Okay. Call to order. Open public meeting act. Public law 1975 chapter 231. According to the open public meeting act, notice of this special meeting of December 17th was transmitted to the Bergen record in
Herald News on December 12th, 2025. In addition, a copy of said notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of township clerk. Roll call, please. two things. She's looking right now. >> Yes, she is.
>> Say here. >> Here >> Miller is on his way. Mayor >> Committee Beninsky >> here. >> Aliance 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. All right. Any correspondence, please? >> No. >> All right. May I have a motion to open the public? >> Motion. I have a second.
>> Second. >> Call woman. >> Yes. >> Woman. >> Yes. >> Benchi. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. We are now open to public for any questions, concerns. Okay. If you please state your name and the town in
which you reside. Uh each person is limited to 3 minutes. Uh you are only permitted to get up once during the uh course of the meeting. And at the conclusion of the uh public session, any questions or statements that uh can be
answered or addressed will be done so after the committee closes to the public. Thank you. >> 33 Roelle Park. Is the pump station being discussed in close session tonight?
>> Well, the question is going to be answered after. Oh, we're going back to last year. Okay. Um, personnel matters. Can you tell me what department you're you're going to discuss? The other thing is, um, mayor.
>> Yes. >> If your son-in-law is in Gaza, you just put his life at risk because according to there is no US service members in Gaza. I just want to let you know. >> Well, he is a US service member. So whatever you're saying, I'm going to
tell you straight up that's not true. So he is there. Actually, he just came home. He's going back again in January. >> Sure. >> Well, I don't really care if you'd like it or not. That's the truth. >> I'm not going back. >> Wait till you're gone. >> Oh, I can't either. >> Yeah.
>> Let's discuss this. Um, >> no, answer them because I got three I got some time. So, can you answer those questions? cuz I got rebuttal. >> Yes. Well, again, well, the purpose of the public portion is not to have a rebuttal back and forth. So,
>> but I got a question. If you're going to put something in close session that really does not belong in close session, >> I think we have a problem here. >> Yes. Well, that will not take place. But when again, when you're done and it's close to the public, all your questions will be answered.
>> Oh, this is how we're working it. >> Yes. >> You're another one. Anyone else, please? No. Hearing I see no one. May I have a motion to close the public? You have one more.
>> Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. >> Piece of >> Yeah, I've got to be honest with you. We're heading back. we're going backwards forward. The whole point of the matter is if you do have a question and there's another question that comes
up as a result of the answer, I think the person should have that opportunity to at least present what their their issue is with that particular question and and then wait until it's all over and then say, "I'm sorry, you cannot get
back up again." Doesn't make any sense to me. certainly does not appear to be that you want to be as open as you claim to be. So I just need to have to say that. So if in fact if I'm the last
person and the questions been asked about whether or not the frustration will be discussed I don't understand we I'm not trying to get into personalities here but we did have an answer for another question which you have no problem you answering.
So why can't you answer a very simple question? >> Well, when you have a person, if I may, >> I'll wait till you finish. >> No, but again, I'm I'm not I'm not saying anything about you personally about this. You did make a response. >> I did. >> So if you made your response, you put a certain way that
>> when you talk about my personal family, I will make a response. And you don't have any right to talk about my personal family and make false accusations. But go ahead. >> Not false. >> Not false. >> Not false. Hang on. Listen. Go ahead. I'm sorry. Mr. Speaker, what I'm trying
to say is that there was a response and it certainly could have miss I'm going to ask you please not speak when somebody else is speaking. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So I don't understand what especially is it going to be question
session. I find it extremely concerning my as a resident. It seems like literally every single meeting this year has had a closed session item for the almost every single meeting this year. I don't understand what in the
world could possibly discuss in closed session that the president don't have me understood. That's all I have. Thank you. Anyone else? No. I thought All right. Hear say no one else. May I have a motion to close the public and we
will answer your questions? May I have a motion? >> I'll make the motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee man. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Okay. So, yeah. So, first generally speaking, the purpose of close session isn't an opportunity. I mean, I'm sorry. The purpose of the public portion of the meeting is not the purpose is not to have a back and forth and a rebuttal and arguments and a debate. That's not the
purpose. So when when when you mention that you think it's a step backwards, actually the the council, the committee is not even required to respond to questions. It's the public's opportunity to make whatever statements they would prefer to make, comment on the agenda,
voice their opinion on action that should or should not be taken, and to ask questions, and to the extent possible, if the committee sold the desires to answer the questions. So again, it's a misconception. I don't know how things were done here in the past, but it's a misconception to think that that's the wrong way to do it
because that's actually the legal way to do it. Okay. Now, as to what's going to be discussed in close session, well, let me actually address uh Mr. Anderson first as to the reason for close session. Right now, this municipality has significant litigation
