Y this meeting is being held in accordance to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Annual notice of this meeting was published in the Union County Local Source and the Newark Star Ledger. said notice was posted in the municipal building and a copy is on file
with office of the burrow clerk. Fire exits are located in the directions I am indicating. If you are alerted for a fire, please move in a calm, orderly manner to the nearest smokefree exit. Proper notice have been given. The burough clerk is directed to include this statement in the minutes of this
meeting. Mr. Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Petroski, here. Councilman Johnson, present. Councilman Sigarella, here. Councilman Robin, present. Councilman Patel here. Council President Lions here. And Mayor Sigello is absent. And you have a quorum. Great. Um, Mr. Clerk, please lead us in the
opening prayer followed by the pledge of allegiance. Eternal God, grant us thy help and all our duties and perplexities. We ask for thy guidance. Give us thy protection in our dangers and sorrows. Grant us thy peace. Amen. Amen. 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. There are no communications for review this evening. At this time, we're going to be doing proclamations and presentations.
Uh we would like to start with Councilman Johnson. Thank you. It's up to you. Testing. Testing. Is it on? Good. Um, first and foremost, I wanted to say
uh the the reason why um I brought this to the forefront is that I've been an active member of the diversity and inclusion committee um for at least over five years um as a resident way prior to me running for office. And so when I
looked and I moved into this community, one of the first things I noticed was the diversity committee. and I was astonished. Uh, and I was like stoked. So, I wrote an email to the mayor saying, "Hey, mayor, I want to join the committee." And then lo and behold, now I'm here as an elected official. But I
really couldn't do uh join or even have that opportunity to to join if it wasn't for a person like you for being a trailblazer uh creating and uh bringing forth such a wonderful committee. at least I believe in its values and um I
have been public uh with it also being multicultural myself um having mixed parents and things of that nature. So I wanted to recognize you. I felt I was thinking about this since last year and it was just on my heart and I was like man if if if this is my last term in
office I want to at least be able to honor the person that I truly admire for creating this. So I had to find out who did it. I reached out to Andrew. I'm like, you know, doing all this research and I found out long behold I found out it was you. So, I just wanted to honor
you and say thank you on behalf of myself and my family. Uh, Ros uh Rosel Park um the the committee the committee has been very active in this community. We went from talking to police officers
um organizing meetings, public meetings uh uh with Danny McCaffry when Chief Caerty was here. Uh we've done uh you know a lot of events Junth a lot of uh community events uh anti-bullying and youth we so all of this I I think was
made possible. It would not be us without a trailblazer like you. So please give a round of applause to uh former councilwoman Charlie Story for uh creating this. Do you have any words? And I just wanted to thank you. Let me thank you personally. Well, thank you.
Um I I think you've done a fabulous job taking this concept and running with it. really uh I give you a lot of credit for that. And really my point in doing this was just for people to have an opportunity to perhaps meet with and get to know people
who had different backgrounds, maybe didn't think exactly the way they did. It's easy to get into a silo of thinking uh you know, everybody thinks the way I do. Um, I was my husband and I um we I think of myself as multicultural but
only because going back in my family, everybody seemed to marry outside of their ethnic group and outside of their religion. And then I never figured out whether we just like something different or we want to make our parents mad at us because that happened too.
But uh but basically I think that we you know we we kind of forget that there are different points of view um you know different backgrounds. Uh my husband and I have been for a while there. We're very active with
um uh situation in Northern Ireland and parades and uh although I am I was brought up Catholic, I am not a Catholic anymore, but I was pretty amazed to hear people say things like everybody knows that Catholics can't do math. Yes. And I
was like really really? So, uh, you know, you have to realize that everybody isn't coming at you from the same place and maybe they need to be educated and maybe they just need to sit down and have have a dinner, go to the diner, have a cup of coffee with somebody who
isn't exactly like like they are. So, thank you very much. Appreciate it. It's nice to meet you. Can Can we get a picture? Can someone take a picture for me? I wanted to. I'm sorry. Greg, did you take a picture? He got He doesn't hear that well anymore. Well, I wanted
to take one and put it on my phone. Oh, you have a phone? Yeah. He doesn't uh for a second. No, just a Can I just say I just want to say real quick, council president to council president. Give it up for this woman. And that's I want to
just honor you honestly because um it was just a simple thing. I personally did not know. And when I did find out, I was like, "Wow." And then when I found out that Councilman Greg was honoring you, I said, "This is a perfect opportunity." So, I just It's amazing
reading those things out, right? You You know what it takes. But I just wanted to honor that. All right. And honor you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Yes, please. I gota ask permission. Uh I just wanted to say this is very dear to me. Uh diversity uh it it means something to me even more so than even this council seat. So I just really appreciate uh being able to have this
platform to to extend those and I would have been remiss if I didn't do that and I and I just wanted to do that. So, thank you very much and uh I just want to continue uh to work with this community so we can grow together. So, thank you. Awesome.
