coach. >> No, Luke the coach. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, I I'm like fine. Bought it and it's been like a month in. >> What was that? >> Oh, no mercy. I'd like to call the February 10th, 2026 meeting to order.
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. [clears throat] >> A moment of silence to remember the
service and sacrifices of the armed service members who protect our nation and the first responders who protect our neighborhoods. >> Council President, may I add somebody to that, please? I just want to let everybody know that uh we had a a a really great uh pillar in the community in Green Pond, Peter Tannis, that had passed away over the weekend. Uh Mr.
Tannis was a uh prior first responder, prior Green Pond chief um in Green Pond, and he was a very proud father of his children and grandchildren for who they become. So, just a moment of silence for them, too. He'll be deeply missed. Clerk, please take the role.
>> Council member Salberg, >> here. >> Council member Voytovich >> here. >> Council member Freellander >> here. >> Council member Royek >> here. >> Council member Freed here. >> Council member Quinn >> here. >> Council member Kelly
>> here. >> Council Vice President Sakit >> here. Council President Morrison >> here. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the daily record in the official newspapers for the township of Rockaway. Notice was posted on the official bullet boards of Rockaway Township, the township website. A notice
was filed in the office of the township clerk. Approval of the minutes. Can I have a motion? >> So move. >> I'll second. Council >> president question on the on the minutes. >> Yeah. on the uh back page of the minutes um right after R38,
the resolution that was um stated, you made a statement on the record. Um however, the acting clerk uh did not include um or mentioned the court order from Honorable Judge Minkowitz refuting your false claims of conflict, and I would ask that that would be add in uh
for the next meeting. >> Uh you can you can either vote yes or no, but the minutes will not be altered. >> I'm just making that part of the record. Thank you. Clerk, please take the role. >> Council member Sberg, >> yes. >> Council member Votovich,
>> yes. >> Council member Freelander, >> yes. >> Council member Roy, >> yes. >> Council member Freed, >> yes. >> Council member Quinn, >> yes. >> Council member Kelly, >> no. >> Council Vice President Sacket, >> yes. >> Council President Morrison,
>> yes. That's eight yeses, one no. Motion passes. >> Mr. Mayor this point I handing the meeting over. Thank you council president. So um like to introduce to the public every tonight. This is Alexis. Um Alexis
is a township resident. Um she's one of those uh you know everybody has somebody in their family. Oh, we need cookies for a party or we need a cake bake. and her family always went to her and about two years ago um she decided to take a chance on herself and invest in her own
business. Um she could have just started baking cookies and selling them on Facebook, but she didn't. She did it the right way. She went through the process with the township and with the state and got fully licensed and now she has her own business called Alexis Bake the Cookie. And um she brought some cookies
tonight. She does all different kinds. She does subscriptions, but sugar cookies, Lil Anvil, um she did, uh if you go to her Instagram, Facebook, which we'll post on the township website, um she has a cookie club you can join and uh she did
some NFL cookies for the Super Bowl. So, um very proud to announce Alexis. She came in front of the planning board and was fully approved and uh wish her luck on her business. Do you have anything you want to say? >> Uh no, just thank you so much for having me. So everybody partake in some cookies
on your way out. Um enjoy the cookies and uh thanks and best of luck to you. >> A couple follow-up questions. Where is the uh you said it's going to be a physical. >> No. >> Oh. >> Oh. Okay.
>> And there are sufficient samples for when the council. All right. Thank you, Council President. Quick question on the cookies. Um this is a serious question. Do you have gluten-free? >> Okay, gluten-free. Thank you. Just always a serious question I like to ask. Gluten-free is important. I would like
one with extra gluten in it, please. >> Yes, exactly. Um, okay. Uh, also before we get going, I I'd like to make a a statement to the to the council uh and the public. Uh, at the last meeting, Mr. Kelly said two things uh following an
argument with me about um my conflicts uh warning to him. Um first he he claimed that uh our town attorney, Mr. Yachafano, represented me in my personal divorce proceedings. Um
so Mr. Kelly, you made these allegations. I want you to put it before this council right now on the record what proof you have that supports your statement. >> Maybe you should ask your family. >> No, let's not just let
>> I'm giving you the option. You can ask your family, >> Mr. You made a serious allegation. >> Yep. >> And I'd like you to back that up with proof because I know what happened. I would like you to back it up with proof
the allegations that you made against me. Are you prepared to do that right now? >> As I told you before, council president on the record, your family has full awareness of it and I believe you even admitted to it at one of the public meetings that you had gotten information from Mr. Yafano counseling you for
additional attorneys for your divorce. So I mean maybe you might want to look back at the record itself. >> Okay. >> But perhaps you should perhaps you should >> ask your family or maybe even ask yourself in the mirror if in fact Mr. Giatra assisted you. I gave you any legal guidance or counseling. Okay.
Regarding your personal matters. >> So, so you have no proof. Um, it's not anything. >> It's not supported by anything yet. You had no problem saying it. Okay. And I'd like that to be for the record. Uh the second accusation
um was you stated that Machafano um a very close friend of his was newly was a newly appointed conflicts council who coincidentally is is also prosecuting you which you voted no to um even after
uh being made aware that it was a conflict. So again, I I'd [clears throat] like you to here and now on the record present whatever proof you have to bake to back up that allegation. >> Are you denying that Mr. Yachafan doesn't have a a friendship or relationship with Mr. Being?
>> I'm not answering. >> I'm asking you that question. >> No, no, no. You were the one that Mr. Kelly, you actually have some type of denial that Mr. Yachafano is in fact not interconnected, does not have a professional relationship or a friendship with Mr. Behringer. You're
telling me this right now on the spot when I'm here prepared for an agenda. You could have given me these questions beforehand to provide maybe witnesses to give you testimony, provide you with documentation. Instead, you're going to provide self-serving comments for an optical view as if I'm doing something
wrong. >> So rather than you making accusations about me having a conflict for some of these individuals when on the 7th of January, you're provided with that court order from Honorable Judge Minkowitz. >> Okay. That's under 378-9. Mr. Kelly,
>> you received that. And even knowing that there was no conflict, you still had continued to accuse me knowingly. It was false information of a conflict that was there. In fact, it's actually the professional that would have a conflict that would have to recuse from my matters, not me from theirs.
