to take a tree inventory starting this year. Uh the tree inventory will be online for people in town to look at as as we keep inventorying trees. Um uh as they're planted and and the current ones
that are that are already here. Um and uh Liz, our arborist, will be training the shade tree commission on how to use it and how to update it as well as Dave and the DPW. Um we were able to plant uh 16 town trees. Uh, I want to thank Dave
and the DPW for getting those trees in the ground. Uh, the tree request list that we have on the website seems to be popular. Um, people are able to go on that uh form and select uh a tree from
our uh approved list. I want to remind the township committee that uh our arborist has painstakingly worked with the commission and DPW to come up with a appropriate list of trees for the types of easements that we have throughout the town. Um so if you see a tree being
planted in the easement, it has been carefully selected. Um and uh 16 tree requests were fulfilled. Um and um we're looking obviously to increase that number. This is outside of the road projects that were done on Howard and
Harvey. Um and I believe for Dan is next um for a road project. Those are uh those trees are being uh folded into the bond if I'm not mistaken. Um we were able to have Arbor Day uh uh this past year. We planted a tree at Carlock with
that. Um the Rochel Park Police Department uh helped uh by being on site as well as providing uh cookies and refreshments uh for people who want to come and celebrate Arbor Day. We had the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts come, the we had the Hackinack ambulance come, I think
that's yes to do blood pressure screenings. Um those were some of the highlights from this past year. One final highlight that we did purchase some beautifification planters um where you could put flowering flowers or small
shrubs in to um to our plan is to highlight the business area um that is at the corner of West Pay and Rochelle that I call it the gray miniart. That's that series of buildings uh from the tattoo shop down to the 7-Eleven. We may
be al also able to get uh a planter across the street in front of the haircraft um salon studio place as well. Um so we were able to purchase those um to see you know uh exactly what that
would look like um and uh to try to add some green space to an otherwise busy road. um for our next uh area in the needs to consider. Um we don't we didn't have enough money
this year to pay for a tent. That's that's what that word is people. Tent. I know it doesn't look like that, but um we don't have a tent to attend township um events with where we can uh volunteers can uh meet the residents and
uh hand out educational materials etc. about the shaitree commission. Um, so that's something we probably should be purchasing this upcoming year. Um, beautifification items, you know, I know we talked a lot about this, people in town comment about the shape of the town. Beautification items are a little
pricey um, if you want them to look nice um, and uh, be able to make an impact uh, when people drive through town or walk through town. Uh that was and the believe it or not the priciest part of the beautifification items is the shipping um to get things shipped here
can be um almost the cost of the item itself depending on the weight. Um so that may eat up some of the budget that we had from last year if we were to you know have the same $7500. Um our priorities this year is that um
we have several streets in town that still remain bare from previous construction um mostly in the 2021 to 2023 time frame. Um and uh we're looking to uh examine those roads to determine
if uh you know how many trees we can plant on those roads in particular in districts one and two. Uh so far we've covered district 3 and four with plantings. El Dorado was our uh first street planting. Uh we were able to
contract out with um Serbo. Um and uh that entire street uh I should say Elorado and Crescent were able to get um I think it was 13 trees. I'm not mistaken. Maybe it's probably more. I might have the wrong number in my head,
but uh that block does have trees now. Um, and of course we're always trying to expand our educational reach to get residents to understand how trees can help with storm water runoff and flooding, minor flooding. Um, and um be
able to seek volunteers who are interested in pruning or um maybe you know um attending a workshop. Uh there are people who do enjoy trees out there um and um are looking to try and
volunteer in some way. Um so last year we did get a $7,500 budget for the Shade Tree Commission. I am asking for $15,000 this year for the Shade Tree Commission to be able to continue and maybe pick up
the pace of tree planting. Um, at this point, I'll be happy to take questions from the township committee about the request and um or anything else about what took place in 2025. Um,
we do have to take some courses. Uh, we, you know, just so people understand the the volunteers have to take CEUs, which is continuing ed. Those are usually free workshops or se or webinars, seminars to attend. Uh, and I know that Dave and Mike James have attended classes as
well. >> Yeah. So, um, first question, first off, I want to say thank you, Mike, uh, for being the first, uh, budget presentation. Uh, we look forward to seeing everybody's, but I I just want to ask, do you know what is the cost to
outsource uh, tree planting on a typical street here in town? Um, so I can give you the cost that it was to do servo to have servo come in and do Crescent El Dorado. I >> was 23. >> It was 20. Yeah. I I I knew I had 16 in my head. So, just so you guys know, uh,
this Sunday, uh, we the shade tree commission has to submit a accomplishment form to the state of New Jersey. So, I have to gather a bunch of data and send it to the community forestry group. So that's why I had 16 in my head because Dave gave me 16 that
they planted uh town trees from the request list. Um and um uh so we uh that will help us stay accredited um which was important. We also by the way submitted to be a Tree City USA. So fingers crossed I was able to get the
proclamation from last year Arbor Day. I had to supply that. I had to send in pictures of our Arbor Day event and fill out a bunch of information and um you know, Mayor, you had to sign off that we did that. So, uh I'm hopeful we get that uh moniker so we can put Tree City USA
somewhere on the website or sign. And of course, the accomplishment uh form, I did work closely with Liz Stewart, our arburist, to make sure that uh that goes through smoothly. The cost of outsourcing the 20 trees we had on Crescent and El Dorado was approximately
6,200 for 20 trees. Now, that depends on a couple factors. One, the size of the tree. And in this case, we picked what is known as a baby tree. Uh about an inch, inch and a half in diameter. Um we do have some small easements and we
didn't want to disrupt the sidewalk or the um the curb. Um, longer streets may cost more. Um, but they can be done in phases. Um, so in this case, um, I did at our last shade tree commission meeting, mayor, you were there. I did
ask if Dave had some thoughts about where to plant in district 1 and two. We're looking at Madison, which has some trees, but Lexington has none. Uh, those would be the types of streets we would ask to outsource. Now, I want to be
fully transparent with the public here. uh because of the ordinance that we have. Bless you. Because of the ordinance that we have uh when it comes to tree removal and permit fees and uh uh fees to remove and not replant, uh the shrier commission does have some
access to uh that fund. Uh that fund is designed for tree planting and maintenance and care. Um so if there is a bigger ticket item um we do have access to that funding as well. Um in
the last year the the tree fund give or take because I know when you collect permit fees portions that get divvied up but the total amount in that uh uh that fund was about $20,000. Um, so, um, those would definitely be
used for larger tree planting, uh, projects, uh, if needed. Um, and, uh, so I want to make sure everyone's clear about the funding. Um, and I know I'm asking for double the budget, but you know, you got to shoot for the stars sometimes. So, and you know, whatever we
get, we appreciate, of course. So, >> thank you. Any other any other questions for Mr. Warren? >> More of a statement. I know how much uh work Michael puts behind the scenes. Um truly makes a dollar out of 15 cents sometimes. Um so um he does great work.