Okay, now it's my turn. Thank God. This is actually right on uh on spot for me here. Okay. So, um the next uh certificate of recognition is for um someone that before I say his name, uh
something had happened tragically. There was an accident in Rosal Park and this person jumped in and uh what came into my mind was he literally did not hesitate. He helped someone. There was
an accident. Um from what I understand, he was on the ground. Um, and this person jumped in. He specifically with compassion, with kindness, and once I found out about it, I reached out to Andrew and I said, "We need to do something for him." I called it a Good
Samaritan award. And what what comes to mind is the Good Samaritan, if no one knows about it, the people with titles passed by when there was someone in need. But the one that was just humble and saw the need met the need. And so,
um, this is just an example that I want to actually just say to society, remember when someone is hurting to actually be there. Um, and if you can, if you can help out, it resonates. So, this person, um, he was actually the
animal control officer for seven years and part of board of education for 20 years. Can we give a round of applause for Alex Baliban? [Applause] Alex, thank you so much. You you jumped in and like I said, uh I just don't want
to go without recognizing you. Uh if you want to say a few words, please. You know, I moved to Roso Park in '89 and actually had to leave, you know, with sadness in 2017 when my mother
passed away. I moved into her house and sold our condo here. But let me tell you, I packed my schedule very tight with all sorts of activities in Rosel Park over the years. The amount of volunteer hours that I put into Rosel
Park was immense. But I enjoyed it. It was rewarding. You know, not everything you do in life is valued in money. Yes. You know, uh there's intrinsic value in some of the actions that you take in life. And that's what I always scoped my myself to
do, you know. So whether a person is in trouble or any animal is in trouble, I'm always prepared. I'm always prepared to meet the expectations that God set for me. And and that is to intervene if I possibly can. you know, not to do the
impossible, but to do everything what I could under human constraints. And just take a moment and let people know what happened. Did you you found someone on the ground just in basically what happened? It was a child, you know, a juvenile, a male juvenile, you know, I'm
not going to say the name or anything. and he was basically trying to cross the street at a certain intersection and a car from out of state hit him, you know, and I and in my mind because I I
witnessed a lot of hit and run accidents when I even lived in Newark, you know, and I was on the, you know, special police there and stuff like that. So, you know, I'm sort of attuned to acting, you know, in those regards. But basically what happened was he was hit
and I saw that from a distance because I was exiting uh the diner at that time and so I was driving west at that at that time on Locust Street and I saw him like a block away and then I see the car
like moving forward. I had a I I just had an inclination that the driver may have may have thought of like fleeing fleeing the scene or or maybe not, but he nobody extended any effort to help
this kid, you know, and the injuries were kind of substantial in in several areas. So basically I triaged him you know I basically elevated you know his extremities this and that and I
comforted him. He told me to hold his hand so I held his hand you know and he felt at ease and it to and I called 911 also simultaneously. So they came about five minutes later and and took over the scene. Well, this this specifically says
uh this recognition is presented to Alexander Balaban for his selfless acts of kindness and compassion while rendering emergency aid to a resident in need of help during a motor vehicle incident that occurred on May 4th, 2025. So, I give you thank you so much and
give a round of applause. Here you go. Roso Park has a big heart, so this means a lot to me. We we adopt God bless you. Thank you Park. I hope you hear that here. Let's take a picture. Let's take a picture real quick.
Thank you. Thank you. I can leave this here. I just I just moved over here. Feels good. How are you? How are you? Good. Good. Thank you. Okay. There are no meeting minutes for approval this evening. May I have a
motion that bills and payrolls be not read and passed for payment? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. May I have a motion to open the public portion on agenda items only? So moved. Second. All in favor?
I. If you would like to speak, please come forward to the microphone and state your name and address for the record. I see no one. Okay. May I have a motion to close the public portion on agenda items only? So moved.
Oh, strike that. Strike that. Milt Woodruff, 134 Bender Avenue, Roseell Park. My question pertains to resolution
14625. They're talking about the uh 31 West East Westfield Avenue and they're talking about buying that. Is that under contract now or is it going to be a contract?
It will be if it gets passed tonight. What's that? It will be It will be under contract if the resolution is adopted. It has not been authoriz It has not been the contract has not been authorized yet. The resolution would authorize a great idea because quite frankly with 20
or 25 parking spots there, it' be a big help in town. And also my son has a uh works for an engineering firm and he also deals with some developers. The developers indicate that property there would probably be worth a million and a
half$2 million later on maybe more. So it seems like a good idea. You like the idea, Mr. Woodruff? Probably. You like you like the idea? I think it's a great idea. No. All right. Pretty. Well, cops
are allowed too as well as criticism. Absolutely. That's why this is great. And also, I uh is the bank going to rent back the property for use for the ATM. So, you want me to answer that? Yes,
please. So, um there's another resolution on the agenda. Yeah, I saw that. That would be that would be the lease back of the ATM. So, yes. What is that going to be for? five year a year or two. It's a two-year. It's a two-year initial term for $18,000 a year for two
years for for Well, it's a year. It would be $18,000 per year. The initial term is two years. 10 years. Two two is the initial. Okay. No, I think it's a great idea. And if if the experts are
right and for $2 million later on, no big deal. Thank you. Thank you so much. Anyone else? Anyone else? Okay. May I have a motion to close the public portion on agenda items only? So
moved. Second. All in favor? I I. May I have a motion to accept the reports of departments as submitted? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. Mr. Clerk, please read ordinance number 2820 by title. Yes, council president.
Ordinance number 2820 is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing an ordinance amending chapter 7 section 39 subsection 2 of the code of the bur of Rosel Park entitled handicap parking on streets for private residences. May I have a motion to open the public hearing
on ordinance number 2820? So moved. Second. May I have a motion to Yeah, you just got to ask for comment if anyone has any comment. Oh, sorry. Any comments or discussion from the public? From the public. Sorry about that.
Not seeing anyone. Okay. May I have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2820? So moved. Second. May I have a motion to favor? Sorry, just have to ask all in favor. Oh, I
don't see that. Now just ask all in favor. All in favor? I I. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2820? So moved. Second. All in favor? You got to ask. It's Yeah. Sorry. So you have to ask for discussion. Is there any
discussion? Okay. I got to write this stuff down. Okay. Any discussion? No. Okay. All in favor? I I You can do that. Yes. Ordinance is adopted. Okay.
Ordinance is adopted. Uh Mr. Clerk, please read ordinance number 2821 by title. Yes, council president. The ordinance 2821 is an ordinance for introduction ordinance amending chapter 40 section 3004 of the code of the burough of Rosal Park entitled fences with specific amendments to subsection A
thereof. May I have a motion to approve ordinance number 2821 for introduction and fix the date for second reading and public hearing as uh June 19th, 2025. So moved.