>> You just want to be >> and you're only providing optics self your little agenda that you have going on here. >> Okay. So, I just want to be clear because right now you're doing what you do and you're trying to deflect. No. All right. So, I just want to be clear. I'm answering your question, Mr. Kelly. It's
my turn. >> You made the accusations, not me. And all I'm doing is asking you on the record to back that up. >> Okay. Moving on. Agenda item number seven. Um, it's the mayor's appointments with advice and
consent of the council uh for our labor council which is Hatfield Schwarz Law Group. Before we um vote on that, Miss Paul Mary, I'd like to ask you to just uh give a brief overview of the procedure here. >> Okay. So, I had a meeting in our office
face tof face with uh Katherine Hatfield and Stephanie Schwarz along with our um um town attorney John Yafano, my QPA Brian Coward, and our personnel officer Michelle Moran. Um we met with both um
attorneys. They um gave us both their resumes. They gave us a um an overview of what their credentials are, their experience. They have several municipal clients and have um experience with uh civil service towns such as Rockaway. Um
they have experience with uh the division of pensions and benefits for PERS and PFRS. They have um worked with uh contract negotiations including with the FOP, PBA, and Morris, I'm sorry, Union Council 8, all of which are the um
CBA is covered by Rockaway. Um they're located in Cedar Nolles and um we were very impressed. Um I'm looking forward to working with them in this upcoming year. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Can I have a question? Mrs. Paul Mary. Mrs. Paul Mary. Was this attorney firm
uh recommended by Mr. Yatrafano? >> It was brought to my I was made aware of it through John Yatano. >> Okay. So this is another connection that Mr. Yatrafano may have with this firm. >> I don't know what his connections are. We I went into it with an open mind and um looking at it from a township
perspective, not just not from his recommendation. >> And then under the previous resolution that we had for Latty Clark and Ryan, we had Latty Clark and Ryan as labor council for a very long time. >> We had them since I believe 2009. >> So under R 2617, which was first part of
our agenda for our reorg, you had them down listed as the town attorneys, I mean labor attorneys. >> They they were not. No, they were to be determined. Right. They're retiring. They We had them on the um on the list for the um the professional services, but not as an appointment.
>> Right. And I have the professional services here. That was at 80,000, but yet the professional services for this labor council is 150,000. Is there a reason why there's a 90% increase? >> No, I don't. I just believe it's just not to exceed because their hourly rate is actually lower than the previous attorney.
>> Is that a threshold, Miss Palmary, and not a guarantee that they're getting paid $150,000? >> Correct. And is it a threshold that allows them to get paid up to $150,000? >> Up to >> Thank you. >> And just to just to clarify, Miss and I and I apologize that we have to go through this um being in the same
industry um you know, Mr. Yachano probably has some um knowledge of firms that would be beneficial for the town. However, he had and I'm asking you, he did not have any hand in selecting this attorney. was you and the
administration. Correct. >> We selected this with the um again with consulting with my um my personnel officer and the EPA. >> Okay. Also recommended, you had your ch you're speaking out of order. >> I'm just following. >> You're speaking out of order. >> I just want to just clarify that there's
no in propriety here. >> Okay. So, I make a motion uh to approve labor council Hatfield Schwarz Law Group. Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Clerk, please take the role. Council member Salberg, >> yes.
>> Council member Voytovich, >> yes. >> Council member Freelander, >> yes. >> Council member Roy, >> yes. >> Council member Freed, >> yes. >> Council member Quinn, >> yes. >> Council member Kelly, >> no. >> Council Vice President Sackett,
>> yes. >> Council President Marson, >> yes. Eight yeses, one no. Motion passes. Uh, ordinances for introduction. Actually, I'm sorry. Before we start this, I I know Councilman, you and I spoke briefly on this, and I know you
had a question. Did you want to ask that question out? >> Sure. The uh $864,000 in 26-01. That money came Did that money come from a township? I should turn this on. The money come from where did that money come from when it's uh coming from the
reserve? Would it issue from the taxpayers or that's coming from somewhere else? >> Okay. So that money was a result of a um um a settlement agreement from Dupont that is statewide and many towns are receiving money from this. Okay.
>> So we've over the course of the past >> I want to say eight to nine months we've received that total amount that's in that ordinance and there's um I project there's about another three to 400,000 still yet to come and once those funds are received I'll be doing another ordinance to put those monies. All this
is is a spending tool to allow us to use the funding. >> But the reserve was funded by DuPont, right? >> Correct. >> Okay. So, this is not costing the township anything. >> No, it is not. >> Okay. All right. Ordinance for introduction 02601 ordinance providing for PAS remediation in and by the
township of Rockaway in the county of Morris, New Jersey, and appropriating $864,737.74 therefore from monies available in the reserve for POS remediation of the township. and make a motion. >> I'll second it. Cler, please take the role.
>> Was that you, Manny? >> Council member Salberg? >> Yes. >> Council member Votovich? >> Yes. >> Council member Freelander. >> Yes. >> Council member Roy. >> Yes. >> Council member Freed. >> Yes. >> Council member Quinn.
>> Yes. >> Council member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Sacket. >> Yes. Council President Morrison. >> Yes. It's nine yeses. Motion carries. O2602. An ordinance amending chapter 2 administrative code article 9 section
2-48.4 wedding and civil union ceremonies of the revised general ordinances of the township of Rockaway. Can I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Cler, please take the role. >> Council member Sberg. >> Yes. >> Council member Votovich.
>> Yes. >> Council member Freelander. Yes. >> Council member Roy. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> Council member Ferd. >> Yes. >> Council member Quinn. >> Yes. >> Council member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Sacket. >> Yes.