So um just and again I might ask you to stick to it, Mike, but as far as a goal >> for 2026 as far as planting trees, >> what would you Well, last year the town planted about 168 trees in total. Wow.
>> So that's a great start. I'd like to be able to maintain that or exceed it. Um, but also, you know, the Shaitry Commission, I have to thank the volunteers who come to the meetings and who've been working on this as well. Um, you know, uh, we've also been kind of
tasked with beautifification projects, which we're fine with, but I want you to know that those beautifification things cost money outside of just planting trees. So, um, you know, I know all of you up there have walked to the community and have spoken to people
about Rochelle Park and, um, I feel very lucky to be entrusted in doing this work. I I enjoy it. Um, I complain about it a lot, but I also enjoy it. Um, but, um, you know, uh, our goal to become a
commission happened last year, and, um, I'd like to see that continue. um and uh us be able to get even more grants um through the fact that we're a commission. Um I know Liz Stewart has access to a lot of uh sustainability
grants etc that we can maybe tap into. >> Thank you. >> Please make um does the arburist also get paid out of this area? >> Yes. Okay. >> So when we when I have to give Liz Stewart a lot of credit she loves this job. Uh she's not just Our Shell Parks
are brisk, but she's all over Bergen County. Um and Liz is very fair. Um she is not looking to, you know, Nickel and Dimus. You know, I got nervous about the 2025 accomplishment form that I have to
fill out. And I asked her, you know, uh if she would do it, and she's like, "Well, I charge for that." But she's like, "Mike, just pull up on the screen and I'll walk you through a couple things." It's like so I have to say Liz is helpful. Uh Liz knows a lot and and she should be paid when she does her
services, but Liz also is passionate about Rochelle Park Sha Tree Commission and is looking to help us whenever she can. So, uh but yes, we do pay the arborist from that even when she comes to look at a tree. I know last meeting there was a tree thingy going on here. I'm happy that Ellen was able to get
that resolved. She did come see us at the commission. However, the commission does not control the fees or the ordinances, etc. So, I'm happy for Ellen. She is a supporter of the Shade Tree Commission. She emails me all the time. And um but you know, you would
have to send Liz out to make a a determination. And yes, she would get paid from that fund. >> So, I mean, I just want everybody to understand this is all self because >> yeah, there's a lot of moving parts, >> a lot of lot of things into this. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Anybody else?
>> No. Um, should I go to environmental commission? It's a shorter one. >> Yep. Um, so obviously the environmental commission was established last year. I I'll be fully honest, I had no idea what to do with this environmental commission, but we've been finding our
way. Um, recently we put a survey out on social media. I think I emailed Miss Kim the link to put on the website. Um, it's going to go out in the newsletter as well. Um, I emailed the mayor to put that in the newsletter. you'd like to get some feedback from the residents
about their environmental concerns. It's a very thorough survey. So, if you are on uh social media and um I shared it to the residents page, no, I'm not on that page. I'm not allowed to be on that page. I'm on the uh the community board page. I share it there, etc. So, um you
know, uh if you get a chance to to click on it, please respond. Any feedback is welcome. Um but we'd like to get some idea of what people are concerned about. Um, you know, this this year we did have David Refkin come to uh our meeting. I think he's coming here next week to talk
about flooding. Um, I've been in contact with other environmental commissions throughout the county and Pamis, Saddlebrook, etc. areas that are close to the S River to see what they're doing with their commissions as well. They're doing a lot of education uh and and
outreach. Um last year uh we didn't have a budget at all. So we um you know uh we did what we could with volunteer time and um uh we did select a spot for the uh community
garden which is hopefully on track to open this spring. Um you know I've reached out to organizations to have seeds donated. So they've been donated for the community garden and are ready for that. Um and um
uh we've also talked about um what kind of seminars that we can hold uh for residents who have concerns which is what the survey is for. The environmental commission I know is also tied to the sustainability New Jersey where uh having one does get you
access to some money, some grants um and uh um we're happy to help with that. The environmental commission, just so the public knows, is not only that we are the uh green team for Rochelle Park. Um and um so the needs that we should
consider this year is what do we want the green team to do? Um we would definitely need some type of I hate to say it again, a tent or some some mechanism to be identified. We did uh vote and pass um a logo for us to use um
uh at the commission. Um the green team could, you know, help out with the recycling, the the town cleanups. Um can um you know, uh I I've researched green teams from other towns. They seem to be like the all you know,
they wear all the hats, you know. So, um, you know, if the township committee has any interest in the green team and what we could do, we're always open to have you come to our meeting and talk to the volunteers who are there. Um, uh, we we would so I know uh, when David Rekton
came, some comments from the public were that, oh, we'd love to have gone to the Environmental Commission meeting, so we'd like to try to have more guest speakers come in to uh, meet with residents and talk about concerns. Um our priorities is to get that community garden open this year, even if it's just
four beds to start out with. Um and um to try and expand the green team initiatives, uh at the discretion of the township committee and what they'd like to see from the green team. So this year, uh we had a zero budget. I'm just
asking for $5,000 for the 2026 year to get some of the paraphernalia that we need to be a part of town events and um be identified by uh the public so they know that we have an environmental commission. Um so that's a that's a
