that turn. All right, we're on. I forget. Probably have to spend money on something now. Uh, okay. This meeting meeting is being held in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Annual notice of this meeting was published in the Union County local source and the new
star ledger said notice was posted in the municipal building and a copy is on file with the office of the burough clerk. Fires are located in the directions I'm indicating. If you are alert for fire, please move in a calm orderly manner to the nearest smokefree exit. Proper notice have been given. The burough clerk is direct to include the statement in the minutes of the meeting.
Please call the role. Councilman Petroski here. Councilman Johnson here. Councilman Signarella here. Councilman Robbina present. Counciloman Lions here. Councilman Patel here. Mayor Sigarella here. All present mayor, please lead us in the opening prayer of 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. 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. Uh, okay. There are no communications for review this evening. We do have two proclamations though. Uh, are we doing both at once, Shay? Or how does how's it work out? Okay, cool. Um, let's go up.
Hey guys, come on up. Come up here. Come on stage. Um, so, uh, I I'll let Jay talk mostly about this, but I Jay, it's your your show. Go for it, man. All right. Well, about four or five years ago, uh, we
started a an online advocacy group on social media on Facebook, uh, Rails to Trails Union County. Um, I joined council. At that time, Union County Connects really picked up the baton and, uh, went far with it. they uh continued advocacy efforts not only here in Roso
Park um and not only countywide but statewide and uh I'm proud to recognize them tonight. Uh it being bike month uh we just had celebrate trails day last Saturday along the Rawway Valley Railroad. Um it was a great event and I'd like to thank them for their efforts
not only for the cleanup but for their advocacy efforts on bicycle and pedestrian safety, micromobility and active transportation. So, without further ado, unless there's something you'd like to No, just keep up the good work, guys. We couldn't do without you. So, hopefully you get some uh Rails to
Trail soon. Yeah. For your support. We love seeing you at the event. That was awesome. Yeah, you got you're doing it right. And just to give a little context on that, u the Rowway Valley Railroad running through the fifth ward goes uh starts at Route 28 Westfield Avenue goes
all the way to Summit 7.3 miles beginning uh at its terminus here in Rose Park. Uh half mile section runs through Fifth Ward through Valley Road and Beachwood. Significant amount of that has been cleaned up by DOT public works um and uh through the efforts of
our volunteers. So, we're looking forward to seeing progress there. Uh, we've gotten support from state officials, county officials, and as of two years ago, we received a $1.5 million grant uh for the conversion for design, planning, and construction for
the rails to trails uh project. So right now we're hoping for uh Roosevelt Park in Kennorth to have a connection there that leads you into Galloping Hill Golf Course and to an existing trail uh through Blackburg Park in Kennorth that actually goes all the way up to Watch
Reservation. But there's potential. New Jersey in the last couple years has really ticked up when it comes to uh pedestrian fatalities. um got to make our road safer and the way that we're going to do that is by advocating for traffic calming measures such as speed
humps like we just had in the in the walnut. Uh something that we also advocated for a couple years ago and got done uh in the fifth ward on Valley Beachwood Jerome and West Webster. But we all have a hand in this and uh once again thank you so much Union County
connects. I'm going to I' like to present these certificates of recognition. Uh we're going to start off with Al Waloff. Uh this recognition is presented to Mr. Alan Waloff for his advocacy efforts related to bike and pedestrian safety. Mr. Waloff is commended for his commitment to promoting active transportation and the
creation of trails and greenways both in Rosal Park and throughout Union County. So Al, thank you so much. Next one, same verbiage, same wording goes to Ellen. Thank you. Thank you. She's
really picking up uh you know. Yes, she is. Yes, she is. And Steve, a lot of this has moved forward and propelled forward because of you, the Viking fireman. Follow him on Instagram, online. He's gone to the state house. He's he
bikes from Cranford here. And when's the last time he drove a car? To work. To work. It's been almost 2,000 days. Five years. Five years. Wow, that's awesome. His heart is in the right places. I appreciate it. Steve, this is for you. Thank you very much. I
appreciate it. Thank you. Yeah, please. I was going to say, what does anybody you guys want to Please go talk about it. Does everybody know? [Music]
So, so uh just they don't know. Yeah. So for everyone watching at home and everyone here uh the public private partnership has been really great here. Jay came to us with an idea for the mural on uh Sunrise documents building and we were able to work together to find funding for that through Union County Hearts grant through private
grant funding and Jay worked with the the building owner to make it happen and make sure we met all the requirements in the town. And uh we're hoping to finish that this year. We have all the funding for the second half of the wall and we're just working on nailing down a date hopefully for uh late August, early September. Is that what we're thinking
now? Yeah. And the store is a worldrenowned artist and this is really um it's great art that was brought here to Ozo Park to bring awareness to the rail trail, the history of the whole area, plus uh where it's going in the future. So, we're literally going from
rail to trail and art on that wall. So, thank you Jay and Rosa Park and everyone for making it happen. That's awesome. This is funny across from Wawa or across from Sant and uh just to wrap this up uh we just in honor of having you guys first off
also the the mural is really nice. Um everybody gives me credit for it and I was like no no no I don't do anything and then at some point I'm like you know what I get blame for everything I'm just going to take credit for it too and I'm like you know what yeah it was a great idea. You're welcome. So, so, um, uh, we just want to honor you, uh, give you
this you guys for, uh, bike month. Uh, 40% of all traveling tip trips in the United States were less than two miles, and 30% are a mile or shorter, making bicycling a feasible and fun way. Nice job, Andrew. Uh, to get from place to place. In recent years, there have been increased interest in healthy, sustainable, and economic transportation
options, particularly given the economic development and population growth in Union County, all over New Northern New Jersey. Uh, most recent data shows that over 700,000 Americans bike to work. That's a lot. National Bike Month includes an everexpanding diversity of events that promote cycling and alternative means of mobility. And
whereas in 2025, bike to work week will be May 12th to the 18th with bike to work week day observed May 16th. Uh I'm proclaiming it a bike month. So So you get a bike to work? No, I I I
uh the financial district in Manhattan is a tough I take public transportation. Oh, here I walk. Call Whitew Walk. It's a square mile town. Yeah. So, um, anything else? Anything else you guys want to plug? Can we take a picture? Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Of course. Yeah.
Um, take a picture. Oh, Greg. All right. Cool. Multiacet. I'm always hiding behind guys. Thanks for coming. Thanks so much. Hey, how about you? Like an old loopy. Everything breaks
down. Take care, Mr. Pleasure. It's a bridge. The bridge. It's good. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He's a fourth horn councilman. Chase him. I know. I just said I I'm so happy to see you.
Good stuff. See you later, Ellen. Take care. Thank you. All right. Uh, thanks everybody. May I have a motion that bills and payrolls be not read and pass for payment? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. Uh.
Oh, I passed the meeting minutes. Whoops. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve meeting minutes? Any corrections? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. Uh, okay. You want to do the public hearing on the budget thing, right? That's next. Yeah. Okay. Okay, mayor. This is the time now fixed
for the public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget. The budget was approved by the governing body on April 3rd, 2025, was advertised as required by law on April 17th, 2025, together with a notice of public hearing for this time and place. Printed copies have been made available to the public during the past
week and longer and are available uh at the PO at this public hearing near the entrance of council chambers. Anyone who has not secured a copy of the budget may do so now. Each person desiring to be heard shall rise, seat themselves at the public desk, and give their name and address before speaking. All questions
are to be addressed to the chair um where necessary. They will be referred to individual members of the governing body or municipal officials. Questions and commentary must be confined solely to the 2025 municipal budget. School or county matter matters are not proper subjects of this hearing and cannot be discussed or answered during this
hearing. May I have a motion to open the public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget? So moved. Second. Uh all in favor? I. The public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget is now open. Anybody wishing to come speak on the municipal budget may do so now.
3 2 1 no one. May I have a motion to close the public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. Public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget is now closed. Final adoption of the 2025 municipal budget will be considered during the portion of the agenda when resolutions are
regularly considered. Uh may I have a motion to open the public portion on agenda items? So moved. Second. All in favor? I you'd like to come speak, please come forward to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. This is on agenda items.