>> Council President Marson. >> Yes. It's nine yeses. Motion carries. 02603. An ordinance amending chapter 54 entitled land use and development of the code of the township of Rockway amending section 54-30.52 entitled RBM MFO regional business
multifamily overlay district. Can I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Clerk, please take the role. >> Council [clears throat] member Salberg. >> Yes. >> Council member Votovich. >> Yes. >> Council member Freelander. >> Yes. >> Council member Roy.
>> Yes. Council member Freed, >> yes. >> Council member Quinn, >> yes. >> Council member Kelly, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Sack, >> yes. >> Council President Morrison, >> yes. It's nine yeses. Motion carries. >> 02604, an ordinance amending chapter 54
entitled land use and development of the code of the township of Rockway creating a new section 54-30.34 entitled RMF14 multifamily residential district. Meas motion. >> I'll second. Clerk, please take the role.
>> Council member Salberg. >> Yes. >> Council member Voytovich. >> Yes. >> Council member Freelander. >> Yes. >> Council member Roy. >> Yes. >> Council member Freed. >> Yes. >> Council member Quinn. >> Yes. >> Council member Kelly. >> Yes.
>> Council Vice President Sacket. >> Yes. >> Council President Morrison. >> Yes. It's nine yeses. Motion carries. O2605, an ordinance amending chapter 54 entitled land use and development of the code of township of Rockway creating a new section 54-30.71
entitled RMF15B multifamily residential overlay district. Can I have a motion? Motion move. >> Second. >> You want to shoot it out? [laughter] >> Please take. >> Council member Sberg. >> Yes. Council member Votovich,
>> yes. >> Council member Freelander, >> yes. >> Council member Roy, >> yes. >> Council member Fred, >> yes. >> Council member Quinn, >> yes. >> Council member [clears throat] Kelly, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Sacket, >> yes.
>> Council President Marson, >> yes. Nine yeses. Motion carries. >> Can you tell me who was recorded for the motion and second? motion and I believe that was a second >> I don't know somebody said tie I didn't know >> it was >> okay thank you
[clears throat] 2606 an ordinance amending chapter 54 entitled land use and development of the code of the township of Rockaway creating a new section 54-30.72 entitled RMF15C multifamily residential overlay district can I have a motion
>> so move >> second we give it to man >> I got Clerk, please take a role. >> Council member Salberg, >> yes. >> Council member Voytovich, >> yes. >> Council member Freelander, >> yes.
>> Council member Roy, >> yes. >> Council member Freed, >> yes. >> Council member Quinn, >> yes. >> Council member Kelly, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Sacket, >> yes. >> Council President Morrison, >> yes. It's nine yeses. Motion carries. Uh, okay. We're going to do the open to
the public portion. Uh before opening the public portion of the meeting, I want to remind everyone of the rules that apply to anyone who wants to address the council. Any member of the public wishing to address the council will have three minutes to do so. While an extension of time may be requested, it should not be assumed that an
extension of time will be granted. While addressing the council, members of the public may not address or question any individual council member. If anyone addressing the council violates these rules or conducts themselves inappropriately, their speaking opportunity will be terminated and they will be instructed to return to their
seat. A refusal to comply will result in removal from the room. Members of the public in attendance may not make comments from the audience without recognition by the chair. Persons doing so will be subject to removal from the room. As council president, I have tremendous respect for my f fellow council members and the public who take
time and effort to attend council meetings. These rules are necessary to protect and respect, but also to permit the council to do its business in an orderly and professional manner. Michael Ardi Michael 19 Drive. Um, first I'd like to
thank Al and the road department for another excellent job during the snowstorm. I was out on that Sunday and um, our roads are always the best in the area by far. um the ordinance for the multifamily housing. If someone could give a um a
comment as to where those three districts are. They don't give an address or anything this in the um description. So, if somebody can comment on that at some point. Um the funds from the DuPont settlement. Um I'd like to know what that was for. What if anything
has already been spent regarding this settlement? If this it was a hazmat thing or if the town had to spend money over the years. Um it's like 1.3 million or $1.2 million it sounds like. Um and is there any remediation in the future that would need to be done regarding
this settlement? And if no money's been spent then it's not earmarked for something. I think it should go against what's already budgeted and not in addition to our tax dollars and should be used to offset our taxes. Thank you.
>> Um while not comment I I can respond to your question. So uh these are formalizations of what we talked about at the last meeting. Um so the areas for that we're discussing here is behind you know what go ahead miss
>> discussed when it's >> yeah behind green pond >> okay and then the same thing for the pas was what we discussed the uh off of Lake Denmark road uh I forget the name of the company that's there it's that area that we talked about at the last meeting
>> uh no it's not I think that's incorrect >> no I believe >> it's the fields >> oh right right um remediation for Foxville's wellfield. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> that's what the money is earmarked for for uh PFOA treatment >> and the uh other two uh areas would be
duel packard >> uh and main wellfield also need rehabilitation but this money right here is for Foxills only. That money is generated within the water utility. So it's not tax dollars. That money that's
spent in the water utility is from collecting revenue from uh buying and selling of water and sewage. >> Okay. >> Okay. Is there >> with Mrs. Paul Mary? >> No. No. I'm sorry. No more discussion. >> Yeah. Mrs. Paul Mary. >> Mr. Kelly, you're out of order.
>> Would our rates be raised because of those costs? >> Mr. Kelly, for the third time, you're out of order. >> It's an important question. >> I understand that, but you're out of order and there's no discussion. >> Question the public would want to know. Who if if there's anybody from the public that wishes to ask the question, they may. Um, is there anybody from the
public that did not fill out the sheet that wishes to speak? Please approach and name and address for the record, please. >> Neil Weiss, 51 Mountain Avenue, Rockway, New Jersey. Uh, I have a question. I believe that the DPA, uh, EPA rather,
and D have a program to for remediation of Ephos. Uh I don't know if that uh affects town itself because we're a municipality versus an individual homeowner, but I do know there was a program or still is a program uh where
they will supply monies and for filters and so forth. So I'm wondering if any of that had been dealt looked into. >> Um I I don't know if she's prepared to answer that question, but if not, what I would do is I would ask you to exchange information with Miss Fonte over there.
and we'll be able to >> we can make the pleasantries and then communicate. >> I'd like to just respond to that on the >> Mr. Kelly, this is not about responses back and forth. This is for the public. Mr. Kelly, this is now your second warning. You're out of order. >> He asked the question. I >> Mr. Kelly, this is your third warning.