smaller presentation. Um and uh I'll take any questions at this point. >> Thank you, Michael. Um, so the tent that you're looking for would just be a green team tent. >> So I don't want to waste money and get like two tents for like the same thing
almost, you know? So definitely need to talk to some people in the office about how if there's a tent that's available to purchase that I can remove like a Velcro and put shade tree commission and then when we're using it for environmental commission or green team put that logo on. Um, I'd hate to buy
two separate tents. I just think that's a waste of money. But um and I'm sure there's tents out there that can um do that. Um but there's there's like there's plenty of pamphlets to print out all the small costs like that. Um again,
I'd like to use more digital stuff. Um but and in fact, some of the survey responses we've gotten so far has been to mention, you know, we asked them, "How happy are you with the news you received from the environmental commission?" And people have suggested we put more stuff on the website or in
the town newsletter which people I guess are reading. Um so um you know obviously we want to keep costs low um but be able to make an impact for the resident. Um, so again, that's the request. Shooting
for the moon, but uh, you know, I know I know what's going on in town and I understand the finances, but um, you know, uh, we'll do with whatever we get and um, but you know, the mayor and the township committee asked me to come up
with some figures, so I did. And um uh I think the accomplishments of the Sha Commission and the Environmental Commission is still kind of finding its wings. Um I think we'll have more success this year as we now know a lot more than we did a year ago. Uh and I'm
going to be honest, the volunteers, myself, we started from scratch. And uh so um you know uh thankfully we did a lot of learning, a lot of outreach. Dave and Mike were uh very helpful. Um and um
you know uh I I am predicting a a more uh a more green 2026. So >> wonderful. Thank you. Any other questions for Mr. Warren? >> I do. Uh yes. Thank you for everything that you do, Mr. >> You're welcome. And I um do we have a
date secured for David Ring coming? >> He's coming next week. 18th. Yes. Um I'll reach out. I know we're on that uh email chain together after he had come to the Environmental Commission, but the last email confirmed the 18th. I'll reach out to him tonight just to firm up
the time. I'm assuming 7:00 next Wednesday. >> Yes. >> And he'll have access to that screen. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> All right. Anything else for Mr. Warren? >> Thank you, Michael. I know that you did a lot of work in the >> Thank you. >> And thank you for your support. >> Oh, no.
>> Looking forward to the community garden. Sorry. Yeah, me too. That should be nice. We're going to try to get started. Um, in fact, we just met to discuss uh the rules and regulations and I have to give a big shout out to Gina Kim who I
guess several months ago we found some some samples from different towns and uh I asked Gina if she could send that to me, but she sent me like a Rochelle she made a whole Rochelle Park one. So, um, we were looking at that and Gene and I are emailing about just some minor
changes, but, um, uh, we're hoping that'll be good for the springtime. So, >> all right. Thank you so much. >> Thank you very much. Any questions, you guys are reaching. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Let's move right along to our
discussion item, amendment of billboard ordinance fees. So last year the township uh adopted an ordinance establishing the policies and procedures for the use of our township controlled billboard display turns on Route 17 and Interstate 80. Under the settlement
agreement, the township is entitled to three 8second display turns uh within each cycle, including two panels on Route 17 and one panel on Route 80. Uh so as we move forward with implementation, we believe it'd be more practical to establish rates by
resolution so they can be adjusted as needed to stay competitive with the market and reflect uh real world conditions. So the introduction of the ordinance tonight uh our goal is to set and update those rates by resolution. Is there anything from the township
committee on this item? >> No. All right. Thank you so much. Moving right along. Uh, Miss Kim, will you please read the letter of appreciation under correspondence? >> So, we have one uh correspondence, which is a letter of appreciation for officers
Salvia and Senna. So, um, the actual email is actually over seven paragraphs long. So, I will just read a summary if that's okay with Chief Pinto and Okay. So, this was an email from Mr. Javanni John Cas Caspro
in terms of Bernhell schools. He is also a Rochelle Park resident and parent who wrote to express sincere appreciation to the Rochelle Park Police Department. Specifically, officers Christopher Salivia and James Zenoch for their compassionate and professional response to a motor vehicle accident involving
his daughter on October 4th, 2025 on Route 17 South. He noted that the officers promptly secured the scenes, ensured his daughter received medical attention, and conducted a thorough investigation while providing reassurance and empathy during a stressful situation. He emphasized that
their actions reflected the highest standards of policing and brought credit to the department. Speaking both as a parent and as the interim superintendent of schools for Rochelle Park, he expressed deep gratitude and confidence in the police department's service to the community. That's great. Awesome.
>> Is there anything you need to add to that? >> Anything you like to add, Dean? >> Uh, no. Just again, it's just more proof of what the team does on a daily basis. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Gina, and thank you, Officer Salivia and Zeno, for their compassionate and professional response. All right, moving right along to
adoption of minutes. May I have a motion to approve the minutes of the following meetings? Close session January 28th and public session January 28th as well. Do I have a motion? >> Moment. I'll make a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please.
