expensive though there. All right. Okay. This meeting is being held in accordance with the New Jersey Public Meetings Act. Annual notice. This meeting was published in the Union County Local Source and New York Star Ledger. said notice is posted in the municipal building and a copy is on file with the
office of the burough clerk. Fire exits are located in the directions I am indicating. If you're 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 the statement in the minutes of the meeting. Please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski
>> here. Councilman Johnson >> present. >> Councilman Signarella here. Councilman Robbina here. Counciloman Lions. Councilman Patel here. Mayor Signarella here. All present. Mayor, >> please lead us in opening prayer followed by a pledge of allegiance. Eternal God, grant us thy help in 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. >> Okay. Tonight we are recognizing the local seven tile marble and terazzozo. >> Terz I've never said it out loud. Terzo what's terazzo
>> oh okay. All right. Come on up. >> That's what it is. >> Tazzo. >> Terzo. Terzo >> certificates. Where are they? >> Joeazo. >> Oh, you want me to come? You got a collection. >> Hello. Thank you always for Joe.
>> Floor's yours. >> Okay. I wanted to give these certificates out. Uh, and I want to personally thank Cosmo. Um, um, we've done a lot of work at the American Legion. Um, and one thing we wanted to
do uh to do is the bathrooms and the bathrooms were very uh old and everything and it needed done a lot of work done. So, I talked to Adalfo and we were able to get the uh the tile donated
and we were able to get uh DO's guys to come in and tile and they did a fantastic job there. Um, so, um, I want to appreciate I know he he doesn't want me to mention his name, but he was the big part of this and, uh, he got his
his, uh, union down there, and they did everything for free. It didn't cost the Legion a dime. So, I, uh, wanted to bring him in, but, as I could see, there's no one, uh, here. >> Uh, but you want to say a few words about your guys?
>> Well, I I just like to thank them. Uh I called them. It was about eight of them. It took two weekends to do because we had to do the the men's room one day and then the women's uh another weekend. And they all came down. Nobody hesitated.
The first eight people I called was the they just said thank you. Uh no problem. And came down to help, which was great, you know. Um also Ceso Tile donated all the tile for the project, which was nice of them. And uh we got quite a bit left
over I believe too. So we'll probably be doing some other work over there when it's needed. But uh I just want to thank my membership for helping out the American Legions. Thank you. >> I I just want to say come on this come
over here. I just want to say you are a prime example of love thy neighbor. you are action and you bring that forth in our community and we are so grateful for you and all your workers and everyone that donated because that's what it's about if we can just work together. Um,
but look at me. I we appreciate you and we just thank you because you making me blush. >> No, but good good. No, but we really do and every time and Joe and Councilman Joe for you to to be able to connect and and put that into the community is just amazing. So, thank you so much. Thank
you. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you for those kind words. [Applause] >> Tina's daughter's supposed to be here. She skipped out on us. Okay. Lots of meeting minutes. Uh, may I have motion that the listed meeting minutes be approved pending corrections?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> May I have a motion that bills and payrolls be not read and passed for payment? >> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> I >> uh may I have a motion to open the public portion on agenda items only? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I wish to come up and speak may do so
now on agenda items only. >> Hi George Ramirez, 500 East Clay. Uh this is in regards to resolution 315-25. George, just make sure your mic is on. It's on. >> Better. >> Yep. >> All right. So, resolution 315-25.
Uh, so you're naming tag developer as a conditional redeveloper for the property. >> France. >> So, I've got a couple questions here on uh I'll get her. >> Okay. Go ahead. August 24th, they uh stated that the lowinccome or the
affordable housing units are going to cost them 162,000. Uh my question is what's the So that's going to come out to 100 or 1.62 million. Uh what's the purchase price since they're coming out with such a specific figure for the
what the affordable units are going to cost them? What's the uh purchase price for the property? >> I have no idea. So, how are they coming up with that figure? >> Uh, I would imagine so 1.62. What was the figure that you stated?