You're out of order. >> You won't let me answer the question. >> I will not. It's not for It's not for you to answer. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Okay. Is there anybody else in the public uh that did not fill out the sheet that wishes to speak? >> Okay. Um before we get into the consent
agenda, there's a um there's a very notable resolution on here um where we're going to be naming our new water utility building. Um I spoke to Mr. Nath and and I'd like him to give a little bit of a background um as to the purpose
and um what we're going to be doing with this resolution. >> [clears throat] >> Uh the mayor had contacted me several weeks ago in regards to the naming of the building. Um I in turn gave him a uh document with some names and some
information on there. Um the two names that were picked were George Ryell and Tom Stalder. Both uh supervisors of the water utility. Uh Tom uh was uh a member of our team for 38 years before retiring
and George uh worked with us uh 37 years. Unfortunately, George has passed away several years ago. Um but their knowledge, especially Tom. Um I still call to I still call on him dayto day. Uh every once in a while when when an
odd situation comes up um there his knowledge is invaluable. Um he he knows the water system like the back of his hand. Um and he's always there, always at always at reach. Um he's always been a team player. Both he and George were
were always around. Um they they they took kindness in their heart when I started this journey 26 years ago as a laborer. Um and they showed me the ropes. I wasn't on every water main break, but I was on enough of them. Um, you know, this this building dedication
is is not only for them, but for for all of them. Uh, the guys that worked at the water utility that have worked through holidays, worked through birthdays, uh, weekends, uh, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a snowstorm, in the cold, and then the heat. Um, they
they took they took care of the water utility uh, through all of that and they they always rose to the occasion. Um, so with that being said, um, that building is dedicated to both Tom and to George. Um, and and that's that's really it.
That's it's it's really an honor to them. Um, and I can't give you guys enough gratitude for for what you taught me over the years. And then I thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. >> Tom, can you stand up? >> So when we stand up, >> Mr. Kelly, this is not your meeting to
run and I'm going to ask you to refrain from addressing. >> Mr. Kelly, I do not read need a rebuttal every time I ask you not. >> They were also both firefighters, correct? >> Both firefighters served our community. You know, if it wasn't enough that they
were out handling water main breaks, they were also fighting fires. Um and uh I believe it'll be is it March 10th that we have lined up there? >> We're trying for March 11th. Uh we'll announce it formally. um the council meeting before that um event will have a
proclamation. We'd like the family to come and attend and just honor to be able to put that plaque up on the building for them and their their commitment to our community for so many years. And if uh Al is the result of some of their efforts, we really appreciate it even doubly then. So,
thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Stalter. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh consent agenda R 2640, R2641, R2642, R2643, which reads resolution naming the new water utility building as the
Stalter Ryell building, R2644. >> Council President, >> R26 I'm reading this into I'm making a motion. R 2645. Can I have a motion? >> Second. >> Cler, please take the role. >> Mr. President, we got to remove R44 because of conflict. >> Mr. Kelly, you had then you can vote no.
You can't control my vote on the whole entire agenda. >> There is already a motion on the table. >> Listen, as somebody who's been on the council before in a previous council president, I'm surprised you do not know object to your determination. >> You are free to have to then do a roll call. >> I do not. >> Yes, you do. >> There's a motion on the table. Clerk,
please take >> You would have to do an objection to the to your determination. >> Clerk, please take Mr. Kelly. You're out of order. >> 2.51. You're an objection to your termination. >> This is now your second. determining that you cannot remove this this from consent agenda. >> Council, I calling a fivem minute
recess. >> There you go. [laughter] We are going to try this again. I look forward to the cookies. Thank you. Um I I'd also like to remind the council that there there are procedures to be followed um during these meetings. um
with the exception of a couple of us, you know, everybody's been on this council before or for a number of years and should be aware of the procedures. So, I apologize to the public um for the behavior of one of our council members
um it it's inappropriate and and I will tell you, Mr. Kelly, that if you continue to behave like this, um are you threatening me again? if you continue to behave like this. Okay, I am going to call for a vote of censure and
quite honestly it's very disappointing that you know you continue to just behave like this and when when the rest of us are trying to put forward the town's business >> most of the res Mr. Kelly you are not recognized don't understand you are not recognized Mr. Kelly
>> you are not recognized 251 you need to follow >> Mr. Kelly, you are not recognized. >> So, I'm going to ask again to remove R2644 forot and discussion. >> No, there was a motion on the mayor. >> It is not the mayor's meeting. It is a
council meeting. All right. Now, let me explain. >> I just voted against the appointment of one of the individuals that this contract. >> So, you have the right. >> So, you're going to taint my vote and control my vote when I'm going to support the rest of the agenda, especially a friend of mine that just got his name to a building. You're
unlawfully doing that. >> No, I am not. >> Yes, you are. And that is technically not allowed under the 9A. >> So, file a complaint. >> Don't threaten me to do that. >> How was that a threat? >> Why can't you just remove the 2644 for a separate vote when you're done with this? >> Because we have procedures to follow.
Part of the procedure is is if you wish to do this, you should have done it before I made my motion. I made my mot. I try to stop you from doing so. >> Let me speak. There's a motion on the table. There's a second motion on the table. >> I'm calling for a fivem minute recess
again. >> One second. Can we Can we Can we >> You have an option. We just >> The residents there was a vote on here of somebody that I cannot vote on. >> So Mr. Morrison is refusing to remove that for a separate vote to resolve this
issue. Instead, he wants to play theater and optics and force me to vote on no and all these other ones that I do support. Mr. You have an option. Remove a separate vote and discussion >> and then we can move on. Take the role.
[clears throat] >> Council member Sberg. >> Yes. I object to this. We need to address the determination of the motion. >> Please be quiet, Mr. Kelly. >> Council member Freelander. >> Yes. >> Council member Roy. >> Yes. >> Council member Freeday. >> Yes.