Second. Is there any discussion? Okay, Mr. Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, yes. Councilman Sigurella, yes. Councilman Robin, yes. Councilman Patel, yes. Council President Lions. Yes. The affirmative. Council President, the
ordinance is introduced. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Please read ordinance number 2822 by title. Yes, council president. Ordinance number 2822 is an ordinance for introduction. An ordinance amending chapter 40 section 3005 of the code of the Bur Rosal Park entitled driveways
with specific amendments to subsection B thereof. May I have a motion to approve ordinance number 2822 for introduction and fix the date for second reading and public hearing as June 19, 2025. So moved. Second. Is there any discussion? Yeah.
Can you just explain um the overall ordinance please? Uh Andrew if you want. Yes ma'am. So the uh so the ordinance basically unifies all the fees uh for driveways. It used to be split between different costs for onecar driveways,
twocar driveways, and things like that. This would just make driveway permits universally one cost. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, Mr. Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, yes. Councilman Sigurella, yes.
Councilman Robin, yes. Councilman Patel, yes. Council President Lions, yes. Six hosting affirmative. Council President, the ordinance is introduced. Okay. All matters listed with an asterct are considered to be routine and non-controversial by the council and
will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the governing body body so requests in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered it its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the
general orders. Mr. Clerk, please read all resolutions by title. Yes. Resolution 14325 is granting permission to American Legion Post 60 to operate a social affair permit granted by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in Michael J. Mory Park as part of the Burough Rosal Park's 2025 Junth
celebration. Resolution 14425 is authorizing the treasur to issue one check totaling $1,716.98 payable to one lean holder on one property and one check totaling $600 from the tax collector's premium account. Resolution 14525 is accepting
the resation resignation of Evo Trinastic as alternate member number three of the municipal land use board. Resolution 14625 is authorizing the mayor and burough clerk to execute an agreement of sale for the purchase of property identified as block 910 lot 8 of the municipal tax map commonly known
as 31 East Westfield Avenue. Resolution 14725 is terminating the professional services contract with Shane Schaefer PC as 2025 tax appeal attorney due to the closure of the firm. Resolution 14825 is approving Murphy Orlando LLC to succeed
Shane Schaefer PC as tax appeal attorney for the balance of calendar year 2025. Resolution 14925 is co-sponsoring the 2026 Arts Festival with Rosal Park Loves Art, Inc. Resolution 1525 is appointing Carlos Gonzalez Selenus as a member of the Rosal Park Fire Department.
Resolution 15125 is appointing Todd Literate as a captain within the Rosal Park Fire Department. Resolution 15225 is authorizing the purchase of a combined shelter restroom and storage structure for installation in Acra Park from RCP Shelters Inc. Pursuant to
Educational Service Commission of New Jersey co-op contract number 24 SL2501 an amount to ex not to exceed $319,921.75. Resolution 15325 is authorizing the purchase of playground equipment for installation in Acro Park
from MRC Inc. pursuant to Educational Services Commission of New Jersey co-op contract number 24/251 in an amount not to exceed $951,8201. Resolution 15425 is authorizing the purchase of playground surfacing for installation in Aker Park
from Rubber Cycle LLC pursuant to New Jersey state contract number 16-fleet-0000131 in an amount not to exceed $442,673.40. Resolution 15525 is authorizing the burough clerk to auction unclaimed vehicles. Resolution 15625 is authorizing the 2025 farmers market
preview on June 18th, 2025 and June 25th, 2025. Resolution 15725 is terminating the professional services contract with consulting and municipal engineers LLP as 2025 licensed site remediation professional. Resolution 15825 is authorizing the award of a
non-fair and open professional services contract with Matrix New World Engineering Land Surveying and Landscape Architecture PC as license site remediation professional for the balance of calendar year 2025. Resolution 15925 is authorizing issuance of a limousine
license to Sam Muhammad. Resolution 16025 is authorizing the mayor and burough clerk to execute a lease agreement for the ATM pad located on block 910 lot 8 of the municipal tax map commonly known as 31 East Westfield Avenue. Resolution 16125 is accepting
the 2024 municipal audit report. Resolution 16225 is approving the corrective action plan for the 2025 municipal audit. Resolution 16325 is approving the insertion of a recycling tonnage grant as a special item of revenue in the 2025 municipal budget in
the amount of $7,34857. Resolution 16425 is approving the insertion of a Clicket or ticket grant as a special item of revenue in the 2025 municipal budget in an amount of $7,000. Resolution 16525 is approving the insertion of a national opioid
settlement fund grant as a special item of revenue in the 2025 municipal budget in an amount of $1,35 98 96. Resolution 16625 is approving the insertion of a Union County Means Green Community Garden grant special item of revenue in the 2025 municipal budget in an amount of
$250. And resolution 16725 is approving, I'm sorry, authorizing a $50,000 increase to the open-ended goods and services contract with Rich Tree Service, Inc. for tree trimming, pruning, and removal services pursuant to New Jersey State Contract number
18-dP45 reflecting a revised contract amount not to exceed $100,000. Do any members uh wish to have items removed from the consent agenda? Uh, yes. 146 and 160
and 160. 160. May I have a motion to approve the resolutions remaining on the consent agenda? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. Okay. So, we're pulling 146. 146 is okay.