with TOEFL on multiple fronts. We also have significant litigation with affordable housing. All those discussions must take place in close session because you cannot disclose your strategies, the legal opinions, the weaknesses of your
positions, the strengths of your positions in public because it's a detriment to the public to do so. And it would be very foolish and irresponsible for this committee to take those discussions and place them in the public. does allow when everything is
over, when those cases are resolved, if someone wants to question what the strengths were, what the weaknesses of the case, they have every right to do so and the committee may want to respond to it. But while the litigation is taking place, that's not the case. And we also do go into close session for personnel
because again, that's an exception to uh public meetings and a lot of it involves may involve promotions, it may involve investigations, it may involve actions with respect to employees. that we had to act this past year too and all that should be taking place in close session
as to what will be discussed in close session as to uh the bids some of it will be not all of it because to your point Miss Bonifase everything cannot be discussed and closed what can be discussed and closed is strategies dealing with the
project itself legal advice that has to be given with respect to what options they have but again to your point when they come out to public they have have to make a decision. That decision must be in public and it has to be a basis for that decision which will be
disclosed to the public. So part of it will be enclosed but the actual decision and the basis for that decision will be made in public in front of anyone who's present here for it. >> Mr. Chino, I sat on that deis myself for
six years and more has gone on in close session this year than anything. But things were open at our pump station. We know what the costs are. It should be discussed in public.
>> It is going again this not to have a back and forth, but it is going to be I just said it's going to be discussed in public. >> I understand that. But this whatever you're discussing needs to be out here. >> No, it does not. It would be a detriment to the municipality to discuss what if any changes have to be made to the specifications, the basis or the
strategy to go out to bid. You don't want the bids to know what you're thinking as to the course of the project or why the practice is one way or the other. So, no to your uh further question. Not everything has to be discussed in public, but the public will be informed as to what action is taken
and the basis for that decision. >> I don't believe that. >> Okay. >> Well, you I'm sure you're going to stay. So, you'll find you'll you'll find when you're here personnel personnel that it's the building department. >> Yes.
person building. >> Okay. What else? >> That's it. >> That was one of our questions. >> So the discussion for personnel is the building department and that's all I have. >> Um
all by yourself means believe me I do. But the whole point of the matter is when we said litigation all you do is check mark and there's no there's no explanation whatsoever. It would be nice to have
said litigation about and then you have your session but to leave us in the dark and have no idea what it is. That's why I'm concerned. >> It's the it's the building department. Mr. Davis, you're welcome. Okay. So, uh, we're looking at, um, executive close
session resolution 20 number 25-312, authorization to enter executive close session, matters relating to legal issues, litigation, potential litigation, contract negotiation, attorney, client privilege, matters relating to personnel. May I have a motion to go into close session or
executive session? I have a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> I have a second. >> Anybody want to go into it? I'll second call. Okay. Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committ. >> Yes. Committee man. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> All right. So, we will be back after close session. Hopefully, it won't take too long. Yes, sir. Well, that goes to order. It is 6:02 p.m. May have a motion come out of close. Motion.
>> You have a second. I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Woman Arola. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. So, we're going to read this one to record
the agenda. We have to read this into the agenda. Okay. >> All right. So, Junior, would you please read into resolution number 25? Um, where's the number on here? >> It would be 314
>> 25 314. >> Would you read this into record, please? >> Yes. >> Okay. Resolution 25-314, authorization of the rebitting of the Lane Sanitary Pumping Station Project. Whereas on November
5th, 2025, the township advertised for the receipt of bids for the decommissioning of the existing wastewater pumping station and the installation of a new pumping station. And whereas the township received a bid from Underground Utilities Corporation in the amount of 7,986,555.19
and a bid from PAC 2 LLC in the amount of $9,640,000. And whereas the township received the bid from I apologize that's redundant. Uh whereas the township reserves the right to reject any and all bids. And whereas the bids exceed the township engineers
estimate for the project and the funds allocated for the project. And whereas the township engineering chief financial officer recommend the bid submitted by Underground Utilities Corporation Impact 2 LLC be rejected and the project readvertised. Now therefore be it resolved by the
township committee that the bids received by Underground Utilities Corporation in the amount of 7,986,555.19 and pack to LLC in the amount of $9,640,000 B and R hereby rejected for exceeding the estimated cost of the project and
the lack of funds unavailable to award the bid. And be it further resolved that the township clerk be and she is hereby authorized to readvertise the project for the receipt of bids to decommission the existing wastewater pumping station and to install a new pumping station and
be further resolved that the township cler be and is hereby authorized directed to notify underground utilities corporation and pack to LLC of the rejection of their bids as they exceed the estimated and budgeted amount for the project.