321. I'm seeing no one. May I have a motion to close the public portion on agenda items only? So move second. All in favor? Uh okay. Just going straight down the list here. Andrew, do you have anything to report? Yes, mayor. Just a couple things. Uh, the burrow's seen a lot of activity the last couple of
weeks, uh, since the last council meeting. There's been quite a bit of work going on. The Boy Scout Park project is ongoing and in its final phases. Um, uh, routine tree work is ongoing, uh, working its way right now from the east side of town. Um, we may
hop around a little bit, but right now they've been concentrating on the east side. Um there have been improvements to a variety of roadways that were recently disturbed uh or not so recently disturbed by the utility companies. Most recently uh Walnut, East Lincoln,
Sumner, Hamilton, KFax uh I think it was Kfax or Roselle to name a few. Um we also had New Jersey American Water in town uh in a variety of different ways. Um, one of them is repairing some uh water mane break uh
patches that have been done. Um, they're not quite finished with those, but they're making them a little more palatable between now and when they can do the final restoration of those areas. Um, and the other is the lead line replacements um that have been ongoing. So, what you see a lot uh through their
contractor Montana Construction, uh you will see them near your curb line doing test pits and typically they will speak to you prior just to give you a little bit of notice. And all they're looking for is uh the construction or the material used uh for your water line.
They are obligated to replace all lead or galvanized steel service lines by 2031. So, they're trying to expedite their way through Rosal Park. Um, kind of get th this out of the way and make it a little bit more um just get it out of the way. So, so
we're not dealing with this until 2031. Um, the other thing they're doing that I just want to highlight um uh the burrow has asked them to expedite some of this work both to get it out of the way but also to get it out of the way before and advance of some paving uh that we have
planned. So in places like Avon Street, Berwin Street, they're imminently going to be paved. Maple, Rindell, Roa, Henry, Persing, Warren, Laurel, those areas in particular are probably seen an uptick in this activity. And the reason for that is we want to get them in and out
and not delay the project when that project's ready to actually take place. So in case those areas see a flurry of activity, it's not because there's more lead. There actually may be no lead uh in your service lines or galvanized steel. It's just to verify that and and move out of the area prior to the
commencement of the burrows project. So that among other things is my report. I'm happy to answer any questions. Okay, Rich. Good evening everyone. Good evening. I know you're waiting for baited brass to hear my report. So,
okay. Construction code report for April. Um, we had 92 permits in April. In total, total revenue through the end of April is $177,13. Sore connection fees year to date, $82,20. COA fees year to date
$2,743. That will be going up because uh if everybody remembers 10 Westfield Avenue, 10 Westfield Avenue, the Meridia project, they'll be paying in installments for that till the end of the year. So, I should have a bit more in there next month. Uh, total uniform
construction code violations I'm very happy with. We only had six in April. Property maintenance is another story. We had 19 court dispositions, fines year to date, $4,838. We did have 27 violations issued for the month of April. So, typical for
the spring. We're, you know, very being very proactive. And seven court summones. So, as everyone sees, and I reported this last month, 10 West Westfield Avenue, a temporary certificate of occupancy has been issued for building B and the parking
garage. Um, the last that what the last time I spoke to Dennis Leoya from Meridia, he said they should be starting the courtyard within the next month. So, I've been pushing them on that because I number one, I don't like the way it
looks and number two, it's in the redevelopment agreement. So, they need to get moving on that. Uh, a TCO, like I said, was issued for the parking structure as well. Uh, the Hunter projects moving along. Uh, they actually came in with permit updates for the
proposed food market, uh, deli convenience store. That's going to be on the lower level. Currently they have an underground permit and we're going to be finishing up their permit for their vanilla box. 404 Westfield Fernmore Homes.
That's moving along quite nicely. Uh Tony Tony is doing a very good job on that. All rough framing is complete. Pretty much all the rough inspections are complete. They are now proceeding to interior finishes. The exterior is about
75% complete. They're looking at TCO possibly August or September at this point on their uh critical path. Uh and uh very happy to announce a TCO was issued for Lace Up Fitness JL
Athletics at 121 Chestnut Street. um the coffee shop next door. He is slowed down a little bit, but he is going to be proceeding with his final inspections. Uh for electric and building and plumbing, uh fire he
already passed. So, uh things are moving along quite nicely there. So, if anybody has any questions. Yeah, Rich, I do. Um just to to clarify, you said deli or convenience store for Hunter. Yeah, that's uh it's going to be it's actually a market. It's actually a market, but
they're going to have a deli as part of the market and then coffee also as part of the market. It's a good size space. Okay. Going to be It's quite nice the layout. Nice. And uh remind me for uh Meridia, the courtyard, what focal feature are we having there? Uh if I
remember correctly, because I remember they wanted to change it. Yes. and they were having an issue trying to obtain or get have manufactured a certain type of fountain that actually met with the redevelopment agreement and the plan because originally they came in
with this monstrosity which I know wasn't going to fly. So I had them go back to the drawing board. Um they did reconfigure the courtyard based upon it's actually based upon uniform construction code criteria because the courtyard's
actually designed on each side for a fire lane and for fire department apparatus to access both buildings. Um which would be the B side and I guess the D side of uh both
buildings. So they had to reconfigure that and uh I did um review that and approved it making sure that it w did meet the criteria of the redevelopment plan and the planning board approved. So it is very nice. It's going to be very nice. But what kind of features will be
in it? Is it going to be a little uh like an amphitheater space that something like uh like what Cranford has in their downtown? Similar. Yes. Yes. And pavers and um they're going to have a focal point with the fountain. Uh, George is going back and
forth with the tree and I think mayor, you might have spoken to him on the tree. He's I haven't actually. Yeah, he seems real big on this tree for some reason. I I'm good with it. Can you just send us send me the latest and greatest? I'll distribute it to council of what whatever the concept is. I'd be curious to see what it looks like at the moment. I think I did send you the last version.
If you don't mind, just put it fresh in my inbox. Yeah, I'll put it fresh. Yeah, no problem. That's it. Appreciate it. Um, Rich, um, this is one of my little pet peeves on people cutting their grass. I know you guys do a thorough job
getting on them and the warnings warnings, the fines. Is there anything? We'll talk about third, fourth year offenders, same people every year. I mean, something we should look at. You just three to five
years, you know, the same people are doing it. Maybe we got to double their fine or or whatever. If they're in the fifth year, they're same habitual, they don't cut their grass. So, so I'm just I was going to say in my report people, you got to cut your grass. You got you got to be responsible for your property.
We we're going to have to look at um escalating fines. You know, that that's the only way to try to nip this in the bud. So, the first, you know, the judge is kind of handcuffed with the way the ordinance is written as maximum fines. We can do
progressive fines, amend the ordinance and implement progressive fines up to an amount that actually will make a difference. That is that is something we can look at because there's another section of the ordinance I have to address too. We could talk next week.
Thank you. All right. Thank you. Thanks, Rich. Uh okay. Uh Ruben Thank you, mayor. Good evening, everybody. Good evening. Uh just couple of uh reminders on the upcoming events. Uh
this Saturday we are having the annual bike clinic and the tour the Roso Park at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Councilman, you're going to talk more about it. So detailed. Uh we have also received free concert tickets for our seniors uh to the PNC arts center for May 18, 14th and
28. Seats are limited and we will provide the transportation to the Rosalop Park seniors. Uh thanks to Garden State Arts Foundations for providing 15 free tickets to each concert. Our first multicultural and heritage festival is on Saturday May 17 at Michael Murray Park. The event is
from 12 pm to 5:00 pm. Again, the Councilman Chancellor will uh give you more detail on that as well. Uh on Monday, May 26 is our annual Memorial Day parade and service. Right now, we have about 22 groups uh signed up for the uh to uh to participate in the
parade. Assembly begins at 9:00 a.m. The parade will begin uh at 10:00 a.m. and uh it will end at the library for the service. Uh on May 28th, Robert Gordon is inviting seniors for a breakfast at the school at 10:00 a.m. There will be
games, breakfast, and entertainment. Um and in the sad uh side of the news, uh this past weekend, uh we lost uh Chris Terry um was not only a good employee, um good human being and uh loyal friend
that we missed um at the Casano Center. Um my prayers and thoughts goes out to uh her family um during this difficult time. Om Shanti. That's all. Thank you. Any questions for Ruben? Thank you. Thank you, Ruben. Thanks,
Rub. Uh Ken, thank you, Mayor. Uh just a friendly reminder, uh taxes are due today. You have until Monday, May 12th to pay since the 10th is on a Saturday. And uh we have the uh budget for adoption tonight.
Just a reminder for the average house is assessed at 253,000. The average tax increase uh municipal increase is $50.60. That's all I have. Mayor. Cool. Any questions for Ken? Okay. Chief, come up.