>> Council member Quinn. >> Yes. >> Council member Kelly, >> you're forcing me to abstain. Council President. Council Vice President Sacket. >> Yes. >> Council President Marson. >> Yes. It's eight yeses, one abstension. Consent agenda passes.
>> Moving on to new business and discussion. Uh we're going to do these together. Uh Timothy Bloomfield for full membership, fire company number three. Ethan Gomez, junior membership, fire company number five. Can I have a motion? So move. >> Second. >> Cler, please take the role. I will
>> Manny gets the second. >> So Quinn motion Manny second. Is that where we're going with? >> Okay. Council member Salberg. >> Yes. >> Council member Vitovich. >> Yes. >> Council member Freelander. >> Yes. >> Council member Roy. >> Yes. >> Council member Freed.
>> Yes. >> Council member Quinn. >> Yes. >> Council member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Sacket. >> Yes. >> Council President Morrison. >> Yes. Nine. Yes. Motion passes. Congratulations. Okay, we are going to move on to reports
at this time. I'd like to remind the council that there is a three minute time limit and we are going to start with Mr. Quint. [snorts] All righty. Thank you.
uh planning board. I'm glad the resolution has passed and now it can go back to planning board where we can take it up again and move it forward. Second, um we've had a problem with the
US mail in our area for six days. We did not get mail. I've called um Senator Bonac, Senator Buco, Corey Booker, because it's
federal, it falls under Cy Booker because District 11 does not have a representative at this time. So, I've been waiting and we finally got mail this afternoon. asked the mail lady why she was on
vacation for three weeks. The annex didn't bother to send anybody to our area to do the mail. So, it's totally unacceptable. I have a veteran that lives AC around
the corner who gets his VA medicines mailed to him from the VA who got on his app that they were mailed and had to go to Shopright to get prescriptions to
carry him until his order was delivered today. It's unacceptable. They raised the price of stamps. Hopefully that would help, but uh they need to clean up their management over
there at the annex and start getting the mail out the right way. Other than that, Al, you guys did a fantast fantastic job with the snow and the ice and like bright like I said,
Rockaway Township, you guys are the best in the business in the state. And that's the end of my report. Oh, no. Happy Valentine's Day to everybody and President's Day. Period. Done
>> and the Chinese New Year. >> Oh, well that's you. [laughter] You work, >> Councilman Freeland. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh couple [clears throat] meetings. Uh we had uh I mentioned last month that every month we've been having
program having programs uh at the historical uh meetings and this past month uh our [clears throat] count our president had one on women during the uh revolutionary times. You know what they say, behind every successful man,
there's a woman. And it was so true even back when. Uh they we're applying for more grants, but they were delayed by the state. Uh we finished the last one, and this is for very important because
we need a roof on the Ford Face House. Mhm. >> Pathways tours are being set up May and October and hopefully we'll have some programs in the in the house uh in the fall. Library, it's been pretty quiet uh
with the weather uh couple delays and meetings, but just want to tell you that we're look they're looking into uh renovating uh the four bathrooms in the uh main library. So, we'll see how that goes. our substance abuse alliance
uh finally uh the [clears throat] fundraiser bingo is in April very successful uh last year and to continue it uh celebrity day was set up we finally have a date in June at Copeland that's where all the
kids uh get to see their favorite players and they have a basketball game and uh let's see uh that's it we'll call both quits. [laughter] >> Uh, Councilman Sberg. >> Thank you, Council President. No report
on our uh, uh, county commissioners. Next meeting will be tomorrow. So, I'll see if have anything to report on that. I did attend the, uh, board of ed meeting along with Councilwoman Royick. Um, gave a great presentation on really what the initiatives for each of the elementary schools are going to be. Uh, they did a very nice job presenting it
and, uh, had a bunch of the students that are involved in it. Uh, Copeland's initiatives going to be service and leadership. uh building goals and inclusion. DBO was uh community building and kindness. Dwire be focusing on service fundamentals and professional
growth. KDM family engagement and academic growth. Stonybrook community and strength learning and fun. And Birwood uh growth, kindness, and recognition. So I hope they all have a great successful year. And one more item if I may. Once again, February 25th, uh,
Wednesday, February 25th is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM awareness day. And again, uh, Rockaway's own HCMA is going to be having an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Uh, the address there is 66 Ford Road, Sweet 213B. I know I had some, uh,
members of council stop by last year. Again, really is a great, uh, presentation and what they do for um, people with HCM. So, I'd ask any residents, council members, administration, uh, if you could stop by. Um, I know you'd really enjoy it and see, you know, what great work they're doing over there. >> Incredible.
>> Thank you, >> Mr. Kelly. I know President. >> Uh, council president, uh, before I go, I do have a lengthy amount to report and new business. So, I just, if possible, some of these people didn't use or don't use their time. If I could take some of that time, I think it'd be less than five minutes just in case.