So we add that under the resolution 25-314. Please note that. All right. So that those bits have been rejected at this time. Not going to be accepted. So we have the next uh >> you need to vote. >> I know.
>> Oh, okay. I thought you were moving on to the next. >> May I have a motion to accept this resolution? >> Motion into the agenda. May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Committee woman, >> yes. >> Committee woman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Miller, yes.
>> Committee Trinsky, >> yes. Mayor Judge Cabella, >> yes. >> All right. What else? We have the approval of the agenda. Now, if we're rolling to >> correct a motion to approve the agenda, >> I'll make the motion >> with the with the appropriate changes. >> Yeah, that's correct. Yeah.
>> Okay. I have a second, please. Second. >> Okay. Roll. >> Yeah. Before we did it, I think we want to add 315. be advertising the bid for the the pilot for the master plan RFP. >> Do you have a resolution for that?
>> I do. We can work it on today and we can I can have a resolution for that >> with Mr. >> No, but you can do it by motion and then the resolution can memorialize it. >> Okay. So, you want to do by motion? >> Yes. >> All right. Can I have a motion to readvertise for the RFP? Correct. Right.
RFP. >> RFP request for proposals >> for the planner award and master plan. Correct. Yes. >> May I have a motion? >> I'll make the motion. >> May I have a second? >> I'll have a second. >> Roll call, please. Okay. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman.
>> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Committee Man Chaminsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dutch Cavlla. >> Yes. >> So, that's going to be listed as >> 315. So, please note that on your agendas. >> 315.
>> Now, you have a motion in a second to approve the agenda. It was made by committee woman. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Miller. And >> now we need a vote. >> Yes. >> Okay. Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committeewoman Arola. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Committee Shinsky.
>> Yes. >> Mayor D. >> Yes. >> Okay. Anything else you want to add? >> Okay. So then we're going to have discussion after the consent on here. Please do accept. Consent agenda. All items listed below are considered to be routine and non-controversial by
attaching committee and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless committee members or citizens so request in which case the items will be removed from consent agenda and considered in the formal sequence on the agenda as part of general orders. So we have
resolution 25-313 25-314 and 25-315. May we want a motion for that. Please have a motion for that. Make a motion. >> We have a second. >> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman.
>> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Committee Chinsky. >> Yes. >> Mayor George. >> Yes. >> So, the next thing we want to have is any kind of discussion on hearing >> for so for discussion from our engineer.
We have a motion for >> motion. Here's engineer. We have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Committee woman. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Miller. >> Yes. >> Committee. >> Yes. Mayor George. >> Yes. >> How you doing, Carl? >> Yes, please.