We just need a motion on 146. May I have a motion? How do we to approve 146? Oh, to approve 146-25. So move. Second. Second. Oh, is there any discussion? Yeah. Um, as far as the
$900,000 for the parking lot itself, is it $900,000 just for the parking lot or we're going to have is it with the new meters installed or that's the cost on top of the 900? So, can I answer? Yes, please. So, it's
um the the acquisition price is actually 875,000, right? The um the the 900,000 that number comes in the budget. Uh we budgeted um slightly more than the acquisition cost for to account for title work and closing costs. Got it. Um
to cover it, but the actual acquisition of the property entirely is 875,000. That does not include uh metering or striping. So it is just the acquisition of the property in total. And then as far as it's is it going to stay the same like ATM still going to be there? The
parking spot is it going to increase decrease? So the the the way it's configured right now will roughly stay the same. We may be able to um install some additional parking, but the ATM the way it's configured will stay exactly as it is. True. And then do we know how
much it's going to cost us to, you know, do the striping, the installation of the meters? So, um I don't believe we'll be installing an additional meter at this location because nobody would be staying directly in that lot. Um, so the plan
would be just to number those spots consecutively with the on street numbers. So I'm not sure where we left off on the numbers, but let's say it's 200. Yeah. So if there's 25 spots there, I forget actually the number of spaces, but let's say it's 25. Those would be, you know, 220, 200, 2002, 2003. And it would be
only the cost of those striping or the thermoplastic. Yeah, thermoplastic uh is probably more expensive than you would imagine. Um, it won't be more than won't be more than $5,000 I would say to
to rough estimate just off the top of my head it'll be a few thousand dollars say to stripe it and then as far as the meter we're just going to leave the one on the street. Yeah. So the the the the meters in Rosal Park are configured so you're able to pay any spot at any of
those meters. Right. Okay. So if you so if you say you park at the gazebo and you walk down to the corner of Chestnut Street by the Valley Bank say or the old Valley Bank, you should be able to pay for spot number one, which is at the gazebo lot at that meter. Okay. So and and and again, just to reiterate, the
reason we're not installing or we don't have an eye to install an additional meter there is because no one's staying in that lot, right? There's not like a business in that lot. They have to leave the lot. Yeah. And then go to a business. Got it. Okay. And then as far as uh we're going to lease it and then
we're getting 18,000 back um as far as leasing it. Correct. With an escalator after the initial term I believe of 3%. I'd have to look I'd have to look at the agreement. Got it. Yeah. I just don't think that you know it's worth because it would take like 50 years for us to
get that or a return on investment of $900,000 as we're opening parking right across the street. But that's all I had. Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Look at what happened with Sullivan Sullivan Chevrolet 101 15 years
ago. $1.3 million is on sale for B didn't make a move to purchase it. The developer did it and now we've got the 345. Yeah. Is this spot a zone for redevelopment zone itself or no? The property that we're buying. Yeah. No, I
don't think we did. Is there opt I mean whatever happens here but could have we uh set that as a redevelopment zone and then set up as a can they build a parking deck like can talking to Mike I can't hear you. Sorry,
K John. Sorry. Uh, but I was going to ask if we do the go the route of uh setting that place up as a redevelopment zone, can we go and have a developer build a parking deck or something to increase the number of spots? And is
there an option? You would I mean, is it it's it everything's everything's an option, right? I just I just want to qualify that by saying is it a viable option or not is unknown, right? Is there a developer willing to build it? You know, the property, that property itself is a little more than a third of
an acre. I think it's 39 acres. Um, it's roughly 100 frontage and 100 in the rear by 165 ft deep at the at the deepest point. I only know this because I looked at the appraisal before I came to the
meeting. Um, I don't know what the economics are of building a parking deck that small. Um, so there's unlimited options for the property, particularly when the burrow owns it. Um, I just don't know if the
economics would make sense for a developer to build a parking deck at that one lot. Got it. And then just so is it possible for us to put a do not I mean if it's approved we buy it or can we put do not enter or something cuz
people who are trying to go in the lot and come back on Westville I feel like you might not be able to see because of the parking on the street. Um maybe we could you know put some do not enter signs and from Westfield Avenue or from Yeah. So, like, you know, you go in
Westville Avenue and then park there and then come out to a parking lot to go back on Westville Avenue. Um, it's because there's cars parked by the on the street. It's kind of hard to see. Got the BL coming out. Yeah. Well, I I think the short answer is we can work
through any number of Yeah, I think we work through any any number of those logistics. Um, I actually don't fully I do conceptually understand what you're saying, but I don't know if you mean not flowing out to Westfield Avenue. We can control the flow of traffic on that property if we own it. Okay. Yeah. But
that's all I had. I I have a couple comments. So, uh KJ, you bring up a good point. Exiting out onto Westfield is tough because of the hump in the Westfield A and uh depending on Yeah. Okay. It's actually Yeah. For me to understand. Um
and we could we could do anything, but I just uh support this uh move. We had a resident speak on behalf of tonight. We are uh purchasing an asset. Uh uh it could be very beneficiary to the downtown to the future of our town and
like I said everything has a price and who knows down the road we could get double the money for it or somebody but I think this is a good thing for the burrow and I'll support it and um let's move on. Thank you council president if
I may. Yes please. I just wanted to say that. Thank you. Um, so, um, I have a comment, a couple comments on this as well because I I just want clarity. Um, again, uh, I get to, um, have this moment to have clarity one more time.
So, with 146, uh,-25, um, I'm not against the project. Uh, I think that, you know, the parking is very valuable. Uh, the the vet is close to the veterans. Uh, it's close to businesses. any additional parking uh in
Rosal Park is a is a win in my view. Um so initially when I was voting on this on the on the budget that was just because I was in disagreement on how to purchase it, but I'm not in a disagreement for purchasing this. So I'm going to be positive and go for this as
well. This is a good thing and I and I echo uh the at large. Thank you. Any further? You're all good. All right, Mr. Clerk, please call the role. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, yes. Councilman Sigella, yes. Councilman Roina, yes. Councilman Patel, no.
Council President Lions, yes. Five votes in the affirmative, one in the negative. The resolution is adopted. May I have a motion to approve 160? So moved. Second. Is there any discussion?
I think we discussed it. Okay. Please call the role. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, Councilman Signarella, yes. Councilman Robbina, yes. Councilman Patel, no. Council President Lions, yes. Five votes in the affirmative, one in
the negative. The resolution is adopted. Okay. Okay. Now, uh, reports of Burough Council and committees. Uh, Councilman Petroski, please.
