Good evening and welcome to the March 17th, 2026 meeting of the Roseand Governing Body. Adequate notice of this meeting is provided in accordance with the Open Public Meeting Act and that the date, time, and location of the meeting were included in the in the annual meeting schedule, post on the public bullet board in the municipal building, and filed in the office of the burough
clerk. For those attending tonight's meeting via Zoom, the agenda and any other relevant documents can be found on the burough's website, attached to the meeting notice posted in the news and announcement section. During the meeting, an announcement made prior to the two public comment periods. Anyone wishing to make a public comment via computer will be instructed to use the
raise your hand icon. And anyone wishing to make a public comment via telephone will be instructed to dial star9 at the appropriate time. For those in attendance in person or remotely, please provide your name and address when selected. If you are eligible for Daniel's law, please just announce your name. Mr. Watkins, would you please call the role? >> Mayor Spango,
>> present. >> Mr. Bardy, >> here. >> Mr. Bar >> here. >> Mrs. Paratt >> here. >> Mr. Schroeder >> here. >> Mrs. Tolley, >> here. >> Mr. Trillo. >> Thank you. Uh, tonight we have a special group with us. We have Girls Scout Troop 20422.
I get that right, girls. >> 442. So, I didn't get it right. Um, they're going to lead us in the flag loop. Girls, if you could just come up here and line up in front of us, please line up all. Just line here. Just single file behind you. girls in this troop.
>> Big troop. >> I know. >> Oh my goodness. >> Please rise for the flag salute. Pledge alce 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, girls. Stay up here. Stay >> stay up here. Thank you. >> Girl,
>> any gluten-free ones? >> They do have free now. >> I like I like >> pretty good. >> All right. So, it's it's actually appropriate tonight that we have the Girl Scouts. Face everyone out there. Face your parents. They don't want to see They want to see you. Um because today we're going to be have we have a proclamation for women's history month.
So we have our future women leaders here with us. Um >> yay. >> Um this is second grade brownie troop 20442. Um these girls raised money for their troop by selling Girl Scout cookies and
they decided instead of selling the extra cookies, they wanted to donate their extra cookies to the food pantry that helps out a lot of families in town throughout the year. Um, with us we have Charlotte Bashara, Quinn Buouie, Briana Buouie, Zuri Buouie. Twins
>> Zari Buie twins. >> Myself and Councilman Schroer can appreciate that. Um, Mave Cochran, Isa D. Rosha, Adrienne Dilva, Sophia Douly, Mariela Ingracia, Nissa Incar, Jana Johnny, Danna Miller, Danny Pacheco,
Paige Riley, Arya Russo, Elaine Sebastian, Natalie Siner, Olivia Scorsson, and Sayia Yogish. Girls, thank you very much for your donation and thank you for your hard work. If you could all line up, the council wants to take a picture with you with their cookies. With your cookies. Okay.
>> How do you want it? >> Can you push back just a little back? Push back. Push back. You can put your butts right up against the the day. Right up against the >> Y. Perfect. >> And the couch.
Excellent. >> Okay. >> Thank you all very much. >> Thank you ladies. >> Nice job. This is like >> See if I can hang this on.
>> Look how quick it empties out. >> Can't really blame. >> Listen, if I could leave, I would. Right. >> It empties quick. >> I know. >> You're reading them already. >> Lemon ones are good.
>> I like the mints. Well, lemon is bad. >> They have gluten-free now. >> Can only you can have because it's the red bag. We can have the >> what? >> Red cookies. >> I can't have any of them. >> Oh, >> they have gluten.
>> Can't. >> They do have gluten-free chocolate chips. They're good. >> Gluten. >> I did buy a bag. >> Yeah, they have a gluten-free free ones. >> Even people who don't have a gluten allergy are gluten free. >> Last last year's were a little better cuz they were like a caramel crunch. This year they're chocolate chips, but they're good. >> They don't have enough filling in them.
Even the cupcakes today, they don't have enough filling in them. >> I made gluten-free Irish soap. >> Like years ago, >> came out. >> I took my daughter's Girl Scout. We were representing Morristown. We went and saw the jail, the the cells in the bottom of
town hall. They like put them in the >> No way. Jeez. It's like >> scare them. >> I mean, not the rock. It's the rock. >> Scared straight. >> Scared straight. >> Scared. Um, now that the room's cleared, next on our agenda is our first round of
public comment. Any member of the public wish to come forward, state your name and address for the record. If you're with us via Zoom, use the raise your hand icon. And if you're with us, telephonically, press star 9. Ryan, thank you, sir. Um, next on the agenda is our presentations. We have a
proclamation which I mentioned earlier honoring Women's History Month. I'm going to read the proclamation into the record. Uh, Women's History Month is March of every year, but this year 2026, March is nationally recognized as Women's History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the countless contributions, achievements, and
leadership of women throughout our nation's history. where women of every race, class, and ethnic background have played and continue to play a vital role in shaping our communities, driving progress in fields such as education, healthcare, business, public service, science, and the arts. The Burough of Rosan is proud to recognize the women who have strengthened our community
through their dedication, resilience, and commitment to improving the lives of others. Women's History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality and justice, while also inspiring future generations to pursue their goals and lead with courage and determination.