>> I'll extend the five. >> It's all It's all positive stuff. >> I'll extend the five. Um, I just want to uh first make a shout out. We we have an employee that's a phenomenal employee for Dialer Ride, Kevin Miller. And Kevin Miller had an incident with one of the Dialer Ride vans where the both back wheels fell off of the van while they
were driving carrying passengers. Um, he was able to lead that to the shoulder over on end of Mineral Springs in Fleetwood. Nobody got injured, kept everybody cool and calm and collective. Uh, switched vans and got them back over to their destination in in Walmart. and
they were extremely thrilled and happy with Mr. Miller's um quick uh response and handling that without any injury to the vehicle either. Snow removal, Mr. Noff, rockstar, can't I can't comment more than enough about you. Not to mention that people don't realize um
recreation and water department also assist in all those efforts that are there. So, Morgan and Brian do a phenomenal job along with you DPW and the county and uh you do knock it out of the park. I think it's uh snow zero Rockway Township 4. So, I appreciate that. Um, water mane breaks. Brian
Satchel, our superintendent over there was battling that through the deep freeze that we had. I know that uh Mayor Jackson was trying to help uh some neighbors and information and whatnot and resolving some of those issues that were there, but Brian and his water guys were addressing all these things the
best that they can and getting water back and handling them. Hopefully we don't have any breaks in the in the near future with um the freeze lifting. >> Morris County Shade Tree. Um this is the seventh year that Morris County Shade Tree has been doing an ash uh tree
cutting. It's roughly now about a thousand trees that they've cut down that were bad uh contaminated diseased ash trees. And we have Route 664 and Route 513 in Rockaway along up in the uh northern end of Rockaway. Again, you'll see some of the red dots that were on
trees. And I think their proactive response, cutting the trees down before the wind and chill that we had probably saved a lot of incident and power outages for what they did. So, um, they did a, uh, an unbelievable job. And in,
uh, for new business, and Mr. Mayor, this might be something uh cuz I did mention uh you I did attend a council meeting in Rockway Burrow on the 22nd of January 1 just to say hello, introduce myself to everybody and wish them a wonderful new year moving forward, but
also to bring potential ideas of shared services and um a common thread of community. So, we have Park Lake and um we had a resident Eric Totten worked with Rob Okconor. I know that Mr. Sacket was involved with some of the Park Lake um and getting everybody together to do
that. But if we were to create a holiday theme, Christmas and a celebratorial theme for the holiday like JFK Park and Dover or the Green and Marstown, I think it would bring a lot of unity with people to come in there. Wharton does the same thing. I know it's a townbased
end of it, but I think Park Lake can bring that feeling of a town base with some type of that holiday theme. and collectively between their budgets and our budgets, we can reduce those operating costs and and working together and again it brings businesses, it brings unity with people, it brings
people to move in here and invest into Rockaway and Rockway Burrow. Um the other thing, Mr. Mayor, and it would really be up to the leaders would be you and the mayor uh in in Rockway Burough, Mr. Mulligan. Um we do shared services with court again Brian Satchel and other
shared services that we have but uh dispatch um between Rockway Burrow and Rockway Township. The burrow currently uses the comm center and one who answers a comm center line may not know the di the dynamics of Rockway Burrow. And if we
were to cover those costs, maybe bring another dispatch in cover that with the fees that they pay which are almost close to 150 grand, there could be an accomplishment for that. And again, we know all of that. And I I'll tell you an example. My mother was involved with a
hit and run in um Dunkin Donuts in Rockway Burrow. And the guy left the scene, my mother's handicap, and my mother called the comm center 911. And they said, "Well, where are you? Give me a location of a building by you, Doge." Well, then you're in Dover. No, I'm not
in Dover. I'm Rockway Burrow. I'm in Dover Dodge. So, she contacted me. I was able to call her B. She's fine. Thank you. This is this is some time ago, but again the the individual did not know that the dynamic of that area and I think Rockway Rockway [clears throat] Burrow could have a uh a great uh
connection with that if possible, but would it would take our leaders, the mayor of uh the burough, Mr. Mulligan and yourself to do that. And then one last question out of all this, >> just to give you Sorry, just to give you a time check, we're at five, but go ahead. >> I'm sorry. >> We're at five, but
>> yeah, so um we we just voted on the the 2644. or I of course abstain. And um acting clerk, could did could you provide the contracts for these professionals for all of us to review? >> Did you send an email asking for it? >> I asked you if you supplied it to
everybody. >> I'm asking you if you sent an email asking for it. >> It's your job in the president. >> You need something like you were told last week, please just reach out. >> Nobody received email. Nobody received the contract. Kelly $250,000
without reviewing contracts. Thank you. >> Please. And again, I'm revoking your time. You were so good up until the last minute, >> Mr. Wovich. >> Yes. I mean, uh, I'd like to commend DPW employees under the leadership of Mr. Al North, like >> many of the council people here said it
and Mr. We haven't had a snowstorm like that in over 10 years. And uh I don't think people realize the planning it takes and uh the response from DPW. Uh you know there were municipalities that were [clears throat] running out of salt. Mr.
North had more than enough salt. Uh I think we have more than enough for another Arctic blast probably. Right. We're doing pretty good. And uh people don't realize that we have or they cover 140 miles of road. And you know the kids the kids were able to go to school the
next day. There's a lot of municipalities that they were set not I guess the day after that all the municipalities where kids cool schools were closed they weren't able to function for days after. So they did a a tremendous job. So thank you again. That's all I have.
>> So kids in Rockway Township don't like you. >> Yeah. >> Right. [clears throat] >> The parents do. The parents do. >> Councilwoman Freddy. >> Yes. >> Uh yes. Um, recently, uh, Councilwoman Roy and myself, we attended a meeting
with the mall to try to give it a boost. Uh, we all love our mall, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I say I was absolutely devastated to see Books a Million had gone. So, we were speaking to the manager about what's going on. Books a million, uh, there are rumors that the rent was raised, the rent was not
raised. Books a million as a brand has been closing a lot of stores. Apparently, they're also hurting. and we were just discussing ideas to do events to kind of boost foot traffic in the mall coming up in they actually have a social media presence and I encourage everyone to follow them on social media.