Evening mayor council. Good evening. Good evening. I previously submitted my report for uh April 2025. Couple highlights uh from my report. Uh with April being sexual assault awareness month on April 9th, police chair Councilman at large Joseph
Signarella Jr. officers of the Rosal Park Police Department and I met with members of the Union County RIP Rape Crisis Center in an effort to build a stronger connection between law enforcement and county services. Bless you. This initiative is to spread awareness
and resources to victims of sexual assault and police departments throughout Union County who may need or offer assistance. At this event, the members of the Union County Rape Crisis Center decorated one of our police cruisers and handed out literature in front of Burough Hall. If you are a
victim of sexual assault or are looking for more information on the Union County Rape Crisis Center, you can contact the 24-hour hotline at 9082337273. On April 13th, it was National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. The Rosal Park Police Department
sent out a special thank you on our Facebook page to all Union County dispatchers that are behind the scenes and serve in the critical role in the daily operations of the police department. I want to thank you uh for keeping our community and officers safe every day. I'm happy to announce that April
30th we closed out our grant for the statewide distracted driving campaign which resulted in approximately 214 traffic stops, 118 summones, and three arrests. Uh we we did apply for the uh grant for this month for the click or
ticket. Uh we still have not gotten word for that yet. We should hear something uh later in the week. Um, I have uh the radar trailers are all serviced and ready to go out. Uh, if there's any special requests from any of the council, any spots that you want to
um us to focus on our efforts uh right off the hop, uh, just hit me up on an email and, uh, we'll get it out there. Uh, that's all I have for my report, sir. Cool. Any questions for the chief? Yeah. No, I just wanted to make a statement. Uh chief, thank you for attending the public safety committee
meeting. And the reason why I wanted to mention it here because I won't be able to have a report. Uh we did go over a lot of uh vital things and uh I would like Gallop and Hill to be I'll reach out to you. I know we discussed that uh Joe P and uh Junior uh with uh trying to see what we could do to mitigate uh
Gallop and Hill's concerns. So I feel I feel William Crosset staring at my neck right now. Oh, I got I guess but no, we're we're definitely taking that. Thank you, Chief. Appreciate Absolutely. And chief, I wanted to thank you for your feedback and support of resolution 137. Yes.
Thank you for your support as well. And I thought that was a great resolution. It was well put together and uh anything we could do to make things work here, uh you know, I'm all I'm all for it. Thank you. Thank you. Cool. Thanks, Chief. Thank you, John.
Good evening everyone. Good evening. Good evening. I'd like to thank Mayor Signarello and Town Council for giving me the opportunity to provide a brief update. The goal of the Roosevelt Park Recreation Department is to meet the recreational needs of our community. As a as part of our department's effort to meet these needs and expand community
services, our department provides a wide range of programs. Membership and recreation. We currently have over 487 recreational members. Homework and afterare, we currently have over 121 members. We are transporting and chaperoning over 98 students daily.
Spring sports and activity programming has begun. Offseason volleyball is on Wednesday nights at the ASYC. We currently have 74 participants. Offseason K through five cheerleading is on Monday nights at the ASYC and we
currently have over 47 participants and 11 on a waiting list. Offseason boys and girls wrestling is on Mondays and Wednesday nights at the high school. We currently have 18 participants. We are pleased to report our department has made the following change to recreational programming and procedures.
All recreational employees and volunteers have a criminal history screening and are certified in CPR and AED. We remain committed to providing the best possible care and programming. In addition, we believe these changes has afforded our community members the
requested ASYC programming. The ASYC has recently hosted the following: scout meetings, recreation committee meetings, public affairs, community event meetings, CPEG meetings, PTA meetings, fifth grade parent meetings, recreational sports parties to name a
few. I'd be remiss to not congratulate the recreation committee for hosting an amazing Easter event. As always, you can contact the recreation department at recreation roselpark.net with any questions or concerns. That completes our May recreational department update.
I'd be happy to answer any questions. Any questions? Yeah. I just want to thank you for a great job with the Easter egg hunt. You were a big help and your your workers did help big time, you know. So, everything went well and it seemed like the kids were uh very happy.
Absolutely. You're welcome. Our pleasure. Cool. Thanks, coach. Thank you. Thank you. Good night. Uh okay. Uh, except looks like Kevin's not here. Yeah. May I have a motion to accept the
reports of department as submitted? So move. Second. All in favor? I I uh please read ordinance number 2816 by title. Yes, mayor. Ordinance 2816 is an ordinance for second reading in public hearing. An ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank for calendar
year 2025 pursuant to NJSA4A 4-4514. Um, may I have a motion to open the public hearing on orders number 2816? So moved. Second. All in favor? I I want to come up and speak on this ordinance. May I have a motion to close
the public hearing on ordinance number 2816? So moved. Second. All in favor? I. We have a motion to adopt ordinance number 2816. So moved. Second. Uh please call the roll. Councilman Petroski? Yes. Councilman Johnson? Yes. Councilman Signarella?
Yes. Councilman Robbina? Yes. Councilwoman Lions? Yes. Councilman Patel? Yes. Six was the affirmative. Mayor, the ordinance is adopted. Please read ordinance number 2819 by title. Yes, mayor. Ordinance 28/19 is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing. a bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public
improvements and the acquisition of new additional or replacement equipment and machinery, new information technology equipment, new communication and signal systems equipment and new autom automotive vehicles, including original apparatus and
equipment in by and for the bur of Rosel Park in the county of Union state of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of $3,12,000 to pay the cost thereof to appropriate various grants to make a down payment to authorize authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the
issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. Uh may I have a motion to open the the public hearing on ordinance number 2819? So moved. Second. All in favor? I want to come up and speak on this ordinance. Seeing no one. May I have a
motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2819? So moved. Second. Uh all in favor? I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 2819. So moved. Second. Is there any discussion? Please call the role. Councilman Petroski? Yes. Councilman
Johnson? Yes. Councilman Signarella? Yes. Councilman Robina? Yes. Councilwoman Lions? Yes. Councilman Patel? Yes. I got everybody right. Feel like I missed somebody. I didn't. Six in the affirmative. The ordinance is adopted. Mayor, please read ordinance number 2820 by title.
Yes, mayor. Ordinance 2820 is an ordinance for introduction. An ordinance amending chapter 7 section 39 subsection 2 of the code of the bur of Rosal Park entitled handicap parking on streets for private residences. Uh may I have a motion to approve
ordinance number 20820 for introduction and fix a date uh for second reading public hearings May 15, 2025. So moved. Second. Is there any discussion? Mayor, could I just uh make a quick note on this? I know um Chief Reno isn't here at the moment. Um however this is kind of a collaborative effort and a little bit of
problem solving. Uh one of the things um the first thing to note is this won't impact any handicap spots that are currently in the ordinance. The second thing to just note and the real reason for this is um what we've realized um going through this process now for a few
years is that when uh those with handicap placards uh renew with division of motor vehicles um they get new numbers uh which means the signs are wrong which means the ordinance is wrong. So, um what uh the police
department will end up doing for the individuals who um qualify for these spaces and continue to re-qualify for the spaces is issue a unique Rosal Park number. So, it' be, you know, RP1, RP2, RP3, and that's what'll indicate on the
sign. Um and those numbers will never change. Um and they will in the recordeping that we have go back tie back to the placard um that gets issued to that resident at that address. So, um it just makes sure that there's no inconsistencies across all of the
different levels of enforcement and out in the field um when these renewals happen. Makes sense. Cool. Uh any further discussion? Please call the RO. Councilman Petroski? Yes. Councilman Johnson? Yes. Councilman Sigurell? Yes. Councilman Reina? Yes. Councilwoman
Lions? Yes. Councilman Patel. Six votes. Affirmative. Mayor, the ordinance is introduced. All matters listed with an asterisk 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 so requests in which case the item will be removed from the consent agenda
and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda as part of the general orders. Please read all resolutions by title. Yes, mayor. Resolution 12525 is authorizing the 2025 municipal budget to be read by title only. Resolution 12625 is adopting the 2025 municipal budget.