It is important to acknowledge both the historic barriers women have faced and the ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunity, representation, and recognition for all women. The Burough of Roseland encourages all residents to celebrate women's history month by have by learning about women's history, supporting womenowned businesses, and
recognizing the achievements of women in our community. Now it be resolved that the mayor and council of the burough of Rosland do hereby proclaim March 2026 as women's history month in the burough of Rosland and urge all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women past and present.
That being said, I would like to thank Councilwoman Parade, Councilwoman Toli, I see former Councilwoman Fishman in the back as well as former Councilwoman Buchcci and Cristiani just to name a few for their service. We had a very at one point we had three males, three females. We had one of the most balanced male
female councils and um thank you for your service and you should be recognized today as well. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> It's appreciated. >> One other thing that I I failed to do earlier um when we had our salute to the flag. I was a little taken back by the
Girl Scouts being here, but I would also, not a standing moment of silence, but I would like to take a moment of silence to honor our troops going on, what's going on now, serving worldwide, defending our Constitution, freedoms, and way of life. Thank you.
Uh, first on our agenda is appointments. We have an appointment uh to the affordable housing board of Katie Boter. Um, we sent out uh every resident who got their water bill got a form to join our volunteers in our boards. We've had quite a number. They're starting to trickle in and we're going to appoint
them as as they come in where there are openings. Um, thank all the volunteers because we always say that our volunteers are the major reason why our community is so strong and successful. So, um, that being said, I'd like to take a motion to appoint Katie Botinger to the affordable housing board. >> So, moved.
>> Second. uh parotti I think it was totally all in favor I >> opposed hearing and seeing none next on the agenda we have a public hearing on ordinance 7-2026 Mr. Mr. Watkins, please read the
ordinance by title only. >> An ordinance supplementing section 13-1 of the code of the bureau of Rosland entitled New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. >> Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 7-2026? >> So move second
bar. All in favor I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Does anyone wish to be heard on ordinance 7-2026? hearing and seeing none may have a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved >> second
toy. All in favor? >> I >> I opposed >> hearing and seeing none. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. >> An ordinance supplementing section 13-1 of the code of the burrow of Rosland entitled New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. Is there
>> a motion to adopt ordinance 7-2026? >> So moved. Second >> parotti Bront. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Watkins. >> Mr. Bardy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bront. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Parott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Schroeder. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Tolley. >> Yes.
>> Ordinance number 7-2026 will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance shall take effect as provided by law. >> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next on the agenda is a public hearing on ordinance 8-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. An or excuse
me, an ordinance amending chapter 7 of the revised general ordinances of the bureau of Rosland entitled traffic to amend section 7-40.3 entitled regulation for the movement and the parking of traffic on all other private property. >> Is there a motion to open the public
hearing on ordinance 8-2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Baron Paratt. All in favor? I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Does anyone wish to be here heard on ordinance 8-2026? hearing. And seeing none, may I have a motion to close the public hearing on
ordinance 8-2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Bar parott. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. an ordinance amending chapter 7 of the
revised general ordinances of the Bureau of Roseland entitled traffic to amend section 7-40.3 entitled regulation for the movement and the parking of traffic on all other private property. >> Is there a motion to adopt ordinance 8-2026
>> so moved second bar roll call vote please Mr. Watkins >> Mr. Bardy >> yes >> Mr. Bont >> yes >> Mrs. Parate >> yes >> Mr. Schroer >> yes >> Mrs. Toli. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 8-2026
will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance shall take effect as provided by law. >> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next on the agenda is a public hearing on ordinance 9-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. >> An ordinance amending chapter 3 of the revised general ordinances of the
Burough of Rosand entitled police regulations section 17 use of motorized bicycles. >> Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 9-2026? So moved. >> Second. Uh, Parati Barty.
All in favor? >> I >> I >> I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Does anyone want to be heard on ordinance 9-2026 hearing and seeing none have a motion to close, excuse me, close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Parate Baron. All in favor?