Check out the websites because they list a lot of events and the first place they posted is on their websites coming in this Easter. She spoke about uh an Easter event for young kids. It's going to be at 11 o'clock. It's Easter Bunny with crafts and things like that. It's RSVP. I encourage residents to check it
out, to go there, to bring the friends and that um I am coordinating a food drive with one of our businesses, Elite Karate and 46. A lot of families have been hurting now and the need just because the holidays are over does not mean the need has gone. So, we're going
to be go so I'm I'm in contact with the manager to see about um a focus food drive so we could uh so we could help out our fellow residents. And I encourage you to give what you can either food or moneywise because our neighbors are hurting. Thank you,
>> Councilwoman. >> Councilwoman Roy. >> Yes. Um to piggyback both Adam and Sophia, um they went to the uh board of education meeting and it everything Adam said is correct. Um, Copeland did have a cute, well, not cute, a good program
which is called We Dine Together where students make sure that no one sits alone at lunchtime in the cafeteria, which I thought was really >> just and the students that were they students were given awards and um acknowledgement for their volunteer
things for fundraising. I thought it was really really it was really I was really impressed. Um, as far as the meeting at the mall, um, I did speak with, um, Mr. Morrison about perhaps having the mall manager come here to speak before the CA
council to tell her to tell us her plans and future things going on at the mall, maybe what vendors are coming. And she was she was really informative because like Sophia, I think the mall is very important. I know they
[clears throat] I know I go to Willoughbrook Mall or Short Hills Mall, but I would love to shop at Rockaway if they had the things I need and wanted to go there. And it seems like she has a lot of good ideas and I think the town really needs to hear that because there was a lot of things I didn't understand, but she was very,
very informative and I appreciate that. So hopefully we can make a date with her soon to come before the council. Um, and like everyone else, I'd like to thank the the public works people and Mr. N. It was wonderful how they handled the
snow. Greatly appreciated in those daily forecasts. I look forward to them every day. So, [laughter] a weather nerd, I guess, but I love it. So, I appreciate that. [clears throat] And I'm not sure if I'm supposed to mention the house fire around in my ward, but it was horrible thing that
happened. The house was on fire. But the ENTs, the fire department, the police department, they were wonderful to help with a horrible situation like that. So, I greatly appreciate the people who work for this town. It's
it's wonderful. So, thank you very much. >> Do we know how Mr. Greco's doing? >> I was going to ask the mayor. No, >> he's okay. >> Okay. >> Physically, he's okay. >> I spoke to him today.
>> Thank you. >> Um, so Councilwoman, I both of you, I think it's a great job. You know, I'm really looking forward to what you guys are going to accomplish um with with the mall group. I think you guys are doing a great job with that. >> I think it's important. >> Absolutely. >> 100%.
>> Thank you. Um, you'll notice that I did not skip you this time. >> All right. Here I am, >> Vice President. [clears throat] >> I appreciate that. Thank you. Um, >> just like Councilwoman Freed said, um, as far as the food pantries, I I did participate in a food drive back on
January 24th. So, a lot of these different whether Sarra food pantry, there's also another one, Nourish NJ, if you're familiar with them, that's in the Victory Gardens, do Randolph area. they are always looking for um food drives and I'm trying I'm going to try to pull one together with them. So definitely uh
good stuff participating with that. I'm also after our last council meeting just she brought up the fire. I got home and the fire department was next door to me. So I walked I got home I changed I come out. I had my council shirt on and shorts. So a couple of the fire department guys that said oh Councilman
Sack I guess you have shorts on underneath here. No, we wear we wear full clothes, but uh there was Mount Hope was there, White Lake. [clears throat] Um just checking some carbon dioxide detectors that were going off. It's young family next door to me. So, I appreciate all them and their response. It was freezing out that night
and did a great job and um yeah, just like many said, Al and his team and just like Councilman Wtovik had said, I'm I'm traveling around all over the state and I see these other towns and uh what we had going on. Many schools were closed for many days. Um, even my daughter is
in college at Ruckers Newark. They didn't have classes for a couple days just because it was just tough over there with the parking and everything. So, great job, Al and you and your whole whole team. You guys were out there constantly just like Mike said, wait a minute, they were up and down, up and down, up and down, you know, just just
uh great job um with everyone in there. And then also just like Councilman Quinn said, happy Valentine's Day coming up. And also I'm glad to hear the post office situation was resolved because same thing I got a lot of emails um during the snow and I know that um they
they were sent out um with the clearance of the uh the snow but it's it's important um that people are getting their mail and stuff like that and I did send in a message to Senator Booker's office as well for you. So thank you. Uh okay I I I didn't have report but I I
do feel the need to apologize to the public. Um for the last four years these meetings have been uh collaborative and and productive. Um unfortunately over the last three meetings it's it's it's
kind of turning into a a spectator sport which it shouldn't be. [clears throat] So being a council member is about working with the administration, about working with your fellow council people uh to to help the town. It's not about personal vendettas. It's not about bringing up personal things in a meeting
to try to embarrass other people. And it's certainly not about gotchas um which we saw here tonight with the clerk. So you know, the the rest of the council if they have questions, [clears throat] we do send emails. We get the answers. Um, again, not for the purpose of trying
to put somebody uh on the spot. So, I I apologize for that. If anybody does need any information um from me uh or even if you do have a personal question for me, I'm I'm here in this room at least a half an hour before the meetings and I'm more than happy to stay after the
meetings. So, I'm an open book. I'm sure most of the council people would also do the same or agree. But again, it's I I don't want people to watch these meetings for the same reason that they watch, you know, NASCAR races, you know, for the crashes.
>> So again, I I do apologize and I hope that in the future um we can move towards a more productive um meeting process. Um Majono, do you have anything to report? >> Mr. Mayor, thank you, Council President.
Uh first, Alexis, thank you. The cookies were delicious. Anybody have any issues with the cookies? I see we will have to vacuum the floor tomorrow though. So, uh, thank you for [clears throat] that, Jack. Uh, belated happy birthday. >> Thank you. >> Um, [clears throat] >> uh,
>> yes, sir, >> Mr. Councilman Kelly, I think a great idea about Park Lake. That'd be awesome. I think doing collaborating with them to do more holiday themed type things that would be awesome. >> Yeah, Councilman Hayes, just to add to that, he had mentioned something about uh dredging Park Lake and we kind of like missed that boat, no pun intended.