Resolution 12725 is authorizing the donation of five unclaimed bicycles that failed to sell at auction to Bob's Bicycle Service. Resolution 12825 is authorizing the burough clerk to auction unclaimed vehicles. Resolution 12925 is accepting the donation of recovered
parts of a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee from State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. Resolution 1325 is awarding a professional services contract McManam Scotland and Bowman LLC for redevelopment council services associated with a designated redevelopment and rehabilitation area
including block 504 lot 6 of municipal tax map commonly known as 510 Chestnut Street along with all streets and rights of way permanent there too in an amount not to exceed $5,000. Resolution 13125 is awarding a professional services contract to the Neglier Group for professional planning services associated with the preparation of a
redevelopment plan for block 504 lot 6 of the municipal tax map commonly known as 510 Chestnut Street along with all streets and rights of way pertinent there too and an amount not to exceed $13,410. Resolution 13225 is appointing Brianna Blanco to the position of
community center clerk and member of community center events and activity staff. Resolution 13325 is a warning of professional services contract to the Neglia group for professional planning services including surveying deni uh design and construction management for the project 2025 capital road program in
an amount not to exceed 52,685. Resolution 13425 is authorizing the burough clerk to auction vehicles no longer needed for public use. Resolution 13525 is authorizing the burough clerk to auction a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Resolution 13625 is amending
the vehicle policy of the Bur Rosal Park. Resolution 13725 is urging state policymakers to review vehicular pursuit guidelines to address organized property crimes, including catalytic converter theft and to support investments to combat vehicle and home burglaries.
Resolution 13825 is reauthorizing the solicitation of bids for the sale of the Bur Rosa Park sanitary sewer system pursuant to NJSA462-3 at SEC. Resolution 13925 is accepting the resignation, I'm sorry, accepting the retirement of David Pittz
from the position of police lieutenant. Resolution 14025 is authorizing the hanging of a two-sided banner in Michael J. Mory Park advertising the 2025 feast of St. Anthony. Resolution 14125 is authorizing the treasur to issue one check totaling
$6,258.94 payable to one lean holder on one property and one check totaling $8,100 from the tax collector's premium account. And resolution 14225 is authorizing submission of an application for the 2025 Union County Capital Project Grant. Uh, do any members wish to have any
items removed from the consent agenda? I'm going to pull 138. Um, anybody else? 139. Mayor 137. Is there uh, okay? May I have a motion to Oh, sorry. Yeah, go ahead.
130. No, I'm sorry. 130 and 131. 130 and 131. Yep. Uh okay. Uh may I have a motion to approve the resolutions remaining on the consent agenda? It's so moved. Second. All in favor? I. Uh okay.
May I have a motion to adopt resolution 130-25? So moved. Second. Is there any discussion? Yes. I just um can you just go over what exactly that's that's happening with with 510 chestnut? Oh yeah. So this
is uh this is the board of ed building. Yes. Yes. Yeah. So um overarching what I know about where the whole thing or is there specifically what this reszo is doing? What's it doing? Okay. Yeah. So this basically um we have a redevelopment attorney, right? So they
go about uh working with the planners which is Neglia to develop a redevelopment plan right which is like we've been talking we have a developer in our midst right now it's like really broad parameters of what could potentially go there right you know is it going to be a steakhouse is it going
to be uh you know senior housing whatever right like what it's going to be zoned for essentially um so this essentially awards the contract to or the those work services to do that uh the one thing to note with both of these um should we actually go down a path
where there is a developer this goes into this goes into an escaro correct so the the wouldbe developer ends up paying for these costs okay um any further discussion go um have we heard from BOE have they
made any decisions with that do you know uh no but once again I mean I'll I'll continue to say this Kanjan I don't think they can adequately Again, I don't want to speak for the board of ed. I was at their board of ed meeting last week. I don't think that they can adequately discuss any potential deal unless they
know what could be built there. So, this would enable the bureau to decide what could be potentially built there. So, Councilman Johnson, what's what's this like? You trying to a study or something? Um, yeah, it's a redevelopment plan. Um, so it's um it would be like, you know, Mike's here,
right? So the rhyme project, the first stage of that is the plan and then you do the agreement. So this would be going out to make the plan. Okay. This going to make the plan, but we're not actually voting on the plan. No, no, we're not making We're not We're not voting on the plan. This is just establishing the contract to make it. Yep. Hiring the professionals, right? Hiring the
professionals to make it. Okay. Uh thank you. Yeah. Anybody else? Cool. Uh please call the role. This is on resolution. 130-125. Yeah. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, uh, yes. Councilman
Sigurella, yes. Councilman Robbina, yes. Councilwoman Lions, yes. Councilman Patel, no. Five in the affirmative, one vote in the negative. The resolution is adopted. May I have a motion to adopt resolution 131-25? So moved. Second. Is there any
discussion? This is the same story. So, one's for the lawyers, one's for the engineers. Planner. Uh, planner. Sorry. Yeah, they're both Yeah. Uh, please call the role. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, yes. Councilman Signarelloo, yes. Councilman Robbina, yes. Councilwoman Lions, yes. Councilman
Patel, no. Five votes in the affirmative, one in the negative. The resolution is adopted. Koki, may I have a motion to um adopt resolution 137-25? So moved. Second. Any discussion? Uh yes, mayor, if I may. Um I just want to
I wish the chief was here, too. Uh, I I think this is a well-written um uh reszo and I'm I'm actually for it with the exception of this line and I just want to make sure that this and maybe Andrew could help me with this. Um, I just want to make sure that this reszo isn't
superseding NJ uh uh attorney general guidelines because they do need to look into revising the attorney general guidelines and tweak it a bit. uh being a law enforce ex law enforcement official, I actually sat as a tour commander for 10
years and I broke off chases and I allowed chases to go and continue. And when you're dealing with uh um chasing criminals, you have to take in consideration the weather. You have to take in consideration the time of day. You have to take in consideration uh how
many people are on the road. Because the reason why the attorney general put these things in place is because there were actually kids that died for petty drug, petty uh uh uh crime. And of course, no one likes to be a victim and
no one wants to be robbed. And we and we got to constantly as a society continue to tweak that. So my only concern is this line where it says whereas the burrow of Rosel Park supports its police department and desires that it offers it that it officers be granted appropriate
discretion. Uh I think the AG guidelines and the field supervisor already knows what those discretions are. I don't want it to look like the governing body is saying for the field supervisor or the chief we're superseding that. So this just just that's what my concern is.
Then if we could remove that or well just so I I will want to remove it then I I will I will freely if mayor if I could I I not to throw council under the bus. I didn't write this but um but but what this resolution does is is urge uh
state review of the current guidelines. Not saying that we would follow anything but the guidelines. But this sentence almost makes it seem like we we're superseding ahead of time without all those variables in play in real time. uh field boss. Like if I was a if I was
a law enforcement officer, I would be like, "Oh, I could just go for the chase because council already did it." And then we we kill somebody, it's on council. Yeah. Like I'm just saying like I that sentence that line has to come out for me to vote yes. Councilman, you want to make a move to strike it? Yes. I would like to make a move uh to strike
that uh whereas sentence and then I'm all for it. I'm I'm Yes. Support. They should revise it. I'm 100% for this ordinance. I just that line is a little hairy here. Okay, cool. Is there a second? So the motion's to remove the last whereas No, it's the whereas the burrow of Rosel Park. It's the second to
last. Second to last. Second to last. I'll I'll second it forever. Okay. Thank you. Other than that is great. Okay. It's fine. Uh you ready, Andrew? Yeah. Please call the RO. So sorry.
Jump the gun. Council Petroski, you're voting on the amendment. Council Petroski to to strike it. Yeah. Just get rid of that one line. Yes. Councilman Johnson. Yes. Councilman Sigurella. Yes. Councilman Robbina. Yes. Counciloman Lions. Yes. Councilman Patel. Yes. Six votes to confirm. Mayor, the amendment
is agreed to. We need a motion to adopt as amended. Do I have Do I have a motion to adopt as amended? So move. You pick who you want to on that one. Andrew. Second. There we go. Please call the RO.