Thank you, uh, Mayor. Okay. Uh, first of all, I want to send my condolences out to Robbie Orsini, uh, family. Uh, Robbie was a 1970 graduate, Rosal Park High School. um as
a young kid uh he lived down the street from me and I remember um days at Sherman school and um I remember watching him play uh sports when he went to high school. So my condolences go out to him and his family and also Vincent
Marino. Okay. Uh on May 3rd, I attended the car wash ribbon cutting ceremony. Um it looked like um I was very pleased. I actually went for a car wash and uh beautiful. I my truck hasn't looked that
good since I bought it. I thought they did an excellent job. U and um I got a few uh calls from residents that also said the same thing. So, good luck to them. Um on the 5th, I attended the fire department meeting. Uh basically
discussions about um about the new uh audition with the uh uh fire uh on uh Laurel Avenue which is FA to firehouse and also uh uh you know re you know you know they need uh service to the some of
the buildings. So, uh, that was discussed. Uh, on the 14th, I attended the recreation committee meeting. Um, again, I I want to thank Tina and your group with the Easter egg hunt.
Excellent. Um, very wellrun. Um, we we're going to make a couple uh changes next year, but I thought it was very wellrun in like that. Um, and they're they're going to have an event. It looks like it's going to be the 20th, right,
of September, I mean, September, June. And it's the end of the season and beginning of summer. Um, they're going to have something at the gazebo um right across from the post office. So, uh, um, words where will we get out? We need to
get approval of the town and also the police. So, um, more to come on that. Uh today I attended the joint sewer meeting uh very quick meeting uh renew some contracts and everything like that. So
uh uh American Legion uh again help them out as most you can. Um my famous saying is uh we needed them and they need us now. So uh but I I will get uh for the next meeting I want to give a certificate. Uh one of the gentlemen
came down. Richard was his name. Yeah. Uh came down and put the door up when you first come in. Removed the sliding door. Uh basically some of the women uh they said they never knew who was coming in. Uh if you have to folks 60, you know
what I'm talking about. But at least uh now there'll be a glass door and you could see who's coming in. So um I want to thank him very much. And uh we're just waiting for the plumbers to come in and we're going to redo the bathrooms
there. So uh it's going to look very nice once it gets done. Um if you need to get a hold of me, you get me at jetrosky rosepark.net 908667821 and that's for a report. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, Councilman,
Councilman Johnson. Thank you, mayor, council, and residents. Uh please bear with me. I got to read off my phone. my report. Uh May 21st is uh World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
which is recognized by the United States and uh established by United Nations. The purpose is to encourage people around the world to celebrate different cultures and learn from one another. But the overall main goal is to promote peace and understanding and in by
encouraging uh and respect for all cultures. Lastly, this day also supports working together across cultural differences to build a more fair and sustainable world for yet again
everyone. Therefore, I just wanted the this community to be aware of what this day symbolizes and actually acknowledge this day in my report affirming my support. So, uh that was one of the reasons why I wanted to honor uh former
council uh uh woman uh Charlene Story because uh she helped created that diversity committee here for Roosevelt Park. And I I really believe in the message that is trying to say here you know you know proposing peace and
understanding. Uh but you know no committee and no club or no group or no entity in the world is perfect and so there's still a lot of tweaking and amending and it this day will just get better and better. So I just wanted to thank her and I appreciate her for
coming here and allowing me to honor her. Now for a couple of community announcements. I just wanted to remind residents that we are coming to the final stretch of paving and milling Avon and Burwin. I also share some of the sentiments expressed by residents at
this time regarding this long intensive and exhausting process, but paving should be completed soon. So, I'm humbly asking everyone to please be patient and hopefully the weather permits the burrow to finally uh finish these projects.
Sheesh. Uh, Andrew, do we have anything with that? Uh, real quick. Yeah. So, we were originally uh the the paving was scheduled for yesterday and today obviously uh I'm sorry, today and tomorrow. Um, it didn't rain very much today. Unfortunately though, what
happens? These contractors don't only work for Rosal Park, they work for So, if they have work that was set up yesterday in another town, they go in their order. So, they're delayed. So, we have tentatively on the calendar for next week. Okay. Um uh we we we are
definitely on their calendar for next week. Um there will be an announcement of those dates. Um probably tomorrow. All right. Thank you. And those will be weather permitting again. Weather permitting. Sheesh. Uh but what April
May showers it should be. Yeah. So on another note, the multicultural and heritage festival has been postponed. The new date of this event will be Saturday, September 27th, 2025. My apologies, and I'm looking forward to seeing the community
there. Now, to our sorrow, my heart and condolences goes out to Robin Case and his family. Robin served in the United States uh Army, a longtime post officer and member of the American Legion's Post
60 as well as our beloved community here in Roosevelt Park. The American Legion plans to do a repass at the post soon. So, information will follow. It'll be on their Facebook page. If anyone knows Robin or a council, you guys are also
welcome to come. So, as soon as we get that information, we'll put it out. But um Robin, you will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you for serving our country. You are a true hero. I think he served around the Vietnam era. I'm trying to confirm that now. Um speaking
of heroes, the hometown heroes brackets were installed along Westfield A and Chestnut because I know a few residents were reaching out to me about when that is uh uh when they're going to see the banners. Again, our favorite term it seems like weather permitting. The
banners will be up soon, well before uh Memorial Day. So, uh let's keep our fingers crossed with this weather permitting. But, um all the brackets are in place for the banners. They just we just need the weather to permit it and and they're good to go, right? Yeah. A couple are up, too. Good. I mean, that
was the last thing Greg reached out and said, so cool. All right. Uh I'm sorry. Uh All right. Lastly, I would like to inform the community that uh Rosel Park's Junth festivities will be held on June 14th, 2025 and will be hosted by
the diversity inclusion committee. Uh so, please mark your calendars and I hope to see you guys there. I'm looking forward to attending this event myself. Uh another good event. Uh if anyone need to get in contact with me for anything, uh please reach out to me at
gjsonrosseelpark.net. Uh or you could call me 9083031519. And mayor, that concludes my report. Thank you, Councilman. Uh, Councilman Signarella. Good evening. Uh, I also attended the May 3rd opening a car wash. Great to see
that uh, facility open. Not only it looks like it's adding the beautifification of the Westfield A uh, and a good service for the community, but um, it looks nice, too, when it's closed up at night. So, I just want to