>> Yeah. But um yeah, anything we can collaborate >> dispatch thing I'm definitely going to pursue with the chief and we'll call Chief Pepper and the mayor and we'll talk through that. >> Yeah, it' be a great idea. Thank you. >> It's a great idea. Um >> um Mr. North, you know, you've gotten a lot of accolades tonight. Um I think
your crews are great, but it starts at the top with you. And I think uh you you command a high level of respect with your teams and that's why they perform so well. And so thank you for all you do to lead them. and I show my appreciation um for this last storm. You know, as
you're sitting there um on your couch drinking a coffee and the plow go and you hear the plow go by, it's uh you know, these people are spending two to three days away from their families, 72 hours away from their families and so the sacrifice they make. So, it's much appreciated. Um this month um for those
you don't know um [clears throat] DBO school is where uh most of our uh the the children for uh people stationed in Pikatini Arsenal go. So DBO was recognized this month as a
purple star school. Um I think there's only 11 um in the in the in the country or in the state. I can't remember. And and they were one of them. So went to an event um for that where uh garrison commander [clears throat] Bonham um and his staff, Sergeant Major Tapia and
Deputy uh Garrison Commander Rubio were there um and uh got got to listen to him speak and talk about the great things they do and it's just a very um you know for those you haven't experienced it, you know, when you're a military kid, I haven't personally experienced it, but just talking to them, you know, it's a
it's not an easy life. you're moving every couple of years and uh BBO's done a really great job of creating an environment um where it's welcoming for these kids um when they come there. So, I thought it was a great job uh by by the uh principal Salazo and his entire
staff um and and what they've created there. Um, we talked about uh stole my thunder a little about Kevin Miller, but you know, I got a couple of emails. Um, and I won't repeat what he said, but just basically like, you know, imagine you're, you know, elderly person in this
van, all of a sudden you see one of the tires roll by you. Yeah. It's probably very frightening. And uh Kevin's been driving a long time and uh I doubt he even blinked or had to even think about it and and just calmly got over to the side and you know could have been a a
really bad situation and he just you know he's just a professional at what he does and handled it. Um >> I got one more thing. >> Okay. So uh uh I got a an email uh formally uh acknowledging and expressing
sincere gratitude for the action of officers Frankie McCormack, Tom Ferry, and George Cologne, who responded to my home, not me, but the person who wrote the letter in the early morning hours of December 26th. Their swift response and life-saving measures they administered on my behalf were nothing short of
heroic. Beyond their professionalism and technical skill, my wife was deeply moved by their humanity, calm, and compassion they demonstrated during critical, emotional, frightening moments. They carried out their duties with dignity, genuine care, and their actions made a profound difference. Please extend our heartfelt thanks to
these officers. Their conduct reflects the highest standards in service and is a credit to your department and the township as all. So, thank you, Chief, um, for that. That's all I have. >> All right. Um, and again, I know we were talking about uh Al, but just to put you on the spot, can you tell us
definitively if there's going to be snow this weekend? >> Yes or no? >> Yes or no? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Thanks. Um, and I know Mr. Mr. Tabot, you uh you requested some time to speak tonight, so go ahead.
>> No. >> Okay. >> Um, thank you, Council President. Just a few things to mention. Um, the first was, uh, as the council's aware, a couple few weeks ago, there was a a hearing, uh, conducted by the EPA for the Radiation Technology Incorporated
site, uh, off Lake Denmark Road. Um, I I just wanted to mention that uh to add as a follow-up to the brief report I did on January 20th, just received a notification from Brian Quinn. He's our contact at the EPA, just that the three residences that are closest to the north end of Rad just had some routine testing
done. Those homes were have had monitoring wells for many years and they they all tested negative with no exceedences of any volatile organic compounds or any other contaminants. So, just wanted to mention that as a follow-up. Um, again to clarify, it's been going on several years. These are not new wells. Um, did also want to
mention just a few upcoming programs uh for the governing body and for uh members of the public. Uh getting off to a busy start with the mayor's wellness campaign and some affiliated programs. Uh and unless otherwise noted, uh just residents can inquire with the Division of Health to register or to get more information. Uh the first of these
programs is March 7th, Saturday. Um the township is co-sponsoring a blood drive uh from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the senior center. Um the township is partnering with Boy Scout troops 19, 113, and 160, as well as venturing crew 17. I had no idea what venturing crew
is, but I do know now. um just a co-ed scouting unit ages 14 to 20 that get involved in adventures and public service and things like that. Um March 12th, Thursday, uh we're going to have a program called keeping your brain healthy, uh strategies to maintain brain health as we age, uh presented in
partnership with the brain injury alliance and that's going to be at 10 a.m. and also at our senior center. Uh another program which is going to provide free assistance to those residents who are eligible um with [clears throat] regard to power of attorney and advanced directives. Uh the
workshop is going to take place 11 am on Tuesday, March 24th, and it's going to be here in this public meeting room, courtroom, and attorneys will help eligible participants um excuse [clears throat] me, uh develop power of attorney documents and and also advanced directives. Uh and just an important note that pre-registration is required
because there's a screening that takes place to make sure that you're financially eligible for for this service. So, uh residents can contact the division of health to pre-screen and see if they are eligible. Uh also on March 24th, uh we have a diabetes and insulin resistance program that's happening 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the
library. Um co-sponsored by the the library. Um and for that particular program, residents who are interested in di diabetes education can contact the library for for more information. Um Thursday, [clears throat] April 9th, we're going to have a fall prevention, excuse me, a fall prevention and pedestrian safety program for seniors.
that's going to be at the senior center at 10 a.m. Uh, and this will uh obviously provide some strategies to anticipate and prevent hazards related to to walking and driving. And the last program I wanted to mention was April 30th at 6:30 p.m. Uh, the program that I
believe the mayor mentioned a few months ago, um, the chief is aware of, it also distracted and impaired driving awareness that we wanted to bring here having seen success uh in other communities. So, that's going to be on April 30 at 6:30 p.m. We encourage residents to attend and the program is really just about how distracted and
aggressive driving can change people's lives in a moment. Uh, and that will be here in the public meeting room. And the last thing I wanted to mention was just a reminder to residents that dog and cat license renewals were due on January 31st per uh the township code. There is a $5 late fee every month that licenses
were late. I believe we had around 1,700 license renewals that were due and we still have a lot of outstanding ones. So just encouraging residents to please avoid the late fees. Uh again that's in the ordinances. It's uh we would like to see people get their pets licensed and and proof of rabies vaccination. So thank you council president.
>> Thank you. Um like to make a motion to adjurnn by consensus. All in favor? >> I meeting adjourned.