>> Committeewoman Judge Collo, >> yes. >> Committeeman Smith, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chowinsky, >> yes. >> Mayor Miller, >> yes. >> Passes. >> All right. Approval of the agenda. So, before we approve the agenda, may I have a motion to add the following resolutions to the consent agenda. That
would be resolution 26-079, elimination of part-time administrator for the township of Rochelle Park. and resolution 26-080, appointment of Samantha Karpio as full-time township administrator and
approval of contract. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman George Cavllo, >> yes. >> Committee Smith, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chuinsky, >> yes. >> Mayor Miller, >> yes.
All right. Uh, any reports? Uh quickly, if I may, mayor, since I'm in the um I had asked that, you know, the removal of the part-time position be discussed and open when I was rice noticed. If I just may ask the committee to consider chapter 4, section 4.3, the removal of severance pay. I'm going to pass out a
copy of that to current uh ordinance in Rochelle Park. most specifically the highlighted the last sentence um in regards to I just asked that the cons strong consideration be given to that as well as um just note back in 2021 on there was a retirement of an
administrator and you know there was uh additional severance paid out for vacation days etc. Um, and other than that, I just want to say it's been an absolute honor and a privilege to serve this community in the part-time administrator's role where full-time work was absolutely done. Um, and you
know, almost a million dollars in open space grants um received and executed as well as the numerous road projects. I I'm proud to uh see the the fruits of that labor and um look forward to uh making sure that the township police department continues to run in a very
efficient and professional manner and working with the uh my um successor. Thank you so much, Dean. Uh John, do you want to respond to uh the highlighted remark? Um >> uh yes there the state statute uh
actually provides that when an administrator uh is changed that you have to give 3 months notice uh and 3 months of severance. And the state statute was interpreted by a case that was uh
decided in the superior court stating that the statute set the compensation that was to be paid and there shouldn't be any payment above that. So uh at this point in time I would say that the
compensation would be 3 month severance. All right. Thank you. Uh moving right along to new business. Uh we're going to appoint uh Emanuel Castilei to our last alternate spot on recreation. And I also just want to briefly explain
the action that's being taken this evening. Uh in the fall of 2022, Chief Pinto stepped up to in to serve as interimm administrator and he's continued in that role since and we thank him for stepping into that part-time administrator position and helping guide the township through some
significant years, stabilizing operations and bringing the municipality to a prosperous place. And as we look ahead, the governing body believes that Rochelle Park will be at its strongest with a full-time police chief and full-time administrator dedicated solely to the day-to-day operations of town
hall. And this is purely a structural decision about the future direction of the township. This decision has nothing to do with Dean's performance. He really has helped stabilize the township during important period and we really do appreciate uh that service. And after
interviewing Samantha Karpio and reviewing her experience in municipal finance, economic development, and grant administration, we believe she's well aligned with the township's needs and moving forward. Uh so she's on the agenda this evening for approval with a start date of March 1st. And again, we
really want to thank Chief Pinto for his incredible service and look forward to continuing working with him as administrator through March 1st and his ongoing role as police chief. And we also look forward to bringing Miss Samantha Carpio on board as township administrator.
Anything else from All right, let's move right along to public comments. May I have a motion to open up to public comments? >> Make a motion. >> Do you have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. Judge Cabelloo. >> Yes. Commandment.
>> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Jinsky. >> Yes. >> Miller. >> Yes. Anybody wishing to address the governing body, please state your name and the town in which you reside. You'll be limited to 5 minutes, and each person during the public comment period is only
permitted to get up one time. >> Oh, sorry. >> I can't compete with this shirt. So, all right. Just want to give a quick thanks to Dean uh for all his efforts and uh working with Dean with the Shade Tree Commission and getting that established.
So, you know, I know you're not going to go far here down the hall. So, >> no. And I may real quick and I appreciate it. You have $77,000 in the clean communities grant that cannot be used towards the purchase of recyclable barrels and we have about 47 $48,000 in the recycling fund.
>> Oh, make that clear based on I I was not a part of the emails going back and forth. Perfect. Look into it for you. Thank you very much. So yeah, just want to thank Dean for uh you know filling in that role. Um and um you know it's not an easy role but thank you for that and
uh country committee you know uh looking forward to the successor and uh you know these are not easy decisions but you're elected and I do appreciate that. Thank you. >> Thank you >> Mr. Scarpa. >> Good evening everybody. Uh Joe Squarel Park just a question. You did not
discuss the 3-month severance for Dean before this. Nobody knew about this. >> Uh that discussion was had with Dean last week. Yeah. >> Okay. So, uh it was decided then to pay him the 3 months. >> Correct. >> And so what was Mr. Pent that I'm talking about?
>> Do you want to clarify the highlighted terms that he brought for? >> Yes. The town apparently adopted an ordinance. Uh I don't know when it was adopted but they adopted an ordinance saying that if an administrator was removed >> 91 91 the administrator was removed
prior to April they would receive 6 months of severance. >> Okay. Uh yeah I believe that there was a case that I think struck that down. So okay uh I think you mentioned about uh doing a fee by uh resolution. I believe you
have to do fees by ordinance. So I just check that out >> for the billboards. Um fees by >> Yeah, we are doing it by order. >> Oh, you mean a specific amount? >> I think the fees cannot be done, but I think you have to do fees by fee ordinance. That's all I'm saying. You might want to check with your order on that, too.