say it looks nice. Uh and uh um um Madame President, Mayor, if I don't I missed something. I just want to thank a couple businesses for the uh uh if you could follow up, please. Uh we had a major fire in Rosal Park uh uh May 10th
last Saturday. Uh no one got hurt. Uh uh and none of the firemen nor the mutual aid, nobody got hurt, which is a blessing. Uh, I'd like to shout out to Dunkin Donuts in Rosel Park and to uh Sunrise Diner for uh offering some uh uh
donuts and coffee. And I told um Roseanne that I said uh just get hamburgers. I've done this prior as a chief, don't even get the cheese, get the hamburgers and some ketchup and the fireman will be hungry because it was came in at 6:50 in the morning. 6:50 in
the morning and some of the uh our guys from Rosa Park and the towns that surround us probably didn't get any breakfast and I I I'm gonna I'll use my expression having a nice hamburger was like having a a quick meal Ruth Chris. So the guys just like enjoying the the
hamburger but uh if you could follow up on whatever you have too but uh thank you to the two businesses in Rosal Park. So that's all I have. Um um um you need to get a hold of me. Uh uh uh 908721
uh 6488. I I do have one thing, whatever. Uh uh you know, it's it's been raining the last couple of days and it's tough to cut your grass, but for you folks, you know, uh that don't cut the grass, uh you know, the code enforcement will be coming after you. So, we're
going to try to be a little wise and because you can't cut the grass, but you know who you are. if you're not cutting your grass and uh we'll be knocking on your door. So, thank you. Thank you. End of my report. Thank you, Councilman Jay. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Mayor.
Good evening, Roseell Park. Last month, the Burough Council approved a resolution I'd sponsored urging state officials to revisit New Jerseys current police pursuit guidelines. As they stand, these restrictions limit our officers ability to respond effectively to organized crimes such as catalytic converter
thefts, home breakins, and vehicle burglaries. Too often, officers are prohibited from from pursuing suspects, which allows criminals to escape, reaffend, and jeopardize the safety of our neighborhoods. While a revision was passed to remove
the following statement, whereas the Bureau of Roosevelt Park supports its police department and desires that its officers be granted appropriate discretion in pursuing suspects involved in these crimes, particularly when part of a pattern or when suspects pose a threat to public order. I remain hopeful
that a resolution sends a clear message to our state legislators. The intent was not to override the attorney general's directive, but rather to advocate for greater support for our officers who must often make critical split-second decisions in dangerous situations. We
can't afford to handcuff our officers from doing their jobs. I urge state leaders to invest in advanced law enforcement tools, technology, and training, as well as community safety programs. I also hope they consider increasing penalties for repeat offenders who continue to endanger our
communities. Now that the heavy stuff is out of the way, on Saturday, May 3rd, it was an eventful day. Like most of my colleagues here, they acknowledged uh it was great to welcome yet another business investing in our town with the grand the grand opening of Team Car Wash's 13th
location right here in Rosal Park. Following the ribbon cutting, my son and I, which he had his birthday yesterday, so happy birthday, buddy. My son and I attended the annual bike clinic in Tortoo Park, an event I began four years ago that has grown in interest every year and highlights not only the need
for safe and open spaces, but being responsible when sharing the road. It's a necessity for our growing families, commuters, and students alike. So, a big thank you to our event partners, Bob's Bicycle Service, New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, Safe Kids Union County, and Westfield Regional Health Department
for donating helmets, bike lights, and giveaways. And thank you to acting mayor Lions for attending and to all the families who came out. Just this week, we also saw another business uh light up. It's open sign um
Sento House coffee shop right here across from Burough Hall. Going back to the business segment, they're serving up coffee, sandwiches, and Colombian treats like empanadas, fresh breads, and puff pastries. Stop by and check them out. And as Mr. Mr. Belucio mentioned at our
last meeting, there's a new Delhi market coming to the fifth ward once the Hunter Lofts project wraps up. It's awesome to see so many people chasing the American dream and investing here in Rose Park. We're seeing the start of something new, another dream coming to life right here in our town.
On May 8th, it was the CPAG meeting that I attended via Zoom featuring a presentation on handle with care techniques, which means treating children with special needs, students with special needs with patience, understanding, and safety in mind, especially when they're having a
difficult time. On May 9th, I had the opportunity alongside Jackie Garcia, our burough's transportation liaison and Union County Transportation Advisory Board second vice chair to participate in the NJ DOT's stakeholder session for the state's upcoming bicycle and ma
pedestrian master plan. We voiced local concerns and priorities to help shape a more bike and pedestrian friendly future across New Jersey. Got a couple up uh upcoming events that I want to share and the first tour right here in the fifth ward. Uh community garden is opening up on
Saturday, May 17th, 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Valley Road. And stop by uh as we open the community garden, space for neighbors to grow, gather, and connect. Also happening on Saturday, May 17th, the Rosal Park Youth Baseball and Softball League Family Fun Day. It's
going to be held from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wolffield on Westbster Avenue. Enjoy games, activities, food, and community fun for all ages. On Sunday, May 18th, from 11:00 to 5:00, we have the Union County Touch a Truck event at Oakidge Park in Clark. It is a free
event featuring trucks, emergency vehicles, hay rides, inflatables, and food trucks. It's a great day for the kids. We also have a business mixer, uh, wine and cheese night on Wednesday, May 21st, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mnt Bank and
Union at the Five Points. It's hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Mnt Bank. This free event offers a great networking opportunity for our local business community. For details, call 908-6870240. Then I'm just going to announce a few save the dates. We've got the community cooldowns on July 8th,
15th, 22nd, and 29th. So be sure to beat the heat this summer with our weekly community cooldown events throughout July. And the swim night at Clark Pool will be held on Wednesday, August 6th. bring the family for a fun evening of swimming and relaxation. Uh, Councilman
Petroski had brought up the firehouse additions in the fifth ward. I look forward to seeing the design and plans so I can share this with our fifth ward repres fifth W residents that I represent. And uh before I conclude, I'd like to recognize uh acting mayor Council President Lions for running
tonight's meeting. You did a great job. And I'd also like to wish uh her her mom that I see here in the audience and of course my wife and and all the moms here in Rosa Park a very happy Mother's Day coming up. Um that's pretty much it. That concludes
my report. Uh as always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to me at jabrain roselpark.net 8622360019. Acting Mayor Lions. Thank you, Rosel Park. Thank you. Have a great evening. Thank you, Councilman Jai. Councilman uh Kanjan.