Just give me one second. Councilman Petroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, yes. Councilman Signarella, yes. Councilman Robin, yes. Counciloman Lions, yes. Councilman Patel, yes. The affirmative mayor, the resolution is adopted. Cool. Uh, may I have a motion
to adopt resolution 138-25? So moved. Second. Is there any discussion? So, I kind of want to talk about this. Um, it's really funny cuz like there's some things where I just like I I am passionate about uh passing something. This one is like not something I anticipated any kind of push back on
because ultimately what happens I'll let me take a step back and explain potentially what could happen here. And and Joe, you're the lawyer. Please keep me honest if I mess anything up. So, uh, when I first became mayor, uh, and I think even this pre Joe P this predates me, right? This is on they've been
they've been asking for a while. Yeah. So, we we own our own sewer system, which can be a rarity in the state of New Jersey. Um, and there are prospective parties that would like to purchase it, right? And you know, in their mind, right, like let's just talk
about the hard economics of it. They pay for a sewer system, you know, upfront, whatever that cost is. And if they own it for a hundred years until, you know, the United States of America or the world ceases to exist, however long it is, you know, they will have that
income, right? Um the pluses of it, uh for the burrow, and I'll get to the logistics of it in a second, is you know, we're a square mile town. We get sewer issues all the time. We're we even in the best of times, we don't have a huge department of public works to like
go out and fix these things. And candidly, when a lot of the big stuff comes in, keep me honest here, Andrew, like we have to call in professionals to do that, right? Always. Yeah. Got it. So, there we go. Um, and so we got the sewer system bill
back to normalish this year, but you know, should we have something catastrophic, we have to put that back into the sewer bill, right? Like it's just to be clear, somebody was joking with me or posted on Facebook, you know, Rosal Park was created because of a sewer issue, right? because we broke off
from Rosell reunion. Yeah, it's going to happen again. But whatever. If you guys want to break off, go for the We're going to have the Sherman Avenue revolt. They're going to break off and become Rosel Rosal Park. Um, but my Thank you, Ralph. Appreciate you entertaining me on that one. Um,
uh, they're hundred and whatever year old systems, right? So, we do patchwork fixes here and again, like we're sitting on a time bomb. Something big's going to break at some point, right? And we're going to have to be on the hook for that. Um, so the the the plus side is uh
if we sell it, you know, we might get an upfront payment for that, right? Because it is worth something. Um, and then also candidly just doesn't become our problem. If there's a break, it's privately fixed and oh by the way, American Water, if they're the high bidder, because they normally are, they'll come in, they'll fix the road,
and they'll manage everything else, right? It's one less thing for the finance department to do. If it's American Water who's the buyer, I'm just using them as an example because they are very often the high bidder. Um, you know, it'll be part of your water bill, right? And you just pay that instead of paying the burrow. Um, the downside is
it's out of our control, right? Um, just to be super clear, um, you know, they're still monitored by the BPU. So, we had a couple people complain to the complain to the BPU about the burrow and the sewer bill. Um, actually I think we were somewhat covered because we're a a government entity, but the actually
again a public entity would probably be more subject to complaints from the BPU than than we would, right? It depends, but you still subject to the same process. Yeah. It has to be you have to justify the rate increase. The rate increase. Yep. Yep. Um, and then also, so where council has the So I'm going
all over the place, but the reason why I didn't think this is going to be controversial, and I hope it's not, is whatever council do what you want on this. Um, this is the first thing that I've voted on that will go to a public referendum. It is literally the most transparent process on earth, right? Like it's not like you got to call up
your councilman and say, "Hey, I think there's a bad deal in the mayor's a nutcase. Like, vote it down." Like literally, if we get a bid on this, you go out and vote. Like like we did a referendum for marijuana statewide years ago, right? So, the ultimate power is in
your guy's hand. Um the one thing that I think is important is we can craft the bid how we the RFP how we want to right so we can put in things like uh we would like to limit the buyer's ability to raise rates for the next 15
years and say they can only raise it x% every year right um could be thing that we put in the bid specs that will obviously impact how much people are willing to pay upfront because they have less flexibility on the rates. Um, but we can do that, right? So, these are
things that we can and should consider. Um, the ultimate reason why I'm in favor of this is Rosal Park's a square mile town. We really don't have economies of scale to manage this. I think there's been cases, and feel free to look this up, where towns have actually voted this down and then something happens with the
sewer system and then they go vote on it again and then they sell it because they're like, we don't know what to do with this. But ultimately where the council plays into this is we will craft craft what the bidding process looks like. We will say this is Rosal Park
sewer system. It is out for bid. Give us your best offer and we will set parameters around that bid. Keep me honest here. Once the winning bid happens, then we go to a public referendum based on that winning bid. Is that correct? You you missed one little step. So please, all you're doing
tonight is authorizing the bid to go out. It then has to sit out on the street for 6 weeks minimum so you can uh get the best number of bids back. They then come in, they get evaluated. You don't at that point you could reject all
of them, right? You can say none of them met the requirements. So you you went out, you shopped it, you didn't like it. Or if you like one, you pick one. You then by ordinance have to uh then set it up for a referendum. That has to be done
by August 8th. That then goes on as a public question on the November general ballot. Right? So at the bottom they'll have typically sometimes you have statewide questions. You'll now have a local question. Uh and the voters that partake in that election will tell you
whether or not they think this is a good deal. Oh, go ahead, Greg. One other just quick thing I want to say before you go, Greg. Sorry. I know you got to go. If if we do get monies for this, right? Let's just say it's $5 million. We also don't get to just like pick where it gets to get
spent. The first place that it has to go is to pay down debt. The debt for the sewer system first and then the town and then the town. Luckily, we have no debt for the sewer system. So, that's kind of irrelevant. Councilman Johnson. No, I I thought this this was the referendum asking the question. Do they want to put
it out for referendum? So we actually putting out bids first before the reference. Yeah. So basically the way it works out is we say Yeah. But if I can. Yeah, go for it. Yeah. So you you don't put out a question to the public without the details of the deal. So you get the
bid back and then it's very transparent to the mayor's point. The public would then see the actual what what the company that wants to buy it, what they're paying, what the town would get, how long the rates would be. So it's a it's a
fully voted on deal. Yeah. So there the the thought behind it, Greg, is basically we we're the the bid will show you're not just voting on hypothetically should we sell it. You're voting on somebody's offering $10 million for this
and the buyer is Jim and Jim agreed to not raise the rates for 10 years. You're not voting do we sell it or not. You're voting do we do we take that actual deal. Yeah. You're voting on you're voting I think the most important thing is and and the attorney mentioned it.
You're voting on the terms if you this author this is a statutory step that authorizes the solicitation of bids for the sale of the system pursuant to the bid specs that are put out by the town.
Right? If it's and I I used the comp today explaining this to somebody. If you're selling your house, right, in some respects, not a I use this today, but if it's it's maybe we both said it, um but if but if you get bids, right, for your if you're selling your house
and you get bids and you don't like the bids, right, you think that this let's say somebody let's say the whole governing body thinks a super system just throwing out random numbers, $20 million, right? and we put out the bid specs the way we want 10 year 15ear rate lock or whatever and all the terms that
we want in those bid specs and somebody comes back and says you know what water company comes back and says we'll bid 2 million governing body could just say no we're not passing an ordinance we're not even submitting it to the voters this uh um what if what if the voters voted no what happens then the sale then the sale then the
transaction does not happen yeah okay then the burough retains complete ownership of it yeah so let's use a concrete example right let's say a bidder offer offers $10 million. So, and by the way, we have some intel. It's dated, but we do have a range of what we think it's worth. I mean, it's public information. What was the r the It's not public information. It's not public
information, so I'm not going to say it out loud. Good catch. Um, but we do have a general range. You guys can consume it. I think it's all in your inboxes. But let's just say hypothetically, I'm going to use an absurd number, right? $50 million, right? Um, you know, Jim's
Sewer Service says, "We're going to buy 50, we're going to buy it for $50 million, and we agree to the burough's terms of raising the rates only 5% for the next 10 years, right?" Um, if the voters vote that down, that's it, right? And we just keep the we keep the sewer
system. So, mechan mechanically, just to go one step further, mechanically, once the bids are received and the burrow says, "This is the most advantageous bidder, right? This is the highest bid price. They met our terms, right? They're they're the they're the responsible bidder. The governing body would then vote on an ordinance
to effectuate the sale to that bidder. Right? If the governing body does not adopt that ordinance, then there's not then it doesn't go through. It doesn't go to the voters. Nothing happens. It's as if an ordinance gets voted down. It's not in effect. If you approve the ordinance, right? If the governing body
adopts the ordinance and it gets signed, it's basically on pause until the voters say yes. If they say no, they vetoed the ordinance, right? Is the best way to look at it is the the the public said no. You don't. The governing body
was wrong in authorizing this, you don't get to do it. But if they say yes, then then then the transaction happens. Could you do a vote like a a year or two later? You can you could do it. We could do it next year if you want to. A year. Yeah. It doesn't. Yeah. And it's I think it's happened in the past. Yeah. Because
circumstances change. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, circumstances change. Do Do we know what the sewer surplus is? Uh, I'm sure Ken can give you the number. I don't really know it offhand. I will say the one thing, Greg, that has been why our part of our thing is attractive is we don't have any debt, which is a
rarity. So, there is surplus. I'm always like, you don't got to twist my arm for referendums. Yeah. Yeah. I just wanted some clarity for my own self. Yeah. If uh I don't know if Ken Well, it's probably Oh, yeah. If you don't have it right now, source surplus is 1,567 and change.