>> I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. >> An ordinance amending chapter 3 of the revised general ordinances of the Bureau of Roseand entitled police regulations section 17, use of motorized bicycles.
>> Is there a motion to adopt ordinance 9-2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Parate to roll call vote, please. Mr. Watkins. >> Mr. Bardy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bront. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Paratt. >> Yes. >> Mr. Schroeder. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Tolley. >> Yes.
Ordinance number 9-2026 will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance shall take effect as provided by law. >> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next on the agenda is a public hearing on ordinance 10-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only.
>> An ordinance amending section 14-4 of the revised general ordinances of the Burough of Reland entitled use of outdoor facilities to amend fees. Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 10-2026? >> So move.
>> Second toy. All in favor? I >> opposed. Hearing and seeing none. Does anyone wish to be heard on ordinance 10-2026 hearing and seeing none. May I have a motion to close the public hearing? >> So move. >> Second.
>> Ti bont. All in favor? Opposed hearing and seeing none, Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. >> An ordinance amending section 14-4 of the revised general ordinances of the bureau of Roseline entitled use of outdoor facilities to amend fees. >> Sir, a motion to adopt ordinance
10-2026. >> So moved. >> Second. Barty Baron. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Watkins. >> Mr. Barty. >> Yes. Mr. Bont, >> yes. >> Mrs. Par, >> yes. >> Mr. Schroeder, >> yes. >> Mrs. Tolley, >> yes.
>> Ordinance 10-2026 will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance. Shall take effect as provided by law. >> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next, we have a public hearing on ordinance 11-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. An ordinance amending
section 17-6.1 of the revised general ordinances of the Burough Rosane entitled meter readings and charges >> and section 17-8.3 entitled meters. >> Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 11-2026?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Baron Paratt. All in favor? I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Does anyone should be heard on ordinance 11-2026? Thank you, Neil. Seeing none, may I have a motion to
close the public hearing on ordinance 11-2026. >> So move second. >> Party BR. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. An ordinance amending section 17-6.1 of
the revised general ordinances of the Bureau of Roseland entitled meter readings and charges and section 17-8.3 entitled meters. >> Is there a motion to adopt ordinance 11-2026 >> so moved >> secondy
Baront roll call vote please Mr. Watkins >> Mr. Bardy >> yes >> Mr. Bar >> yes >> Mrs. Parate >> yes >> Mr. Schroeder >> yes >> Mrs. Toli. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 11-2026 will be advertised in the progress as a
past ordinance. Shall take effect as provided by law. >> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next is a public hearing on ordinance 12-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. An ordinance to amend section 19-18 of the revised general ordinances of the bureau of Rosland
entitled removal of snow, ice, grass, weeds, and litter from sidewalks to add provisions for enforcement and violations. >> Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 12-2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Bon parate. All in favor?
>> I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Senator wish to be heard on ordinance 12-2026 hearing. See none may I have a motion to close the public hearing? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Baron Schroeder. All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. An ordinance to amend section 19-18 of the revised general ordinances of the Burrow of Roseland entitled removal of
snow, ice, grass, weeds, and litter from sidewalks to add provisions for enforcement and violations. >> Is there a motion to adopt ordinance 12-2026? >> So moved. >> Second. Parate Bar. Roll call vote,
please. Mr. Watkins. >> Mr. Bardy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bront. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Paratt. Yes, >> Mr. Schroeder. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Tolley. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 12-2026 will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance. Shall take effect as provided by law.
>> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next on the agenda is an ordinance public hearing on ordinance 13-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. Ordinance of the Bureau of Roselland and the County of Essex, New Jersey, appropriating $8,000 from the capital improvement fund to supplement the
$145,000 appropriated by bond ordinance number 28-2020 finally adopted November 24th, 2020 to provide for various building improvements. >> Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 13-2026?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Parate Bar. All in favor? I I >> opposed. >> Hearing seeing none, does any wish to be heard on ordinance 13-2026. >> Thank you, gentlemen. Hearing seeing none, may I have a motion to close the
public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Baron Bardy. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Hearing and seeing none, Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. Ordinance of the Burough Roseand in the county of Essex, New Jersey,
appropriating $8,000 from the capital improvement fund to supplement the $145,000 appropriated by bond ordinance number 28-2020 finally adopted November 24th, 2020 to provide for various building improvements.
>> Is there a motion to adopt ordinance 13-2026? >> So moved. >> Second. Sorry. Go ahead. >> Tiele Parate. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Watkins. >> Mr. Bardy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Bront. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Paratt. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Schroeder. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Tolley? >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 13-2026 will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance shall take effect 20 days after the first publication after final adoption as provided by law.
>> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next on the agenda is a public hearing on ordinance 14-2026. Mr. Watkins, please read the ordinance by title only. >> Bond ordinance amending sections 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, and 6B of bond ordinance number
30-2025 of the Burrow of Roseand in the county of Essex, New Jersey. finally adopted September 16, 2025 in order to include an additional purpose to revise the appropriation amounts and the bonds and
notes authorized and to revise the average useful life. >> Is there a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 14-2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Bon parate. All in favor? I >> opposed hearing and seeing none. Does anyone
wish to be heard on ordinance 14-2026? Thank you, Gentlemen. Hearing and seeing none, may I have a motion to close the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second Baron Fardy. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Hearing seeing none, Mr. Watkins, please
read the ordinance by title only. Bond ordinance amending sections 3E, 3F, 3G, 3 H, and 6B of bond ordinance number 30-2025 of the Burrow of Roseland in the county of Essex, New Jersey. Finally adopted
September 16, 2025 in order to include an additional purpose to revise the appropriation amounts and the bonds and notes authorized and to revise the average useful life. Is there a motion to adopt ordinance 14-2026?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Barant Paratti. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Watkins. >> Mr. Bardy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bronn? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Paratt? >> Yes. >> Mr. Schroeder? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Tolley? >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 14-2026
will be advertised in the progress as a past ordinance. shall take effect 20 days after the first publication after final adoption as provided by law. >> Thank you, Mr. Watkins. Next on the agenda, we have the introduction of the 2026
believe it says 2025 on the agenda, but the 2026 municipal budget. Um, I'm going to turn it over. >> It does. >> I Mine says 2025. >> Mine says 25. >> Um, are there any copies of budget?
>> My computer crashed. I couldn't print the budget out. I emailed the council. >> Yep, we have it. >> But but it's um >> it'll be posted on the website, right? >> And we'll get I'll work with it tomorrow to get that fixed and printed and you can go to the click's office. >> So is it on the website tomorrow?
>> Yes. As long as I can get it printed in a PDF, I'll do it first thing in the morning. Even even if if by chance I know your computer crashed and if by chance you can't get on the web, if we could email it, if we have an email, if we can, we will make sure it's >> in a weird format.
>> You want it in PDF. It's easier to read. >> Easier to read in PDF, but I certainly emailed >> hopefully hopefully you'll be able to get it up tomorrow, but if not, we'll have a contingency. Um, >> I'm going to turn it I'm going to get out of the way and I'm going to turn it over to uh Councilman Bardy and his
committee and >> all right so better. >> Good evening. Happy St. Patrick's Day. Um, happy to be here tonight to go through the 2026 budget introduction. uh myself and Moren. We'll uh we'll take
everyone through the uh just like to first uh start by thanking the governing body, thanking the administration, everyone who helped put together the budget. Uh presented us their capital projects, presented us their operating expenses, prioritized their projects, and you know, really really uh you know,
did a good job to to balance the budget, fiscally fiscally responsible uh and ensure that we keep, you know, all the programs and everything that we've been doing in the community for the for um for the for the past several years. So, thank you very much. the uh the goals of our administration and and our and our
budget really to continue to keep Roseand affordable through responsible spending. Uh continue to keep Roseand residents informed through increased transparency, communication, and resident involvement. Uh keep Roseand safe through investing in our community and infrastructure and reinvigorate our burrow through improved community events
and updated parks and facilities, delivering a lot of the programming that our residents of all ages enjoy. some of our successes from 2025 uh last year. So in 2025 taxes increased $30.70 on the average home. Uh Roseland
remained the lowest tax rate uh once again in Essis County in 2025 at a dollar uh 862. We purchased six new police vehicles last year. We uh received grants to purchase an additional license plate reader, awarded contracts to purchase new ambulances,
and awarded contract to purchase new fire engines. really staying consistent with our our goals of administration around funding and continuing on public safety. Some of our this year was a uh challenging year. So, I I'd like to
really thank um again the council borrow administrator as well as the finance and administration committee which is myself, Councilman Schroeder, Councilman Trillo for really digging in here and spending a a lot of time to go through and come up with some creative uh ideas to um to really make this work. Uh you
know some of the headwinds that we had were health insurance was up by 36.5% for local governments. Um 2025 tax collection rate was down um to 97.76 this uh from 2024. Uh we did have a transition year uh this year with pilots
and developments completing um really starting this year going into next year. So, uh, we'll see re additional revenues coming in, uh, over the next several years as the as the developments get completed and, um, get filled up. Uh, we had a reduction in ratables of of over
$6 million, um, due to the development and and the and the and the office buildings that that are no longer there. And uh there is uh several statutory expenses, pension obligations which increase 17.5% which the council has no um really no say or you know that that
comes in onto our budget. We can't nothing that we can do about that. So we have to make sure that we you know work within these constraints and then and then really take a hard look at uh at our expenses and our projects to make sure that we're that we're you know spending responsibly and keeping our taxes at a at a reasonable level.