>> 1.62. They said 162,000 for each affordable unit. >> Okay. Um, Fran, so this is our uh attorneys for redevelopment. Is that just a generic figure? Is that how much the average affordable unit costs? >> Fran McManam Scotland and Balman. We
service redevelopment council. I mean, are you referencing a number that was brought up at a uh at the council meeting that >> I don't know what number by tag developer >> and where was that number >> representative said that >> where >> here when she was sitting here she mentioned that each affordable unit was
going to cost them 162,000 >> okay that would be part of a proforma that I we have that has not been released yet or hasn't been that I mean those are probably preliminary numbers so your question is how they came up with that number >> so if they came up with such a specific
number, they must be basing it off of a uh specific sale price. Correct? >> That would be part of the cost of the project cost would be included in the sale price. >> So, what is the sale price? >> I don't have that information. >> Okay. So, how are we negotiating or naming them as a conditional
redeveloper? >> This is the first preliminary step in what is a lengthy process. So to designate them as a conditional redeveloper, they're con designated for a period of I believe it's 180 days and during that time we will be requesting
certain documents from them including a proforma that will include the information that you're asking for. >> But all this is just just to be clear, right? So George, do you have any other questions because I don't want to monopoly? >> Yeah. But I want to know also, I mean, as per the Department of Education
statutes and laws and the board of ed bylaws, this has to go to an open bid. Correct. >> Yeah. So again, we're not responsible for what the board of ed does to this property at all. The board of ed can put
it out for bid. The board of ed could sit on it and do nothing with it. This is naming a conditional redeveloper which is a potential redeveloper. We could we could name them conditional redeveloper like we have in the past and nothing comes to it and the conditions lapse out. We could come to an agreement
and they could not acquire the property and then nothing happens. Again, this is a conditional redevelopment. So there's no binding agreement here. So, if there's no binding agreement, then why did the uh mayor and council make the
changes that they asked for to the why did they recommend those changes to the land use board? >> Because they're a prospective party, so they're one of a potential purchaser, right? And also, look, not for nothing, right? I would say Fran, if one developer has that concern, I would
assume it's safe that most developers would have that same concern, right? when it comes to economics. >> Yes, that's correct. >> So, you're assuming so if a developer said, "Hey, I don't need to make those changes." Then what? >> That's what we do as part of the redevelopment agreement.
>> Okay. But you taking them pretty ser it's a pretty serious action to send it back to the land use board and have them change up the whole plan for a conditional redeveloper and it hasn't gone in front of other developers. Have you had any other developers tell you
what they wanted to do? Did other developers say, "Listen, we prefer this or that?" >> Yeah, there's been other interested developers. Um, they've all had basically the same idea. Um, you know, I mean, actually, I think one of the other people that have been interested is is the Ryan property wanting to acquire
that and make it part of their bigger project just to Well, I don't know if I'm allowed to name names. Maybe I should shut up, but um Huh. >> That would be good. >> Okay, fair enough. Yeah. Uh but we have had other developers interested but once again um this is a condition this is a
conditional naming right this is there's no obligation there's no condemnation here if the board of ed chooses to do nothing then nothing happens here. >> Okay. >> Uh and that's it for now. >> Okay. Cool. >> Uh if you guys want to stick around I
mean yeah just in case. Sure. Any other questions on agenda items only? I am seeing no one. May I have a motion to close the public portion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I uh uh Okay, let's start off with I'm
just going in order here. Andrew, you got anything? >> Yeah, just a couple things, Mayor. Uh something I want to note. So, we obviously there's the upcoming election. Uh the last day to register to vote and be eligible to vote in the general election is coming up on October 14th. As a reminder, you can register to vote
online um through the state of New Jersey uh Department of State. Uh if you're having issues with that, please contact my office. I say every year, I don't care who you're voting for. I don't care how you're voting, if you're a Republican or Democrat. I just care that you do vote if you can vote. So,
please do vote if you can and become eligible prior to the 14 on or before the 14th. Um the other uh quick note, if you are a voter that votes by mail, uh you should have received your vote by mail ballot um or you will receive it in
the next uh several days. Uh if you don't, my suggestion would be that you call the county clerk's office. You're welcome to call my office and I can facilitate a conversation, but uh you really should call the county clerk's office. They're the ones who issue the vote by mail ballots. Um there are a
variety of activities going on in the burrow. Um we have several road projects that are ongoing. Some that um are uh frustratingly not started yet. Uh the two that are ongoing is Warren Avenue and Laurel Avenue. Um Warren Avenue has
uh paused briefly uh because the scope of work for concrete work has completed. Um we're now awaiting milling and paving there. Um that same contractor that uh is doing work on Warren Avenue is also doing work on Laurel Avenue. Um they've commenced a significant amount of concrete work on Laurel Avenue which is
ongoing. So we appreciate everybody's patience on Laurel Avenue. Um the third project that has stalled very frustratingly for the burrow is uh Persing Avenue. It is solely uh because of the contractor's inability to mobilize uh on that street. Um we have