>> Yes, definitely. I agree with you. And and there's one other thing I heard you mention about an email chain. You discussing something on an email chain. Is that the entire township committee discussing township matters on an email chain? Uh well, is that certain? There should be less than two committee people
on an email. >> Correct. It was just myself, Mr. Truinsky, and Mr. Warren. >> Yes, that's Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Scarpa. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Linda Bonaface, 33 Parkway.
Um, couple things. Where is the resolution for the settlement of the retiring officer? Usually every year they do a resolution to how much he's being paid out. So I
just, you know, the other thing I have a problem with is this stems back from August of 2025. August 12th, exact August 11th, 2025. And I'm going to read a little bit of
it. It's a police report from Jefferson Township. Um, I'm not going to go into their names. I have copies if anybody wants them. Um, an unknown male arrived on the scene and
attempted uh, it was two neighbors arguing. Another guy showed up. An unknown male arrived at the scene and attempted to force him to leave. The man engaged in an argument and
ultimately grabbed him by the throat multiple times in an incident which was recorded on his phone. The one neighbor once the guy assaulted
called the police. He told um that gentleman to leave and he was able to the guy who was assaulted was able to capture the vehicle's registration number. The police officer writing this says, "I
reviewed the footage which confirmed the unknown party grabbing him by the throat." I'm going to go down. They separate. He then goes back to their police headquarters. He expressed belief that the aggressor
may be a police officer. And I'm going to read the very last uh paragraph. The unknown male party was later identified as Mr. Kenneth Stapleton Jr., an employee of the Rosho
Park Police Department. Now, last week I had to sit through how wonderful this man is. What bothers me the most is I heard something out of the corner of my ear where this man is going to remain in the township as an emergency management
coordinator. You heard the word in there, emergency. What is going to stop this guy from showing up at the emergency command center and causing an incident? Because when I sat on the township committee, I
was accused of going to cause an incident and I was banned from the emergency command center. But I will sit for a lie detector test at any time and the other people who accuse me, they'll never go near it. So I want to know you all got this. I
mailed it to emailed it to you. So you all got it. Except you, Sean. You weren't on the force. you weren't in the >> But I am deeply deeply disturbed that this guy is going to stay here. And you
all got this. You all got this. Maybe you didn't know where he was going to stay. You thought he was just going out, but I am absolutely absolutely disgusted with this. And this is not the first time a police officer has been uh taken
care of. Um, I don't want to go into other things, but if you want me privately, I'll tell you exactly. But this is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Bonaface. Anybody else? >> Ron Lum, Terrace Avenue. I got two things. What's the story about the phone station? I haven't done nothing in six weeks. First time the bids with town.
Maybe say so tonight. I don't know. Hope they'll all say we don't know. And number number two, I came here about a year and a half ago about wires hanging down and they still hanging down.
Been I maybe coming up two years and I was patient. Now I'm like getting like h you know it's not right. They said that you know out of town company got to do it. Well if somebody let didn't get
their taxes paid you'd be knocking on their door. So why you don't knock on their door to get the wires fixed. That's it. Have a good evening. >> Thank you Ron. Just to address uh we are in communication with our engineer about
uh the status of the pump station uh and we do expect to go back out to bid uh within the next few months >> and and I can adjust this. >> Yes. So I'm going to pass it over to Dean and then Mr. Truinsky. So thank you Mr. Lum. I do remember and literally just before the meeting was having a
conversation with two of our residents, both of whom have worked in municipal government for many, many years on the difficulty of getting Verizon to remove anything, especially the hanging wires. Um, they tell us they'd rather accept the liability because I said, "What are you going to do if somebody gets caught up in their neck and they choke?" He
said, "We'll accept that liability. They're hanging high enough. They shouldn't be an issue." We will continue to reach out. I have another resident brought a a a pole uh the placement of a new pole. I can tell you the utilities really don't care, but I will continue to reach out and when I send that email
in reference to um the resident on Farmer's Place, I'll remind them of the low hanging wires throughout the township. >> It did. >> I wanted to see that one right here at the corner. It's tied to the another wire. >> Yeah. >> Only like 6 ft up. >> So, we're not going to task our DPW, we
tell our officers to never to touch hanging wires because they just can be electrified. And for that reason alone, >> they can't touch it. you know, >> and and DPW for that matter. We >> Right. Correct. So, I I hear you and I'm going to relay your concerns and mine as
well. Once again, >> thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Tinsky. >> Yeah, we are looking into an alternative for the pump station short term. It won't be long, but we're looking for an answer. >> Okay. I mean, here at the end of the
year, it was a big rush to do. Now, it's almost 6 weeks later, 7 weeks. You didn't hear nothing. So I was just want to know what's going on. That's all. >> Thank you. All right. Anybody else?
>> Dominic Pazudo Susanna. I've known you a long time. I just want to say thank you for everything you've done. Thanks, Dean. My pleasure. >> Thank you, Dominic. is here. Well, David's listening to that. Do you mind? I'm sorry. >> Please take a seat.
>> I found that last statement pretty interesting reference to the pump station with an alternate. I don't know exactly what that means. May could you explain a little further? >> So, yeah, Mr. Trinsky, would you like to explain? It was brought to our attention
the possibility and uh a good possibility of rebuilding the plum station in place in its current location rather than moving it. And that came about with the looking for some short-term options when
when the price tag on the pump station went from $4 million to $7 million >> in eight. Oh, we we need to come up with some viable options and quickly. >> The only thing is what we have to be
careful of is that we don't decide to just do something because it's less expensive and not be able to take care of what what needs to be done for the next 50 or 75 years. >> Absolutely. >> The other question I do have is that you hired a new administrator. I just what
what are the vacation that they get vacation time? How much is the pay? I noticed that that wasn't mentioned. >> Yeah. So, I can absolutely mention that the uh the salary is 140,000 and the vacation days are uh consistent
with the personnel handbook. So, off the top of my head, that number is uh 10 days I believe for the first two years >> after six months. >> After 6 months. >> I was just like I was just wondering because you hired something and have no idea what what the what this all is. And
we certainly understand if I may um we all a lot of people we got our letters in in the mail reference to uh what was happening with with our properties and that's without a budget increase. So believe you guys got a lot of work to do
this year >> um in order to make that work. So >> may I >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Um um Mr. Davidson, I don't know. Um did you happen to get the blue book for with the senior freeze? >> Yes. Was that because I do believe Miss
Kim, do you have some in the office? Kathy, did you get them in the office yet? >> They should be coming, right? Just in case there if if residents haven't gotten it, you know, for for the 25 and and 26, >> right? I actually just got my first check today >> from congratulations.