I'm going to turn it over to Moren. She's going to go through some of the details and then we'll go from there. >> Okay. Some of the key uh points in this year's budget. Um our budget is 19 million1,440.39. Uh this equates to a tax rate of 1.56 or
an average increase to a homeowner of $49.78. Um about this budget, I mean the the state allows caps and levy caps and we are actually one a little over 1 million
below the state's 2% cap. Uh what's that what that means is if the council chose to increase taxes to to the max allowed by the state, uh that would have increased taxes to the
average homeowner for to equate to $362 a year. So, by looking at the budget, keeping keeping costs down, um the average increase, as I said, is only $49.78. Uh we continue to keep taxes affordable
while applying best practices um to reduce debt. Our approach remains to focus on fiscal discipline, proactive planning, and monitoring of our outstanding debt. Um, furthermore, this year we were able to put um a debt up
obligation to pay off our notes increased it by $191,000, which we were not obligated to pay um by statute, but we are being proactive to pay down debt. Um, we work with our department heads to ensure the quality of program and
services um with little or no budgetary increases. The next slide your what your tax bill means to you. So uh basically we are only responsible for the municipal part of the budget when looking at this um
slide the schools the county uh the schools in the county they are just estimated based on last year's numbers. So we really have only control over the municipal portion and um based on those numbers we are 26% of the
overall total budget slide eight. Okay. How your tax dollars are spent. um to provide an overview of of um how your tax dollars are spent. There are a majority of the budget are fixed
and non-discretionary to the governing body. Those categories would include employee benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and other post-employment benefits. Um and these are heavily driven by actuary uh requirements by the state mandates.
Additionally, salaries, wages are often determined by collective bargaining units and other significant non-discretionary expenses include debt service and utilities. So, um the governing body has um very little control over those statutory numbers.
Uh the total as I said before the total overall spending this year is 19,10144039. the revenue side nine. Okay, this is our 2026 municipal revenues. Your revenues have to equal your
expenditures uh to have a balanced budget. Um we are as a municipality cashbased uh budgeting which means that we cannot anticipate more than we realized the prior year. So
the difficulty in with municipal budgeting is even though you know you may be receiving additional funds, we can't anticipate that. On this flip side, we could anticipate what we realize and we may we may not we may
know we're not going to receive that money this year. So it's a balance of the anticipated revenue and the difference between your your budget your expenditures less what you anticipate is what your amount to be raised by taxation. So that is unfortunately the
highest percentage of where we do collect our our fees from. >> All right. So thank you Moren. So just some of the in each of the areas where we're investing in the community uh for public safety. We just wanted to highlight some some of the projects that are in the budget for this year. So, we
are continuing to invest in public safety. Um, continuing to build out and and and promote within the police department, hiring two new police officers and promoting lieutenants to the rank of captain. The um new interview camera system is going to be installed along with the surveillance system. Uh we're going to have a command
vehicle for the volunteer fire department and new pagers for the first aid squad uh in our uh capital budget for this year. recreation. Um, right right uh down the hall here in this building, there's a new senior and community center opening uh in this this spring. A lot of nice
work there. Looking forward to that. Uh improvements to the Bond Forest Park, new basketball court uh in the fall and continuous improvements to Scram to reflect to uh reflect both parental staff and attendee feedback that we've received over the years.