been in daily communication with that contractor expressing our dissatisfaction. Um as a reminder uh the bureau uh got a very early jump on this project. It is a DOT funded project. Um we awarded a contract to this contractor in June. We held a pre-construction
meeting in July and have since then been following up for commencement. Um, I am personally very unhappy about this um because uh it's something we want to be done before the fall even happens, let alone where we are now. So, um I can
commit I know Councilman Johnson has been very adamant about this. Um and it spills over into the second ward as well. So, um I've been speaking to the contractor and documenting it in writing by email every day. I know our engineers have also. So, we are on top of it. the
contractor has committed to getting it done before the onset of uh in unfeasible weather. Uh and we will make sure that they stay committed to doing that. So that is the best I can say about Persing Avenue, unfortunately. So um I personally apologize to those
residents, but there really is nothing more the burrow could have done to assure a project happening at this point. Um there are uh several other areas that are going to be uh repaved this year. Um, one of them being um, well, three of them being uh, Madison
Avenue. Um, Eleanor. Eleanor. I always get Eleanor. I always get Elanor and Henry mixed up. Eleanor and, um, and Ragland Road. Uh, Ragland Drive, right? >> Got it. Am I getting that right? Um, yes. And Ragland. Um, they are going to
be, uh, that work is going to be completed by New Jersey American Water through their contractor Atlantic Infrastructure. Um there's also a significant amount of concrete work that they need to do. This is in the wake of a um a pretty substantial water mane project that they were doing. Um in
addition to that, Galloping Hill Road will also be done along that corridor. Um but that is a county road, but all that will be done before the end of October, weather permitting. And uh at this point, um I think that is it. Uh actually, I'm sorry, mayor. Two other
things. Uh, one, the infamous cones at the intersection of Prospect and East Kfax Avenue are actively being addressed. Um, I can announce to the public that uh, we were able to investigate. We have been investigating it. This is just not the burrow's willingness to do it. Um, this is a
situation where uh, natural gas uh, utility infrastructure adversely impacted our storm water infrastructure and caused damage to it. Uh we are holding Elizabeth Town Gas accountable for the damage that they've done to our infrastructure. Uh there is no imminent
danger to that area. It is the cones are around it to advise to avoidance of it. Um we would prefer the cones to stay there so that people avoid it and not further damage it. Um we are actively communicating and Elizabeth Town Gas is on notice that they are required to do those repairs at their cost and not ours
and not the taxpayers's cost. So we're awaiting their action. Uh we're awaiting a um corrective action plan either tomorrow or Monday and then we will proceed from there. The final note that I will also make is after a lot of delays and a lot of further discussion
about this, we do basically have Aker Park in a box today. Uh we took delivery of about a million dollars worth of playground equipment. Um and I would say to the public to stay tuned for groundbreaking toward the end of this month shortly thereafter. or the park will be closed and will reopen in the
warmer weather of 2026 as a new park. And um that all is all I have to report, Mayor. >> Excellent. >> That's awesome. >> Uh Rich, any questions for Andrew while Rich is coming up? >> Yeah. Um not not question. Can we can we
make sure uh the engineers are here since they excuse this one? They they're here on the next one. >> Sure. >> Yes. >> Yep. Y Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. You know, it's been a minute. >> Welcome back. >> Been here in a while. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, uh, yeah, it was, um, very
nice. Thank you for giving me the time off to spend with my son and his family. As you know, my son's active duty military and we don't see him that often, so it was very nice to be with my granddaughter and uh, my daughter-in-law. So, uh, >> we've only been together three times
since 2020. >> Wow. And then I know those of you that are veterans understand this >> been trying. >> So nevertheless, we've been very busy upstairs as usual. Um so what I want to do is give you a synopsis of the three
months for July, August, and September. And I'll give you the final figures as of a at the end of August. um as far as the revenue. So total number of permits for July, August and September is 673. We had 22 uniform construction code
violations. On the property maintenance side, we had 140 violations issued with 58 summones and 38 dispositions. So on the revenue side through the end of August we have $327,640
in revenue for the construction code element. Sewer connection fees were $271,794. COA development fees $175,737. Um, on the property maintenance side through the end of September, $17,27
in fines were collected by the court. As far as the projects go, we have um obviously the Hunter project is moving along quite nicely. I know I was speaking to the chief uh before and they did a walk the fire department did a walkthrough and they're very pleased
with what they're seeing and uh it's very nice project. It's really coming out very very nice. They have a they have a retail tenant apparently too. >> Yes. And they're actually I already >> It's going to be like a local market. >> Local market. >> Pretty cool. >> Smoothies, coffee. It's going to be very
nice. Fruits and vegetables. >> Nice. >> Very nice. >> Uh the kids in the high school are probably going to love it. >> 7-Eleven's got competition. >> Yeah, basically. >> 404 Westfield. They're proceeding with their final inspections. They're they're
still a little behind on their site work, but they're moving along quite nicely. Uh at this point, I'm pretty pleased with how that project's coming out compared to the first. Uh we we had a meeting and and Councilman Signarella, thank you so much for being at the meeting the other day
for 10 Westfield. Um working with Chief Fino. There were issues on the police side which Chief Fino will maybe address with you or not. I don't know. I don't want to take the wind out of your sales, but the meeting went very well.