So where does that money go? Do we get that back? You don't sell the cash. You're selling the system. Okay. So we just You're selling the infrastructure. You're selling the infrastructure. Okay. Yeah. Got it. They they don't get that surplus, right? No, it's ours. We keep it. That's all I wanted to but that if it passes right that just shows the
health of the system. So you can garner a premium on the asset because it's showing that that's an asset that actually produces revenue. Yeah. And the only the other thing just because this has been going I know I sent something to the governing body today. I know it it was today so it may not all been
absorbed but this has been this is a process that's been going on at least as long as I've been here. So that's 2017. Um, one of the questions that was asked along the way that I'm happy to share, um, was, do we retain voting rights on the sewer authorities, right? Because we have a collection system, we don't have a treatment system. The treatment
systems are the Rawway Valley Sewer Authority and the Joint Media of Essex and Union County. Question that's come up all over all these years is, does the municipality still have voting rights on those boards? Right? Because we have a representative on both boards. The
answer to that is yes, we do. um is a little little odd, right? Um because it's a it's a different framework you're operating under, but the the entities that are the treatments don't they're still treating our sewage that comes
from our town. So, we retain a seat on those boards. And how does the Robert Valley sewage feel about the sale? Is this something they're in favor? It really um they might bid on it. I doubt it, but I the But theoretically, they could be a
bidder. I I I don't I don't even know that to be true, but it it could be. I guess any entity, I guess, could be that that could that could demonstrate their ability to operate a collection system. Um I don't think they have an opinion one way or the other. And part of the
reason for that is it would be it would be like if if it's it doesn't matter like it's it's it's literally suing flowing one way or the other. Yeah. It's flowing one way or the other. It doesn't matter really who
who owns the pipes, right? And then as far as the rates, like is there other towns surrounding that sold their um sewer system? Yeah. South Orange sold uh not long ago. There there are a few towns that that uh have recently within
the Yeah. Yeah. within the last few years. And some some have failed, right? Like I put up uh Glouester City, their referendum failed. Yeah. Uh, Manville and Somerville did. Got it. And then I mean they probably put in that you can't increase the rate and stuff like that,
but do we know like what would be average increase if they do buy it? I mean, unless Yeah, we're going to lock it for whatever 10 15 years, but after 15 years, what happens to the rate, you know? So, traditionally what happens on some of these is there's a period of
time where they'll say the rate increase won't exceed 2% a year for seven years, 10 years, whatever. Um, and then there's an obligation for some capex, which means essentially in that same
seven-year period, they'll have to put money into the system also, right? So, you're sure and they're rebuilding some of the infrastructure. Uh and then after that they are treated like same as your electric bill, right? So you don't we don't set the rates. PSEG sets our rates. Um but they have to go down to
the board of public utilities and they have to present a justification if they're going to increase it more than the normal or whatever the increase is to say, hey, there was some special circumstance in the burrow of Rosel Park that requires us to be 6% 4% 3%. And
that's usually if there's a catastrophic issue. Got it. And then in the sewer, uh I guess who would be like the authority? Would it be the US as far as for electricity BP? It would be. So it would be very similar to if you had a water
main break, right? It would be so and I'm only using, you know, American Water as an example. I'm sure they will be a bidder just because of the territory that they operate. Um, but when there's a water main break, right, who gets called? Maybe the town, but then we find out it's a water main break and we and
we call and then we call and then we call American Water and it becomes their problem. Sorry, I meant like the um if you're going to raise the price for like PSNG, you talk you have to talk to the BPU. BPU, correct? What would be like for sewer? We wouldn't be regulating it.
It would be the same process, right? So, it would be whoever the owner of the system is and regulated by the board of public utilities. It'd be like your water bill. Same same board. Yeah. We would No, there would no longer be a utility bill issued by the bur of Rosal Park. It'd be your water bill. Like people complain to me about a lot, but
they don't complain to me about their water bill because we don't we don't touch it. It'd be the same thing. Yeah. But you would get as the burrow the burrow would get notice of the application that at BPU. You getting that notice. Andrew routinely gets
notices if something if someone's going in front of the BPU that will affect a resident in the town. The town usually is on the list of of in of entities. The petitions, right? They'll petition the board of public utilities. There'll be a public hearing at the board of public utilities. If there's a request for a
rate increase or decrease, which does happen, not recently, but it does happen. So, a board 10 years from now, if there was something, the board can say, "Hey, we want to send somebody down there. We don't think this is is justified." But you get notice of it. Yeah, you go for it. Yay. Uh, any further questions? Councilman
Johnson's got to go, so wrap it up. Good. Cong. Okay, please call the RO. Councilman Petroski? Yes. Councilman Johnson? Yes. Councilman Sigurella? Yes. Councilman Robin? Yes. Councilwoman Lions? Yes. Councilman Patel? Yes. Six motion. The affirmative. Mary, the ordinance resolution is adopted. Cool.
Thank you, Councilman. Mayor, if I may. Yeah, go for it. Yeah. All good. I've got a couple of urgencies. Do what you got to do. Yeah. May I please have a motion to adopt resolution 139? So move. Second. Uh is there any discussion? Mayor, I'd just
like to uh congratulate uh Dave Pittz for his many years of service. Uh I remember Dave's uh I don't know if it was rookie year, second year your brother uh Mark dialed 911 and uh and you know they have to
come check the house and everything and he uh grabbed uh your brother and you know was a your he was an infant. It was just nice to see Dave to come to the house and I appreciate all his years of service and I hope his future endeavors.
Are you call 911? No, Mark called 911. Why did he call 911? No, because he was playing with the phone. Got it. Okay. Sounds about right. So, you're saying he was arrested? He was swatted. So, they have to come to verify, right? Everything's good. And he was just so
nice. I just remember seeing him come in my house, our house, you know, 28 years ago, 29 years ago, whatever it was. Mark's 29. Mark was six months old. Whatever. I just remember him from day one. I just want to thank him for his years of service to the burough Rosa
Park. I'm going call 911 now. Uh, anybody anybody else? Please call the RO. Councilman Petroski? Yes. Councilman Johnson is not here. Councilman Sigurella, yes. Councilman Robbina, yes. Counciloman Lions, yes. Councilman Patel, yes. Five votes in the affirmative. Uh, the resolution is
adopted. Mayor. Okie dokie. Um, Councilman Petrroski, we will start off with you. Thank you, Mayor. Okay. Um, thank you, mayor. Okay. First of all, I want to send my condolences out to Angela Graina,
uh, Michael Spurs, which was a 1971 graduate. Um, and Mike was on the undefeated 1969 football team. He was a starter at linebacker. Uh Mike stayed in town his whole life. Um was involved in
Little League for many years. Um and and actually last uh last month he was a awarded the achievement award by the Rose Park Youth Baseball Softball League for his many years of service. Uh so
again uh Michael will be missed and um you know again uh next is uh Christina uh Latiri who Ruben had mentioned. She used to work at the Casano Center. Um I know Christina a long time and uh uh
she's been sick for the last couple years but uh my condolences go out to her and her family. And then um next one is Deline Albaneseise which is Bob Nadella uh um who I graduated high school with his mother. I know she was
in her 90s and uh so uh April 19th I attended the Easter egg hunt. Um well attended. Uh again I want to thank John Reeri and Tina Schwarz and her crew. They did an absolute great job. And um
you know uh April 21st I attended the historical society. Um you know again they're still looking for uh donations. Um so anyone interested in uh becoming a member you can become a lifetime member
of the historic site. Uh the same day I attended the public safety meeting with Councilman Johnson and Councilman Signarella and uh the chief Freo and like to uh we got a lot accomplished and we found out a few things. So I was glad
Congressman Johnson called for the meeting. On April 25th I attended Arbor Day celebration um at the high school. Uh we planted a tree in the grove. Um I you know it was nice to see all the high school kids
there and everything. So uh um again I know I usually always say this about the American American Legion. Uh keep them in mind. Um you know um they always need your help. If you need to contact me get me at jp petroski at
rosolpark.net 9086667821. And mayor that's my report. Thank you. Well there council excuse me. How's your allergies? Rough today again. Yeah, it's bad. If I'm yawning, it's cuz like a it's I was make a joke. Keep it
going. Councilman Cinderella. Um like I said before when uh Rich Blue shows up, hey, you know, folks, you got to take care of your grass, take care of your property because a lot of uh uh homeowners do. And um please do what you got to do to take care of your property
because uh code enforcement will be looking at you. Just a little reminder that the Rosal Park Fire Department memorial service is be held annually on Yep. And I've lost my on May 21st. It's
a Wednesday night. It's a third. It's always the third Wednesday of May. uh at Kelly Crawford's Park, I believe it's 700 p.m. Wednesday the 21st. And uh like Councilman Petroski said, um uh the uh
we planted the tree in the grove behind the high school. And um I know we cut a couple wooded areas in town, but it's nice to see we we're planting it. And Greg B, our from the DBW says uh it's a potentially a 30-foot tree, so nice
tree. And uh briefly I'll say uh me and Joe Petroski were talking about we had some um good times back in high school behind the high school. Oh yeah. So good times. Oh Lord, right Mike. And then um Yeah. Yeah. What do we do?