Good evening, everyone. Uh I'm excited to share our community garden would officially open this Saturday 10:00 a.m. weather permitting, everyone's favorite word. Uh we invite all residents to join as we begin planting our seedlings. Uh whether you're a gardener, garden
renter, or just want to get involved, we'll love to see you there. We're also in early stages of planning a kids movie event at the Casano Center this June. Stay tuned for more details coming very soon. On topic of tree trimmings, I've received several residents requests. Uh
so I just want to inform you the Department of Public Works has already started working on the southeast side of the town and they'll be trimming street by street unless there is an urgent safety issue uh that requires immediate attention. If you have any questions or
concerns, uh, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email at kpatel rosabark.net. On the last note, I know Mayor Sig would be proud that we're ending by 8:00 p.m. today. So, just want to let you know, but
and we're go. Okay, so we got to close in five minutes. All right, here we go. I won't I won't be long. I won't be long. Good evening, Rosal Park. Good evening, council. Good evening, everyone. residents of Rosal Park. Um, and yes, uh, we shout out to Mayor Joe
and hopefully he's getting some well, uh, needed rest and, uh, he'll be back soon. Uh, before I start my report, I do want to acknowledge my mom is here, my family, my cousin Maria, my cousin Nola. So, I appreciate you being here. Um, I
sit here today uh, oh god, I didn't want to be emotional, but that's just who I am. Um, I am so appreciative and humble and honored. um really of being here and uh serving the community. Um my heart
from day one uh was not about um you know me. It was really about the residents of this community. Growing up here in Rosal Park is really my heart. Um I mentioned my dad who is in heaven. Uh my grandparents
um from Calabria, Italy. Okay, I got to shout you out. But um I say that and I really uh mean that from the bottom of my heart. Without them and their sacrifices, we wouldn't be here in America and I would not be here in this moment. And uh also to my daughter who
is graduating from Jew University this Saturday. Um she is the joy of my life and the mission. Uh she really gave me such um just motivation to and inspiration and she still does and I'm in awe of her. So, I say that to say as
acting mayor this week, um you know, we started out really on Saturday, as uh Councilman Signarella said, with a uh tragic event and um I just want to thank definitely uh the Rosal Park Fire
Department, the police department, um and several people that I just uh wrote down, Sergeant Koka, Rich Blue Show, Chief Fino, uh EMS, all the neighboring towns. really came to our aid and that's huge because as I literally walked there
from my house, it was two blocks away and you see seeing that atmosphere. Um it really soers you up uh how life is so precious number one and how we need each other without people and without the the
help that we have whether it be in the town and from surrounding surrounding towns. Um it was uh a more of a revelation moment of um of just the importance of that and the importance of
unity. Um I also want to thank uh Kathleen Pava if I'm saying her her name correctly. What is it? Kathleen Pava if am I saying that right? I know her. Well Kathleen Pava she came out. She's
bringing she was bringing water and drinks and everything and she actually drove me around to get some food and just like Councilman uh Signarella said from Dunkin Donuts and Sunrise they were more than willing to help and we were able to give some food and drinks to everyone there. Um and especially the
families that were going through things. Obviously they with their home. Um and uh I just you know we uh definitely are there for them. And I also want to thank the community because once the community found out they are and you guys are
really wanting to help. So please look out. I'm going to either be posting it tonight. We are colle collecting gift cards for the families um for clothes and food. And just hold on for that. that I'll be giving that information.
Um, I also want to announce that we will be doing a women's night on May 30th. Please let me know if you're coming because the list is growing and I want to have a seat for you. It's going to be at 700 p.m. at Costas. It is a dinner
and a show. Please, um, you're more than welcome. All are welcome. And if you say to yourself, I am by myself. I don't know anybody. You'll make friends. Um, also the Memorial Day parade is coming at 10:00 a.m. and uh hopefully we will have a beautiful sunshiny day and we
will all uh be out there. Um, I think that might be okay. Uh, let me see. Well, the summer's coming, so we definitely want to see you around and have you come out. Um, so just one final message, I guess,
is just um don't be afraid to begin again. uh if eight years ago someone would have said to me, "This is what you're going to be doing." Um I would have never believed it. And for me, I always take a step forward into things. And I'm adventurous in that way. And I
just say that because I'm truly honored to be here as um acting mayor and uh to really be here for the town. Like I said, it's not about me, but it's really about you all and um informing you and being there for you. And uh I'll say
this, when I said yes to actually run for council, I remember walking through um you know the streets and going up to someone and and a older gentleman said, "Well, if you want to help me, help me with this tree branch." And I did. I was
able to call someone. Councilman Petroski I think was with me. Um and it was the smallest little gesture, but we were able to help him. And um I know it's a tree branch branch to you and saying it's not huge, but to him it was.
And I remember driving past and he was very thankful. And I'm just saying when we could do something for each other, definitely do it. Be kind. Um and that's the end of my report. Thank you so much everyone. And okay, hold on. I got to
finish the meeting. I apologize for not being 100% but uh could I just say you're doing better than Mayor Sig. Thank you Andrew and I thank Andrew. I've got I've got tenure so I can say
whatever I want. He's not watching. Thank you. And I thank you Andrew for coaching me through even a couple days ago I was like all right let me get some uh some coaching for it. But okay. Um, may I have a motion to open the public portion on any subjects? No move.