>> State of New State New Jersey. Right. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> And Dean, I know what kind of a what kind of a job it is to do the administrative job. never mind money doing two different jobs at the same time. So, I don't know how you did it. You still got more hair than I do. >> Delighted.
>> But anyways, um I know I I know it's not an easy job to say the least. And um hopefully, you know, with our new administrator um that we can move forward and continue doing what you're doing over at the PD.
>> Thank you, Mr. Davidson. Good evening. James de Murray, construction official, just here to speak on uh ordinance uh 1258 uh26. Um I just want to uh ask a question. Uh you know, what was the thought process behind changing the ordinance to only
had a building sub code official to the already existing ordinance? Uh, are you guys also going to employ a building inspector still and why not add other disciplines to the full-time position?
>> Um, Mr. Trinsky, do you want to >> sure take a stand with that? I think you know the the need and the concern of the township has been brought around many many times for a combined role in that
office and a full-time face in that office for several several reasons. and and you know hearing them and listening to them it it became a more apparent amongst us that we need to we need to
have that we need to have that person in that a person in that building department that can basically be that face we I've been in town since 1988. I've been through many building departments in this town. I was here when there was one night, one night
a week you can get an inspection and and I've been through also a person that was here part-time that did six jobs who should have been full-time. And the end result was we lost those people and those people left left the town. During
those time though when we had that one person in the town and ran around doing code enforcement, doing property maintenance, doing building inspections, electrical inspection, fire inspection, so on, zoning.
The town ran very efficient. Not saying that doesn't run efficient now, but we also had the ability where people came in and they knew the person of the building department knew that face and they had a um they had a direct line of communication when they came in the
office. Um, and again, a lot of people that have come to me in town have have brought it to my attention that when they go around town, they they don't feel like they have that they don't have that um they don't have that ability anymore. They don't have that ability in
the in the they don't have that that that that safety or feel in the building department that that's behind them. not where they call in and have to constantly call, but then when inspectors driving around town and they see things going on, it's that it's
being managed and controlled and taken care of by that department, by that person that's here. It's, you know, that was the need. I mean, it's the the public is talking. I It's not It's not me. It's not Tommy. It's not Teresa.
It's the public. The public is talking and and and we listen. That's it. totally understand but why not add other disciplines I think to it I think the opportunity to add other disciplines I
think when it comes time to review the applicants of course that would be that would be I I think would be uh wanting short >> so would you have to change the ordinance again >> potentially have to change the ordinance I think if an applicant came forward and they offered other licenses I think we'd
be able to look at that but What's the reason for then changing the ordinance to add a building sub code official when it already says that the director of code enforcement should be full-time? >> It should be building building sub code
construction official zoning official and what was the other one? Property maintenance. >> But what's the reason to add? What happens if your candidate, you know, has an electrical official license also? Do you have to rechange the ordinance? >> No. No. And then they're then procluded
from hiring somebody who has additional uh certifications. >> That's the minimum we're looking for. >> The minimum. Okay. And then just one more question. So uh since there's two separate tenure uh positions here, um how do you combine these two positions
without violating tenure rights? >> I'm going to pass that over to the attorney because he's got a great answer for you right now. A municipality, even when there is tenure, is permitted to combine positions for reasons of economy and efficiency. Still, so even though
they're tenured, you're still permitted to create a full-time position from part-time and eliminate those part-time positions. There's nothing the law does not prohibit that. But where's the economic efficiency here? The department's in the negative and we're
increasing the budget. Well, the governing body makes that determination as to whether they feel it's more efficient and more uh economical to do it that way. This the the public comment is really not to be >> I'm just here because of the vice notice. So, I thought it was discussing you know the position but okay fine.
Thank you. Thank you for coming. >> This is a great opportunity to consolidate. Uh Mr. D Maria, I've been knocking doors for the last 3 years and a consistent complaint that I receive is how the town looks. So, this is an opportunity to address that, to have a full-time person here, to address the
ongoing concerns that we hear from residents at the door, that we hear on social media that are relevant to property maintenance. >> Property maintenance. Yes. So, that's not that's not my position, >> but this is a strategy to address that and that's what we're doing. Thank you so much.