>> That's fine. >> How is everybody? Is that Anna? >> Yes. >> Perfect. >> All right. Um, so see, >> sure, I'm good. Just pull down. So your pump station,
>> let's talk. Um, from my understanding with it, the bids came in much higher than what you have appropriated for the funds. You want to look at uh different ways to possibly uh value engineer it, how it could come in
with a better price, meeting the requirements that you need to make the pump station work. That that's my understanding with it. So, where do we go from here? Um, what we do is, and I actually met with my, um, sanitary sewer engineers today in
our Home Dell office, which is down in our corporate headquarters. Um, they do a peer review. We'll do this, no cost, just we we're going to take a look at everything, see what you can and can't do with it. um you know,
is is it sized appropriately? Is it oversized? Is it in the right location? Does it meet all the requirements? Permitting is okay, all that stuff. Make sure that it's okay from an engineering perspective. Um, from a funding perspective,
uh, instead of having the town go forward with an additional bond to fund the difference of costs, there's a program through the DP called I I Bank. It's a low interest loan program with
that. I'm not sure if you're familiar with it. Um, but it's a a lot of the municipalities we work in use that program for infrastructure projects like this and uh it'll help fund your project. In some cases, they don't give
you um they don't give you grants with it. They give you they may you may be able to qualify for what they call principal forgiveness, which is essentially a grant. Um, but you don't know that until after you get approved and it's through the process
and everything else like that. So, you go into this I bank program where it's like a low interest loan. Fund the entire project, the cost of construction, the cost of uh uh engineering fees for inspection services, any permitting fees. It'll
cover all that stuff. It's all wrapped into one thing. It's funded through the D and uh there's a a payout process through it. Kind of like when you're doing a new home and you're building a home where you get paid out through the process and you go
for your bank similar to that. Um you know, we see a lot of uh communities use this program and it works well with them. It it may help bridge the gap of the dollars that you need. This way you
don't have to float a bond to cover the cost of whatever the difference is. Um my understanding that this project started out as a large project to begin with and it increasingly got larger in cost. Um so we're going to do everything we can to
take a look at it, see what you can see one way or the other. Um and go from there. So as far as a timing procedure with us, the holidays don't really help right now. uh because staff is burning through PTO. Um just being honest with
you there. Uh so talking to uh my people that do this, they told me that they could get me a report with everything from the peer review aspect of the engineering side of it plus all the information with the I bank all tied together. probably about second week of
January once we come back from from uh the you know holidays and New Year's. Um you know and I'll have everything if I have something before then I could feed it to Dean so that we can pass it out. I could probably get the I bank information a little quicker because
that's more of a generic information of everything. >> Yes. >> Dean, did we not already discuss this with the bank? >> Yeah, we actually have an open application with the bank. >> Oh, you did? >> Yeah. Diaz from Boswell filed that many years ago. It got closed when they
sought a FEMA brick grant. I've since had her open that application back up. >> Okay, good. That's That's good to know. >> That's your research. Go back on it. We'll see. >> Okay. >> We That's why I said we already have something like when you said that we were talking about it before. >> Perfect. So So you have you have the
funding arm looks like you have it under control or or it's being revisited. >> It's being revisited. >> Yeah. So, so that's a good thing. Um, so then it'll limit our scope then uh to just looking at the plans and specs and what you received from the bid documents
from the different contractors. Uh, you know, one of the things that I find curious and we'll we'll look into it. Why is the estimate one price and the engine I'm sorry and the bid price so much higher? So, what we'll do with
that is we'll talk to a couple different contractors in the industry. We'll probably even talk to these contractors that bid on it. What's the reasoning for it? Um, you know, it could be one of many things. I have not looked at your bids for this yet, so I don't know what's in there. Um,
anything and everything could increase. If you're dealing with impacted soil, getting that soil trucked off site, that's a lot of money. Um, one contractor could spend one thing on it. Another contractor could be spending something else depending on how they
deal with their disposal. Uh, so we we'll be diving into that whole process and uh get you a report on it and recommendations and go from there. >> Great. >> All right. So, like I said, it's just us as a courtesy diving through it. Um, typical peer review. We just did two of
them in some other communities and they wound up going different routes with a few things. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> No problem. >> Any questions? >> No, thank you for coming. Just a concern that I'm sure this committee has and the public has is that we we do want to
reposition this and we do we have to do our due diligence and and I I you know, time is going to be time is always going to be key for us. Um, I just I know the holidays are here
and like you said in a couple weeks, January, middle of January, get back to us as soon as you can. It'll be great. >> Thank you. The the uh the other thing with it is um I brought up those other communities that we've we've done this in in a few
other towns. With those two cases, what we actually did was we recommended for the design engineer to make their changes on the plans uh it was discussed with council first before and then to take that and put it out to bid with the with the revisions.
The majority of the uh recommended revisions were accepted by the community and the design engineer and so that it's a team effort, right? And so we were able to work together to get it to a
spot where it made sense and prices came in better than what originally. So that's all this is. Um just looking to look look at it a little differently >> with the with the design engineer. >> Wait. Yeah. So we'll we'll make the recommendation kind of like a planning
board review. We make we do our reviews and then there's changes that have to be made to the plans and the designers wind up changing it. >> Great. >> All right. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks. You too. Okay. All right. Next thing we're going to do the motion to adjurnn the meeting. Correct. We're going to do a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll make the motion. >> I have a second. I'll second. Uh all all
in favor? I >> Okay, we are now adjourned.