Second. All in favor? I. If you would like to speak, please come forward to the microphone and state your name and address for the record. Amen. Mom, you want to come up? I had to say that. You want to come up? Get on the microphone. Okay. Um, may I have a
motion to close the milk. You'd like to come up? Yes, please come. 8:00 Milwood Rosel Park. Uh, I have some questions. I'm looking for some clarification in terms of
um the status of the property at the board of ed on uh Chester Street. Uh rumor going around about they're going to sell it. They're not going to not going to sell it. They're not going to move it. What's the status of that right now? Answer. Yes, please. So, right now
from the burrow's perspective, it's drawing a redevelopment plan for that property. It's been designated an area in need of redevelopment. what the board of education chooses to do with that property is their prerogative. Uh there's been a discussion about a sale or a land swap. Ultimately, that would have to be authorized by the board of
education. What the burrow is doing is looking at that property from the perspective of what use would be most valuable there. Um and currently we're drafting a plan and I don't even candidly I don't even have a draft of the plan that I could tell you what's in
it. Well, it makes would would seem like something that should be considered. It be keeping that property there and also putting additional classrooms there to meet our problems that we have with uh
having children in the in the schools. classroom might be an ideal spot there because one of the stories going around is that they're gonna they would move them over to the property on Colony Road and maybe be even put the board of ed
there and also put in the preschool there. But that to me seems like an awful silly idea because number one the parking there is terrible and number two there's no playground there
for a preschool to be on that property on C road. So that would seem like that and where there then where are we going to move the uh board of ed to and I uh we missed the uh feedback on the uh the sewish uh situation that's
going to go on the uh going to be on the referendum. You have an answer? Yes. So the the process for that would be at the uh at the last meeting the governing body authorized putting it out to bid basically to sell the system to authorize getting bids for a purchaser.
Um once we receive bids if the governing body is inclined to award a bid um they would do so by ordinance and that ordinance if it gets adopted has is there's an estoppel period subject to ratification by the voters at a referendum. So if if we are able to line
up the timing, it would be on the November ballot. If not, it would be next year in 2026. Well, what are the advantage of selling it? I I don't get that. Oh, so there's a couple I I don't want to take up your time, but you have another question. Uh I can answer that,
but I don't want to take your time. Okay, then. No, I give up. You want me to answer? I give you your We We can answer. I I'll answer. I just don't want to take up your time if you have other questions. No, no. I Okay, I have a few more, but that one is much
more important. The other ones. So, um there there are a couple of benefits to selling the system, right? And there there's pros and cons as with everything in life, right? The pros would be twofold. Uh one, you know, we are operating at some points in the system 120 years old, 125 years old. Um, some
of them are are original uh infrastructure that is well beyond its useful life and at a critical point where I'm not saying it's going to fail tomorrow or that we even think it's going to fail tomorrow, but it could. And those failures cost anywhere from
$50,000 to six well into the six figures, right? So, if you have a a a quasi private entity running it, they have capital that they can spread out among Sorry, your time's going to run out and it's going to blare. uh they have capital uh that they can
invest far beyond the reaches of the burrow, right? We when when a catastrophic incident happens in our system, we can only spread it out amongst the rate payers of Rosel Park. Whereas when you have a private a quasi private entity like New Jersey American Water, like Suez or United Water or
whatever they're called now, right? You have these private entities that do this as a matter of business. they can spread out those burdens amongst their entire territory. We get money from the state though and we get $3 million to help go towards So, so there's a two, like I said, there's there's two main benefits
to selling the system. The one is capital investment in the system that the burrow wouldn't otherwise be able to afford. The second and maybe the thing that would be on everybody's mind is what are you buying it for? What what are you going to get in the initial acquisition price, right? Is it a
million? Is it 5 million? Is it 50 million? you know, we have a semblance of an idea with some of our professionals to what our system is worth. Um, what uh and and it, you know, it depends on the terms of the deal. If you limit the amount that that uh
investor or that buyer would be able to raise in rates, you're probably going to get a lower acquisition price. But let's say it's $5 million, right? Let's just right for for argument sake. If we have a bidder that comes in at $5 million, it gets awarded by the governing body and the voters say, "Absolutely, we're gonna
we're going to sell it." We close on the deal, we get $5 million. Statute provides that that money has to pay off the debt that is on the utility that you're conveying. Currently, we have very minimal debt on our utility, right? Secondary to the utility would be the debt service of the
municipality as a whole. So we would take that money and we would have to manage it in a way where that those funds would go toward the payment of debt service of the municipality which is millions of dollars a year. And again
we've had this conversation and conceptualize you probably wouldn't want to spend let's call it $5 million. You wouldn't want to spend you wouldn't want to spend necessarily $5 million over the course of two years. You would want to man you would want to manage it so that you can hedge the es and flows of your
debt service over time and that's an analysis we would have to do but you need to know how what money you're working with first. cash flow analysis seems to suggest that the state say our town right now has a a healthy budget surplus and also I believe did we get $3
million from the state to go towards the sage problem. So I can answer that. I will say you're out of time but I I'll answer your question um going backwards. So, the $3 million we did receive, um, we used that
as part of this year's budgeting process to restabilize the utility, lower the rates that we charge out to the rate payers, and bring us back into historical norms of billing. Um, so that
$3 million has been completely utilized already to restabilize the sewer compared to what we had to deal with last year with the was a $600,000 surplus in the storage account. I I actually don't know what you're
referencing, but I'm sorry. Was in the bud in the town budget for the year year end. I Anyway, hell, thank you for your information. Thank you so much. Is there anyone
else? I see no one. Okay. Uh may I have a motion to close the public portion of on any subject? Second. All in favor? There are no matters for close session this evening.
May I have a motion to adjurnn? Second. All in favor? Thank you all. Nice job.