>> Anybody else? Al Riner uh Parkway. So, um what will it cost? Uh I understand what's what it's going to cost for a full-time administrator, but what about the building department since you're going full-time? How much
will it cost to do that in addition? >> So, I'm sure you know that, right? >> Yeah, absolutely. So uh at the following meeting we will put on the agenda the actual posting so everyone will be able to see that and the salary range. >> So you don't know now
>> the range that we're looking at is around 85 to 95,000. >> That's the salary, right? >> Correct. >> But there's addition in addition to that benefits you got to give them a car. There's more than just the salary. >> Absolutely. And those and and those
benefits are laid out in our personnel handbook. So, we'll have those conversations when we interview candidates, when we put that posting forward and uh we'll bring it right back to the public to give them a status update. >> Okay. So, as a taxpayer, I'm concerned, you know, cuz my taxes did go up because
of reevaluation. Now, you're getting a new a full-time administrator, full-time building, you know. So, uh, it's a concern not only for me, you know, I'm sure for a lot of residents
also. Now, Mr. Dravinsky said you heard from other people that we need a full-time inspector. Correct. >> I'm sorry. >> You've spoke I'm sorry. You've spoken to
other people who said you need a full-time person in the building department. it when I was running for election. >> Yeah. And there's people in his audience that could come up to this microphone right now that are going to that could
could validate the point that the the the amount of concern of um in the township for having a full-time full-time person here during the day out on the street
doing inspections, coming back to an office, eating lunch in town perhaps, seeing the way the town looks and addressing things and coming to our land use board meetings and addressing issues that we have with outdated codes, outdated fines where people are not,
you know, there there's no very little incentive to to to correct the issues rather than if they'll pay the fines rather than correct the issues. There seems to be a growing need and and it's again it's when I was knocking door
to door and going around town and talking to people when I was people that put me here not one not two I could count on I could I lost track and ranging and oddly enough the range in age from young people that move into
town to people that I'm doing work for right now that happen to be seniors in town they all have the same concern they said who is in the building you know And I and I said, "Listen," I said, "If you have a concern or why don't we have a full-time building
and I I don't have an answer for this." So, I have made myself available. I've done inspections on a lot of your jobs. Did you have a problem with me scheduling or any issue with me? >> No.
>> No. Miss Curval, also I did uh went to your house. >> The chair, please. I'm sorry. >> Make your comments through the chair, please. >> Well, we we >> I understand. >> Okay. Well, again, I was at
uh at Miss Gravado's house when she had her fire. We made sure that she got into her house. Uh it was um well, during the construction, there was no delay. She got in her house as
quickly as possible. There was no delay for her. And Mr. Travinsky, I have a cell phone. People call me on the cell phone that they can talk to me. Mr. Di Maria, he gives out his personal
cell phone. People can talk to him. You think you're going to find somebody who who can who will do that? I don't think so. That's going to give out their their personal friend telephone? No. And I just hope you find somebody who's
qualified who who also you need five building licenses for that job. So just for the building that's without any other uh so just keep that in mind.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you Al. I one thing I do want to add is that if you do the math in regards to those positions and you do consolidate and you do combine, it's a very minimal investment when you combine those positions to the salary that I just mentioned. And as Mr. Twinsky and
myself have mentioned this evening, this is an ongoing concern, an ongoing complaint of how the township looks and we want to beautify the place that we call home. So, this is a strategy to do that. We're offering strategies for change. We're offering solutions and this is what that means. Thank you so
much. >> It's all at a cost. >> Yeah. And as I mentioned, it's a it's a minimal cost compared to the ongoing complaints that we receive on a regular basis how the township looks. >> So, let me >> Five minutes is up. >> Your five minutes is up. But, >> okay.
>> One thing I do want to also give uh our township attorney the opportunity to address is what happens after this ordinance is passed and how the um job would be ultimately offered to the tenur uh employees. >> Yes. that the if the tenure employees
had the proper certifications for the position, they would be given the opportunity first with respect to taking the position. >> Okay, I understand that. Okay, thank you. >> Where just really curious, were you aware of that information? >> Uh I was.
>> Okay, great. >> I was. >> Thank you so much. >> But you you all voted I got a copy of the ordinance that you that you voted on last month. Um the amendment to the uh >> Yep. That was the first read. The second read is on the agenda tonight. >> Tonight. >> Thank you.
>> But as Mr. D Maria said, you eliminated one of my jobs in this description as a building inspector. That's not in here. That's missing. So I don't know. You know, uh, >> we could amend it. >> Why are we
>> That's not here. Just so you know. Gotcha. Thank you. >> Anybody else? We close the public hearing or seeing. Nobody may I have a motion to close public comment? >> Uh motion.
>> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. Judge Corell. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Stephanie Mayor Schwinsky. >> Yes. >> Chair Miller. >> Yes. >> I have a question. >> Yes. Please. Um >> Mr. Ryder said that it was eliminated.
Was that intentional elimination? So that just can we amend it if we wanted to at this point or >> Right. Is that what you asked not to? >> Yeah. Missing. I thought it was on there. It's not. >> I thought it was too. I didn't I maybe I missed it. But Mr. Ry has the right
also. I believe in my opinion that he has the right to apply for the position also and that was eliminated. >> Absolutely. >> Um I believe that we could amend that. Is that possible to do that now or >> we'd have to readvertise? we have to readvertise and introduce and adopt. >> Could that be also part of the job
descriptions that will be coming in you know you just mentioned about then they could have more qualifications right am I right with that so you have more more qualifications so that could be look as Mr. ancest what I'm asking for is you've always mentioned that you know you could have
more qualifications so if that was the case then your position would be considered more qualifications um for this ordinance that's what I'm understanding from council >> am I getting that correct >> yes so on any job description when you set forth the criteria for the job
someone can add additional qualifications sometimes they call that being overqualified uh may make them a more attractive candidate to have the additional uh certifications or licenses. And in that case, if you uh intend if you hire
someone uh and you want them to perform the additional job duties that they have the certifications or licenses for, then we would amend the ordinance again to reflect the person that was hired and their job duties and responsibilities. >> Now, would that be necessary to amend
the ordinance or just strengthen the the language of the job posting to include all that? Well, you have two options. But if you change the ordinance, you're going to have to start this process over. >> Correct. >> Versus putting the advertisement out,
see see what candidates you receive and then determining based upon the candidates and the qualifications they have whether it's necessary to then amend the audience again. >> All right. Wonderful. Any questions on that? >> No. >> No. I mean that makes sense. You can advertise it with it also. So Mr. Riner
would also have the opportunity with his qualifications. Absolutely. >> Okay, >> that's what I want to clarify. Thank you. >> Yeah, especially being a tenure employee, >> right? >> Wonderful. >> And they would be tenure employees are offered the position um council first. Is that true? >> Yes. >> So the tenure employees would be offered
the position to apply for the position first. >> Um can I ask a quick question? >> Not at this time. >> And that would be based on seniority as well. >> It's up to you if you want to take additional questions. >> We already closed public comment, but please come see us on the day after. All
right. So, we have four ordinance for adoption this evening. Ordinance number >> Oh, we have an introduction of ordinance first. So, um our next item is the introduction of ordinance number 1259-26
entitled rental terms and schedule of policies and procedures and the rental of billboard display flips. May I have a motion to introduce 1259-26? >> Motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please.