And then um also uh again uh the public safety meeting was uh uh very valuable and we uh we come up with some good things to help the the Bar Rosa Park. Uh, that's the end of my report. Have a good evening, Councilman Raineer.
Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Rose Park. Here's a brief update on events and development since our last meeting. I've been in touch with NJ Transit regarding the long- aaited renovation of the Rose Park train station. While there have been delays, NJ Transit expects design work to be completed by the end
of June. For context, Lindhurst station just underwent a $30 million upgrade, including elevators, high level platforms, and ADA accessibility. Serves about 800 weekday riders. Rosel Park averages 98 daily boardings, while Cranford sees,200. These numbers
highlight how vital our station is and why the $34 million investment here is both needed and welldeserved. Last month, after conversation here in Chambers with Chief Reno about how we can better support our local police department, it inspired me to introduce tonight's resolution, which urges state
officials to revisit police pursuit guidelines that currently limit our officers ability to respond to organized thefts like catalytic converter crimes or home and b vehicle burglaries. Current restrictions often prevent officers from pursuing suspects, allowing criminals to flee and repeat
offenses, putting neighborhoods at risk. This resolution supports giving officers more discretion in such cases and calls for increased state investment in law enforcement tools, tech, training, and community safety programs to help prevent and investigate crime more effectively.
Yesterday, I attended a transportation focused candidate forum hosted by New Jersey Future alongside groups like the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, NJ Bike and Walk Coalition, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Trust for Public Land, and the Circuit Trails Coalition.
The conversation center on the future of accessible, equitable transportation and how that connects to the upcoming gubernatorial election. From sidewalks and bike lanes to safe routes for kids and transit access, these investments make a big difference, especially for older adults and people with
disabilities. I'll also be participating in an upcoming focus group for the NJ bicycle pedestrian master plan, last update in 2016 to help shape the state's next chapter in active transportation planning. And on a local note, great to see speed humps recently installed on
Walnut Street. These kinds of traffic calming measures have been a long time coming. We started this work 3 to four years ago in the fifth ward on Valley, Beachwood, Jerome, and West Webster, and I'm glad to see it continued townwide. They're far more cost-effective than speed enforcement patrols, and more most
importantly, they work. On the 25th, I had the pleasure of joining Roosevelt Park High School students for an Arbor Day tree planting. And later that day, visited Boy Scout Park with our business administrator to review the ongoing renovations. The upgrades are coming along beautifully, and neighbors have shared great feedback. Next steps
include installing four new benches and adding landscaping with weeping willows, elms, and boxwoods. Updates to the sensory friendly park will feature fresh mulch, relocation of the sensory garden, and a new communication board. We'll announce the ribbon cutting soon, so stay tuned. Want to say a big thanks to
clean communities coordinator Debos Cosmo and the Union County Department of Recycling for providing gloves, bags, and litter pickers for the Celebrate Trails Day the following day, Saturday the 26th, which was hosted by Union County Connects. Despite some clouds, over 50 volunteers turned out to clean the Rawway Valley Railroad uh trail
between Westfield Avenue and West Kfax, collecting 20 bags of garbage and debris. Special shout out to Mayor Signarella, the Girl Scouts, Mayor Blumensta, Garwood, Apendra Sabot of the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the East Coast Greenway Alliance NJ committee,
and all of our partners. Huge thanks as well to Kas for donating food, Frenchies for hosting, and Richie Ranos's Allstars for a fantastic performance. We're proud of the growing momentum for safe, connected trail networks across Union County. On Sunday the 27th, my family
and I enjoyed this year's Wild Earth Fest at Wong Reservation, Union County celebration of Earth Day with hands-on educational and fun activities for all ages. I encourage our residents to download the Explore Union County app to keep up with events like these provided for families and residents happening
throughout the county. And don't forget, tomorrow is the last day to RSVP for Saturday's bike event. Though, you won't be turned away if you don't. 11:00 a.m. is our clinic and the community ride begins at 11:30 Michael Park. If you don't have a helmet, we have a limited supply to give away as well as bike
lights and other giveaways. And once again, as warm weather approaches, Rosel Park has partnered with Clark and Cranford to offer residents discounted summer pool access. Registration at both locations, or well, three locations is now open. So, visit my Facebook page or contact director Shaw at the Cassando
Center for more details. For our business owners, the chap the Chamber of Commerce and Mnt Bank at Five Points are hosting a free wine and cheese mixer on Wednesday, May 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you're part of Roseel Park's business community, this is a great free
networking opportunity. Call 908-6870240 for more information. And as I conclude my remarks this morning, before heading to work, I stopped by Michael Mory Park for the National Day of Prayer. I don't often talk about faith publicly and I wouldn't describe myself as especially
religious, but I took a moment to reflect and pray for my family, my neighbors, and the community I'm privileged to serve. I prayed for focus, direction, and safety, among other things. Up here, we often talk about the importance of communication,
transparency, and unity. Some hopes and prayers might feel like long shots, but I still prayed that the sense of entitlement some individuals and groups carry be replaced with humility. And that we all begin the work of personal healing and gratitude. That includes those in uniforms or positions of
responsibility, especially those filled with anger and spite who sometimes lose their sight of the weight their roles carry. My hope is that we never lose sight of the need to serve, assist, and represent with purpose, civility, humility, regardless of race, ethnicity,
religion, sexuality, or ideology. May we let go of the bitterness, spite, and immature behavior and division, and find peace and contentment within ourselves and extend that peace to others. Philippians chapter 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or
vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. Feel like I was channeling Counciloman Rosanna here. Let's commit to being civil and to working together constructively towards real solutions. Amen. And that concludes my report.
8622360019 jin at rose park.net. Mayor Roso Park. That concludes my report. Mayor of Rosal Park. Is that how you park? Oh god. So it's official. Um thank you Councilman Roina. Councilman Patel. Um, I actually don't have any report.
Uh, I was going to say nice weather, but it's raining all week till next week. So, congratulations, Councilman Patel. You win the award for the night. Councilwoman Lions. Good evening, Mayor and Council and Rosal Park residents. Um, a really just quick report. Um, but
before I do the report, I definitely want to send out my condolences to Michael uh, Swars and his family, Kathy and um, their five children and their family. Um I did go by today and I just uh a heartfelt uh condolences to them.
Um but today as uh Councilman uh Robina said today is National Day of Prayer. Um I was able to reach out to Pastor Ji Su from the community church on Chestnut Street and he graciously came out and he
actually um invited his congregation. So we had about 20some people today. We did meet at the gazebo and we did pray for everyone here uh mayor and council and um the entire town, every family, every individual, police and fire, uh the
schools, the kids. Um and we just stood in unity and it was a beautiful moment. Um and uh I think I just missed you uh Councilman Jay by like 10 minutes. Um but it was it was a beautiful day today. Um and the scripture I'll share is and
which I always do is a house uh divided against itself cannot stand. So um you know definitely the unity is uh is an amazing message. Um so I just want to also celebrate the things that have been
happening in Rosal Park even with the roads that are happening. Walnut Street got paved. Um and I I definitely heard the cheers I think from my house. Um, and also the speed bumps. I call them bumps. I don't know. Somebody said the humps. Humps. They're humps. They're
speed humps. Yeah, bumps are higher size. Okay. Typically you'll find them in malls. You can go five no more than 5 10 miles an hour. All right. The speed humps. Um, so yes, I know that that was definitely needed there. Um, and also East Lincoln and the curbs and it's just
it's definitely beautifying the town. So it's it's wonderful to see. Um I just want to actually just announce and reiterate uh we are having a women's night celebration on a um April May
30th. So May 30th 7 p.m. Castas please you're all welcome. All ladies are welcome. Um I am sending out a notification via um Facebook um email and telephone. So, if you you want to
contact me for more information, please do um 908-7268773 or R Lions at rosalpark.net. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Uh I have no report. Um may I have a motion to open the public portion on any subject? So moved. Second. All in favor?