Community events, a lot of the same community events, but each year they they get better and better. um includes the Easter egg hunt, the bunny hop trail, the community picnic and mayor's trophy game. Um lots of lots and lots of events coming for seniors that that that are continuing to get build out every
year. Summer concert series, national night out uh in in part which which is ran by the um the police foundation, the uh Rosland day, Santa's arrival and hometown holiday celebration and the monora lighting celebration. And then infrastructure uh for uh road
resurfacing in 2020. By 2026, Courtland Street, Fourth Avenue, which were part of a a Department of Transportation grant, Pier Lane, Artho Lane, Condic Court, McGovern Court, and Tannery Lane. Uh in 2027, we've already approved the um old Eagle Rock Avenue, Park Street
through a DOJ2 grant, Maple Drive, Morgantine Road, and Third Avenue. the full uh the Fton Brook foot bridge. Uh >> we're we're hoping for completion this year, which was held up um again by the u by the um Department of Environmental
Protection, >> unfortunately. Hopefully this year this is completed. Uh replacement fence on Dary Drive, improvements to the first squad building, and a new roof uh across the street on 140 Eagle Rock, which is sorely needed. So the um Moren went over a little bit
this a little bit of this before, but just just uh the bottom line and how we calculate what's what's uh the amount raised by taxation. We look at our total appropriations. We subtract the library tax and that amount $10 million 66 65,931 31 cents is the amount to be raised by
taxation. We take that, we divide that by the total assessed valuation of property in town. Multiply by 100 and you get a tax rate of 0506. What does this mean to you? So in 2026, it means a 1.56% increase. Uh this is
higher than than last year. Uh 49.78 $49.78 per household. So um and uh if you look at how to calculate the tax rate, you take the average assessed value, you multiply it by the tax rate, um divide it by 100, and then you get an
average municipal tax for on tax bill of $3,23816 for the year. So, um, given a difficult year, um, and given a a lot of, again, a lot a lot of headwinds in in, you know, blowing against us, um, we we worked as hard as we possibly could to keep this
tax rate as low as we could by continuing to pay back our pay back our debts as well as continue to invest in the town. And that's all that we have today. Anyone has any questions, comments, feedback?
Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Party and the Administration and Finance Committee. Um, next on our agenda, we have resolution 107-2026 to approve >> 106. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> 106.
>> I take that back. Thank you, Johnny. We have resolution 106-2026 a motion for the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget. Do we have a motion? >> So move second. >> By Schroeder. All in favor?
>> I opposed >> hearing and seeing none. >> Now we have resolution 107-2026. The March 11th bill list. Everyone receive the bill list for questions, concerns, comments, and our recusals. If there are none, take a motion to approve
the bill list. >> So moved. >> Second Paratti Brunt. All in favor? >> I opposed. Hearing and seeing none. Next we have agenda items under adoption of resolutions 1 through13 by resolution
number 108-2026 120-2026. Like to move them in their entirety. Governing body could review for questions, concerns, comments, and recusals. If there are none, >> mayor, we just have the amending the
meeting schedule. Can you just let everybody know the date you're changing it to? >> I think it's the 26th. >> Right. I just want everybody to know because it's not listed after Memorial Day. >> Thank you. It is the May 19th meeting moved to May 26th. >> Right. >> Thank you, council.
>> You're welcome. >> If there are no other questions, concerns, comments, or recusals, take a motion to move these resolutions. I have a quick question getting back to the Fowlerin Brook or Fitinbrook, however you want to pronounce it, resolution six. So with Boswell
Engineering coming in, okay, and they give their um, you know, their ideas, their architect design, is the EPA still going to come in and have to approve them? We have to wait another two years, three years or what? >> I that would be a question for the engineer if the EPA EPA is approved
prior to or can you take it back? >> So we got we got the permits. Thank you. >> The subject matter around this. >> We we got the permits for it and then after you get the permits then the design design occurs. So hopefully >> we'll shovel in the ground in a couple weeks and uh >> construct it in October.
>> We could walk. Okay. Thank you. >> It's long wait long overdue. >> There no other questions, concerns, comments or recusals. Take a motion. >> Motion to second. >> I'm sorry to parate. All in favor? I I
>> opposed. Hearing seeing none, next we have the consent agenda. Uh approve uh Miss Lavine to go to her annual conference and accept the resignation of Cheryl Janette. A motion to approve the consent agenda.
>> So move. >> Second. >> By Par. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Hearing and seeing none. um mayor's report. Each year I thank the council for collaborating on the budget.
Um this year was a great example of how everyone worked together for the betterment of the burrow and delivered a budget that's fiscally responsible while ensuring we invest in our burrow which benefits all of our residents. Our job that this entire council understands is to provide services and improve our burrow and quality of life the most
fiscally responsible way. I want to thank everyone. It was it's a good exercise every year and it's uh it's it's it's everyone participates and I thank everyone for their collaboration. Um we have our Easter celebration coming up on March 28th. Hopefully it'll be a little bit warmer than it is now. Um
it's usually the start of everyone coming out of their house and from hibernation and and starting to interact with each other again, which is great time of year for us. And once again, I would like to thank the Girl Scouts for coming tonight and lead us in the flag salute and their donation to the food pantry. Um, committee reports.
Councilman Barty. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, nothing else to report tonight. Thank you. Uh, Councilman Trillo couldn't be with us. He was supposed to, but he was traveling and his flight was canceled and he's I think he's stuck in an airport right now. So, um, he would have joined us. >> Warmer than here.