>> Committee woman George Corello. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. >> Yes. >> Miller. >> Yes. The ordinance is introduced. >> Yes. And I have a little statement. >> Please. >> Okay. Notice is hereby given that ordinance 1259-26 was introduced and passed on first
reading at a meeting of the tangent committee of Rochelle Park held today, February 11th and order published in accordance with the law. Said ordinance will be considered for final reading and adoption at a meeting held on March 11th at 700 p.m. in the township of Rochell 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, Gina. And now we have four ordinance for adoption this evening. Ordinance number 1255-26, adoption of regulations restricting the planting, growing, or
cultivating of bamboo. Ordinance number 1256-26, flood management regulations. Ordinance number 1257-26, amendment of chapter 155 entitled sewers. Ordinance number 1258-26, amendment of chapter 80 entitled construction codes enforcement
department. May I have a motion to open this to the public for any questions regarding these ordinances? Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman Judge Carllo. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. Yes. >> Mayor Miller.
>> Yes. Public hearing is now open. Please state your name and address for the record. >> Hi, this Mike Warren. Quick question about the bamboo. I can still grow it in a little pot that I have my own. Okay. Thank you. >> That's correct. Thank you so much. >> That was quick. you.
>> No, not yet. We're working on that. >> Am I able to ask a question? >> Absolutely. >> So, um, when it comes to, uh, right of first refusal, how do you offer to people the same job? >> But then it's not right first refusal. Correct.
>> What do you mean? You can't give two full-time jobs. It is the right >> I know. So, >> so the two tenure pre people, whoever has the most seniority would be offered the first and then whoever has the less seniority would be offered a second. >> So, it's not first. Okay.
>> So, it's not right of first. It could be right of second refusal, right? >> You know, does it really matter? >> I don't know. You know, >> what terminology you want to use? I'm just the DCA, you know, stated that, you know, in order for the tenure to, you know, for this job to work, you would
have to create two separate full-time positions. >> Yeah, they're the ones that, you know, cover our, you know, license. That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you, James. Anybody else? Al Riner again. So, let me understand. You're offering
80,000 or 85,000 your starting salary for a full-time person for the building department. >> Is that correct? >> The that is the um the goal for the posting 85 to 95,000.
>> My two positions alone have been advertised for that amount for 90,000 just for the two positions sub code and building inspector. That's what other towns are paying just so you know for your information.
Okay. >> Thank you, Al. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. Anybody else hearing or seeing no one? I have a motion to close public comment. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. Judge Carllo. >> Committeeman Smith. >> Yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Schwinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. We will now vote on each ordinance individually for adoption. Ordinance number 1255-26, Bamboo Regulations. May I have a motion to adopt this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Do you have a second? >> Second.
>> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman Judge Cavllo. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Schwinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. Motion passes. >> Ordinance number 1256-26, Flood Management Regulations. May I have a motion to adopt this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please.
>> Committee woman, Judge Coella. Yes. >> Committee man Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Schwinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Ordinance number 1257-26. Sewers. May I have a motion to adopt this ordinance? >> Motion. Do >> have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman Judge Carllo. >> Yes.
>> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. >> Ordinance number 1258-26 constru construction codes. May I have a motion to adopt this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Have a second. >> Second. Roll call, please.
Committeewoman Judge Carllo. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Smith, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Schwinsky, >> yes. >> Mayor Miller, >> yes. Motion passes. >> All right. Consent agenda. All items listed below are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the township committee and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate
discussion of these items unless a committee member or citizen so request, in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the general orders. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? I'd like to um move separate 079 and 080
on the consent agenda. Accept discussion. >> All right. >> All right. So, let's discuss those. >> Okay. So, 790 is with um our chief administrator. I just want to say uh Dean, thank you for all you did to help.
I know it's been a little it's it's been a lot and um I appreciate that. Um, and I'm kind of happy going back full time to the police department. They need you there, too, right? So, but um, also, anybody else have anything on?
>> No. >> Thank you, Dean. >> Thank you. >> I gave you a hug already. >> What is it? >> I gave him a hug already. >> Oh, okay. And on 080, um, Samantha, I can't see from here. Um,
tell me how do you say capio? >> Carpia. Yeah. Um um if this agenda goes through, I wish you the best for you if you need it and uh uh this wasn't so far. Um and that's all I have to say on that if they could be put back. >> Good luck, Samantha.
>> Thank you so much, Committee. All right. Uh do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So motion. >> You have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committeewoman Judge Carllo. >> Yes. >> Committee Smith. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Chowinsky. >> Yes. Mayor Miller. >> Yes. Motion passes.
>> All right. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at 7 p.m. Do I have a motion to adjourn this meeting? >> Motion. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you so much. We are adjourned.
Thank you.