I like to come up and speak on any subject matter. Mike, we've seen it. Leave it over there. We got it. We've seen it. How you doing? George Ramirez, 500 East Clay. Uh the sale of the sewer system.
You said it's a profitable uh system. We've got over 1.5 million. Mhm. Why are we selling it if it's profitable? Well, profitable is it's Yeah. Go ahead. You want to It's We don't make a profit. What the point is that there is a
surplus. Okay. Right. That's not the municipalities don't and entities don't make profit. It's like a profit. Like we have surplus money that's come in. Technically, it's not like a profit. It's a surplus, which just means that in a healthy system, similar to the municipal budget, you always want to
have a rainy day fund, right? So, you have a little bit of a surplus and no debt. So, that's a sign of a fairly well-run system. All right. Which means it hasn't been a burden for the town. Yeah. I mean, well, define burden,
right? So, I mean, you know, there are I mean, we could probably quantify it, but we get weekend calls all the time over time for like broken pipes here, broken pipes there. Um, you know, at the end of the thing, at the end of the day, it's kind of a house of cards, right? Like, it's aging infrastructure. Candidly,
without a huge capital increase, you know, we don't have the money to like go out there and fix all the piping. We do it in patchwork where we can, but like it's old and we only have so much money to do. Um, but like ultimately like I George I I'm not going to tell you whether or not I think it's a great
idea. I think it's worth exploring. Um, I think it's worth seeing what the number is and ultimately you vote how you want to on this one. Well, my thing is with the BO, they just had a a vote what, a couple months ago about the electricity bill. We're all going to be getting hit with like a 23 21% hike.
Yep. Right now, we control the rates and all of that. If we do sell it to American Water, they can get together and increase it by 20. Yeah. With 100% hike last year and it's under our control,
right? I mean, but that's what I'm saying is let's not even start with that. No, but but what I'm saying is like unexpected things happen and you get a hike, right? Even if it's in our control. I'm I'm being kind of silly but also kind of serious. Well, if we have a 1.5% or $ 1.5 million surplus, that's a
healthy surplus to have. No. How much is an average repair cost? So, I I I would say it again, it's hard to quantify, but I could tell you if it's a catastrophic, we're depend if they have to excavate East Grand Avenue, you're talking at least 50,000 just to open the road. The the the sewer system is about 15 feet
underground, right? So, you're you're looking at you're looking at 50,000, right? That's that's a section. Sure. But that's but you're talking of you're talking about a section of pipe that might be 10 ft long to go 15 ft underground. So I I guess when you're looking at holistically the long-term
solution for this system, the question is can we afford that long-term maintenance and fix to do it the right way. We could continue to react to issues. All right. It it's it's you know it's some of it is going to be unknown and I can tell you the guidance I've given the governing body. A lot of these
answers are not going to be known until you get what's the deal, right? Like what is the amount of money? Right. To your point, if a bidder comes in and says we'll pay you a million dollars, $2 million, I got to be honest with you, it's not worth it. Yeah. Yeah. So, that brings me to my second question. If they
do say hypothetically 20 million, what are we going to do with that money? So, it's stat I'm sorry. Yeah, go for So statutoily it would have to go first to the debt of the system which we have none. Then it has to go to debt of the municipality. So it would be dedicated
for the payment of our debt service as a municipality. So theoretically 2 million what do we have right now in debt? What's our what's our debt service on an annual basis? Ken, do you know off hand? Uh this year we're paying down a million755 in bonds. Right. So say 2
million and then the access goes to where well it wouldn't you wouldn't have to use it all in one year right you would you would ultimately get that money and how you would how you would you know you probably have to talk to a financial adviser or you know we have to
figure out how other municipalities have done it but you know you're not you're not going to spend it all in one year you're going to want to divvy it up. You may also may not want to spend $2 million every year because in the $20 million, you probably want that money to last a little bit longer to off to level off your debt service. So, you don't
want to just blow through it and say, "Hey, pretend like I have no debt service." We're after that 10 years is over, you're going to have debt service again. Like, you're a town. Have any other towns in Union County sold their system or So, um Rawway But did a they did a con they did like a lease of their system.
They did a cons they did a concession agreement. Um, I do know that, um, Elizabeth, I know we don't want to tread into this, but and they're completely separate issues, despite what some people might think, and I'm not saying that toward you. Um,
they I believe I believe American Water operates part of their system, but I but I don't know the answer for you on that. I do I do know the closest thing that I'm aware of is Rawway has a concession agreement. But but George, just real quick, I I personally, and you know, I'm
very opinionated. I haven't even really put much thought around. Again, to your point, let's just say it's worth $10 million. We pay off the 2 million and we got 8 million left over. I think it's just hard to even and I would come up with a public proposal. I'd say, you know, we can make a a fund for it so we,
you know, pay off roads for the next 50 years, right? You could do a number of things with it. Um, but like it's just hard for me to conceptualize because we only hear rumors of what it's worth, right? Like I think it's kind of like a little bit of like uh hypotheticals and what a could a
shoulda until we know what it's worth, right? So I mean you have I'm sure Well, you said you have an idea of what it's worth, right? Yeah. But it's but it's all you're unfortunately you're out of time, but I I'll just say real quick. It's the the thing and I I want you to digest this is if we put in stipulations
like you can't up the the re the um the rates for 15 years then that goes down a lot, right? So there's still a lot of variability there. All right. Y thanks. Yep. We see it. We seen it.
There's a reason for it. be looking at it right now. I saved the best for last. A Michael Ryan, 550 Locust Street. Yes, sir. I saved the best for last. Uh and if you uh have noticed on the uh model
there is modeling of solar panels. Uh they are a representation of the type of building that would be constructed. Uh those that type of construction is known as passive buildings. They're super insulated, airtight, and high with high
performance windows and doors. The walls are made out of 2 by sixes, not 2x4s that typical uh construction is. Um that uh those walls are wrapped with another two or 4 in of insulation on the exterior of the building. The roof is
R80 roof and underneath the between the podium and the first floor is R20 insulation. The windows are argon filled triple pane uh and the doors are insulated and airtight. Because the building is
airtight, it's mechanically ventilated 24 hours a day. results are it those uh building technique techniques result in an extremely comfortable residence, noticeably quiet, fresh air all the time
and a consistent temperature uh throughout the day. Ext uh the those type of buildings or these type of buildings are extremely efficient. They are 90% uh they use 90%
less energy to uh condition the building to heat it and cool it and overall they use 75% less than a typical building. Because of the care that's taken during construction the building will last longer than a typical building. Uh and that's estimated to be
200 years. 200 years. There are very few buildings in New Jersey built to these standards. Europe has 30,000 or more of them. Uh and so it's not some pie in the sky idea. They I and I personally have
already built two or three of them myself. Um these type of buildings get recognition. They get national recognition. Uh the buildings are going to be something that the residents of Rosal Park are definitely going to be proud
of. Cranford doesn't have a passive building. Westfield doesn't have a passive building. Uh Madison is building an affordable uh affordable housing passive building. So it it is something that is happening and I want to do that
in uh Rosel Park. These buildings are going to be high quality and with high quality is increased cost. Combine that with the park, below grade parking, public courtyards, tourist front yards, and that explains the need
for maximum density on that property. But I'm not going for maximum density. The site is 2.1 acres and the redevelopment plan allows 99 residences. That equals 47 uh units per acre. That's
less than any of the other current projects that have been built uh in the you know recently in Rosal Park. It's the smallest of them all pound. One of the reasons I'm trying
to build it is for the community. I don't I I I I don't have the time to explain who I am or what I do or what why I do the things that I do, but I am doing one of the reasons is for the community for the burrow of Rosel Park.
I'm asking uh council to help me bring this highquality project to Rosel Park. Thank you, Mike. Thank you. Thank you, council. Uh anybody else? Bill, you coming up? Cole. Nice.
Right. Uh, may I have a motion to close public portion? Second. All in favor? I may have a motion to I was going to say end the meeting adjourn. So move. Second. All in
favor? I. That wasn't bad.