>> Councilman uh, Barty or Councilman Schroeder from that committee? Anything to add? >> I have nothing, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. >> Same. >> Thank you. Uh, Councilman Schroeder. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Nothing additional to add tonight. >> Thank you. Uh, Councilman Bar. >> Uh, yeah. I'll just um gonna highlight a
couple projects um give an update. Some of them uh Councilman Bart Bardy uh uh spoke on. Um as far as engineering projects uh ongoing and upcoming in town, um Cooper Avenue roadway improvements um they're in the punch list phase right now. Um which will be
uh being completed this spring. Um speed tables will be included in that. Um Roselland Avenue sidewalk from Evergreen Place to the Essex Fells border. Um the burrow received a grant. Um we just filed an extension for that. Um and that'll hopefully be designed and
constructed um later this year. Uh Chalkaw Way and ADP Boulevard. Um we had a bid opening on March 11th um which are being uh bids are being reviewed right now and there will be a possible award in April for for that construction of basically a mill and pave job. Uh the
Fitton Brook Pedestrian Bridge. Um we received the D permit on March 9th, 2026. Um and we're looking for construction in the fall. Um Bond Forest Basketball Court. Um the we are under D review for that right now. Um so that'll
be hopefully approved shortly um because of the wetlands in that area. Um and that'll go into construction later this year. Harrison Avenue Community Center. Um we received a uh NJA DCA grant for that. Um obviously everybody can see the construction ongoing over there. Um the
council, we took a tour of it. It looks fantastic. Uh we can't wait for that to open um in the next couple weeks. Um roadway improvement program. Uh we received uh bids on March 11th for the 2026 roadway improvement program which
includes Pier Lane, Arthuro Lane, Condent Court, McGovern Court, and Tannery Lane. um a lot of deadend streets that probably haven't been paved in 30 years which uh need to be uh need to be addressed. So um hopefully that'll go out that'll be awarded shortly. Um
Courtland Street and Fourth Avenue uh is current currently in the design phase. Um so that hopefully will be um go out to bid later this year. Uh Ridge Road water tank project um tenative completion date of um October 26 later this year. um site work will be will
begin um the third week of April. So, I'm sure we'll have uh announcements alerting the public of that. And finally, uh improvements to Park Street and Old Eagle Rock Avenue. Um it's a NJ DOT funded project um which is in the
design phase and will hopefully go into construction uh next year. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Council Council Peri. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, just one thing for the Rosland First Aid Squad. The Franklin Steakhouse and Tito's Vodka
is doing a a fundraiser. And if you order a Tito's vodka espresso martini, every dollar from that martini goes to the Rosland First Aid Squad. Evidently, Titos does
this with a lot of restaurants and and people that need to raise money. And in next month, it may be a um Cosmopolitan, but anything made with a Titos. This month it's the espresso martini. So, if anybody's going to Franklin Steakhouse
to eat, just remember to order an espresso martini and the first aid squad gets a dollar. >> This is all month. I'm sorry. >> This is all month, but it's going to be continuous. And they're trying to get other like Jim Johnson's and other restaurants to um to help raise money
for different first aid squads. It's not just ours. >> Um the first aid squad is also having an open house the first Sunday of EMS week, which is May 17th. And they are also going to have a fundraiser for since our
it's our 250th anniversary. They're going to have a a website where you can order a t-shirt and that those proceeds will go to the fund to the emergency squad as well. So they're trying to they're trying to do as many fundraisers as they can. The vodka one, it's a
little hard to say, but that's but you know, >> slippery slope. >> You go for dinner, everybody has a drink. So, just think of the emergency squad when you do. And that's all I have. >> Thank you. Um, Councilman Tully. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, just going to
report um two bus trips for the uh Rosanne seniors. On March 24th, they'll be they will be going to Target. It can either be the Target in Fairfield or the Target in East Hanover. and then to on
the 31st they'll be going to Walmart up in Cedar Nolles. The St. Patrick's Day lunch and Friday went very well. The uh food was from Shopight and I think everybody was pleased and we even had some music there. So that that was
really nice. We enjoyed that. And um I think that's it for now except happy St. Patrick's Day to all our Irish residents and happy St. Joseph's Day to all our Catholic residents and paans in
Roseland. Go out and buy some Zapy. Okay. And that's it. >> Thank you. Anyone else have anything to add to the committee reports? If there are none, next on our agenda is approval of the February 3rd, 2026 caucus meeting minutes and the February
24th council meeting minutes. If there are no recusals and everyone received the minutes and there's no questions, we have a motion to approve those minutes. >> So moved. Second to >> Barant. All in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. Hearing and seeing none. Next on the
agenda, we have our second round of public comment. Any member of the public wishing to be heard, come forward, state your name and address for the record. If you're with us via Zoom, use the raise your hand icon. If you're with us telephonically, press star 9. Hello. Uh, Robert Sudall, 21 Pine Road. Um, really, uh, well, thank you for for
the council for your service and if you need any tech support with your lap, your machine, let me know. Very happy to >> get his number, Morin. >> It's what I do all day. So, um, >> so yeah, I really
>> um >> if you uh I really wanted to understand just if there were any updates on uh what the council's understood about the ice occupancy of five Becker Farm Road and really with three kind of points on that front. Um one just recently and this is just an article out from
Colorado. I met uh last time we mentioned that there was not permitted to have any kind of holding of anyone uh in a Rosland property anywhere anywhere inside the burrow of Rosland I should say and just um this I think it was an interesting statement so ISIS's use of
hold rooms did not begin with the Trump administration but the nature of their use dramat changed dramatically last June before the June 24th 2025 memo official agency rules only permitted detainees to be kept in hold rooms for up to 12 hours after the memo The limit was extended to 72 hours with even that
limit being routinely exceeded. Last year, the number of people held in ICE custody on any given day increased by more than 75% with hold rooms playing a crucial role in the ballooning detention system. Um, just to the point about this not actually being a detention location, but just being one that is intended to
be used for legal processing, but we have seen and understand that in many of those facilities, they have been used as hold locations and seeing the continued abuses of that system. would really like to understand how Rosland is able protect its citizens, protect its town,
enforce those regulations we have that don't permit that, how we'd actually be able to put that into place. Um, and then just lastly, uh, for those any who are interested, um, there is a meeting of concerned citizens on Thursday at 7 p.m. I'd open that up to anybody here or
to the council. If anybody would like to attend, you can, uh, contact me after this is over. Happy to share information about where that'll be. um if anybody would like to join that. >> Um so to your first two questions because the third one wasn't a question if I'm correct. Yeah. Yeah. >> One, we have there's been no change. No
one's notified us of anything, but we are continually monitoring the area to make sure not just that area, but every everyone is in compliance with our our zoning ordinances, etc. Yeah. >> So, it's continually being monitored. And from a enforcement perspective, if there is something that actually does
violate that, how do we actually enforce that as >> we would defer to council, but right now there's right now there's no >> officer would issue violations. >> Okay. >> But right now there's no violation and we are monitoring that and make sure everyone is in compliance with our zoning ordinances. >> Understood. >> Thank you. >> Any other member of the public wish to
be heard, come forward, state your name and address for the record. If you're Thank you. Janet Tmont 38 Leonard Terrace. Uh, three quick questions regarding the budget. Moren, you said the um average home would see an increase of 1.56%.
What is the average value of a home? >> 620. >> 630. It was up 640 640. Thank you. Um the second question regards um public safety and there was
reference to the promotion of two lieutenants to captain and two new police officers. Are those the only personnel um actions proposed or were they just highlights? >> You have to
>> they were just they were just highlights. >> They were highlights. >> Highlights. Okay. And then um my third question goes back to a conversation that took place roughly a month ago when you were looking at the DPW budget and
there was a line item for fuel and at the time you talked about reducing that line item because DPW didn't use the full amount the year before. Well, I don't know if anybody's been to the gas station lately, but um I went today. It
was quite a shock and the attendant told me that the price of gas has gone up 80 cents in the past month. So, are you confident, I don't know what's in the budget right now because I haven't seen it yet, but are you confident that that
dollar amount for fuel in DPW is adequate to cover all the departments that draw from that gas tank? >> Yes, we are um our our fuel cost is is a little bit different than the regular gas station. um is under a state
contract and um we anticipated a 5% increase in and we did give him they did receive a 5% increase over last year. >> Okay. And in the event that you run short because there's no telling where this is going to end. Um do you have to
do an emergency appropriation and how quickly can something like that be done? >> If it's an emergency appropriation, it gets done immediately. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> To answer your second question about public safety, by promoting two captains, what it does
is there's backfill. So when two lieutenants become captain, there's two lieutenant vacancies and so on and so forth. So that's maybe why I wasn't highlighting. Well, that's why I asked. Yes, they're in the plan. Those are the new the new promotions going up. They create backfill that >> right >> all the way down through officer.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> The other member any other member of the public wish to be heard, come forward, state your name, address for the record. If you're with us via Zoom, use the raise your hand icon. >> Thank you. >> Uh if no one from the governing body has anything further, we will take a motion for a German, please.
>> So move. >> Second. Marty Bar. All in favor? >> I opposed. Hearing none. Thank you everyone. Enjoy your St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day. >> How you doing? So,