>> Yeah, I figure that the meeting went very well. Um, my push on my side is for the courtyard. So, I'm really not pleased with Capedagley at this point because they keep giving me excuses on the courtyard. I we don't
have the money right now. Okay, you don't have the money, but yet you got 6,000 units in the queue in New Jersey for the next five years. So I don't want to hear it. >> That is part of the project. I basically threatened them and they will not get any more tenant fit out permits until this courtyard is at least started.
>> Good. >> So they're moving they plan on moving with it at some point. I did look at the PA pattern. They did have the samples out there. Um they have four different samples. the sample that I recommended to them is one that is very conducive
and very similar to what was in the redevelopment plan at this point. So that's hopefully I I'm hopefully by my next by next month's meeting I'll be able to give you a better answer on timing, but my hope is that that gets started this month because it's way
behind. As far as uh you know everything else, we are busy relative to the economic conditions right now. We're not as busy as we once were as far as the new construction, but we're getting a lot of renovation permits, um you know,
additions, those type of permits are picking up again. But with that stated, if anyone has any questions, >> uh, one quick note slashquest, maybe you note, uh, we actually finally have some movement on
the, uh, it used to be the Optimo dry cleaning place, >> garden cleaners, >> garden cleaners. >> Yeah. Isn't there finally some movement on that? Some demo permits or something like that or they responded at least >> permits were released? Yeah, that was released a while ago. um the owner's
representative, who happens to be the daughter of the owner, um basically cut off communication with me. Then I went to Andrew. >> Yeah. So, Rich, um >> I just went to one of you guys. >> Yeah. This is something that I've been thought I've been getting pretty nasty with these people because it's just ridiculous. Um they they were in uh
while you were out, I ran into them in the um in in the hallway and uh I'm not sure what they were doing, but they were talking with the technical assistants upstairs. So, um, she and two other people were in pulling permits, doing something. So, maybe you could just talk
to Kim tomorrow and see see where they are and we can give an update to the governing body as a whole because it is >> obviously it's a property maintenance nightmare. >> We get a lot of questions about it. >> It's causing it's causing more blight than what it was before. Let's call it what it is. >> Okay, cool. Any other questions for
Rich? >> Thank you, Rich. Ruben. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everybody. Got a little cold, so forgive me. >> Um,
first, our community food pantry is running very low. Uh, and we are seeking donations to help restock um restock the pantry. Non-p perishable food items such as canned goods, pastas, rice, and cereal can be dropped off at the Casano Center on Monday through
Friday between 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Every contribution makes a real difference in ensuring that no one in Rosal Park goes hungry. On October 6th and 20th from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Kasana Center will offer application assistance for New Jersey
SNAP, New Jersey Safe, and New Jersey Family Care applications to seniors ages 60 and older. Trained staff from the Union County Division on Aging will be on site to provide guidance and help ensure applications are completed accurately. In terms of community
events, uh we recently had a successful Hispanic festival at Michael Murray Park uh with live music, great food, and family fun. We also had our annual September 11 remembrance service um a moving tribute to honor those we lost. Uh on September 20th, we had more than
500 residents joined us for the return of October Fest, enjoying food, music, family activities, and pretending contest. And last Saturday we had our first multicultural and heritage music festival where we had more than 200 uh participants in the event. Uh looking
ahead, our 10th annual festival of India is this Saturday from 5:00 p.m. uh to 11 p.m. at Roso Park High School and the second annual Italian heritage festival is on October 18. Each of these events highlights the rich cultural diversity of our community. And that congrats my premier.
>> How's it been, man? How's it first uh WBA first couple weeks? First, this is his second day, I believe. >> Does it feel good? >> Feel good. >> Nice. >> Great. >> Any other question? >> Thank you for the opportunity. I'm sorry
>> don't don't people ask you about trees, potholes. You don't need that in your life. >> True. Also, they didn't tell you you have to stay to the end of the meeting. See you later. >> Um, Stephen Stash Thompson.
See what I did there? It's >> I honestly wish I could grow that. I can't. It doesn't happen. >> It is a skill. >> It's good. Uh so just wanted to recap uh some of the stuff over the summer. We had our uh cool down series. I think that went very well. We had our uh national night out which was well
attended. Uh we currently have two recruits in the fire academy that are progressing nicely. So hopefully they'll be graduating in December and adding two more members to the ranks. Uh we have some ongoing projects that are going on. We did do the walkthrough of Hunter Lofts and kind of gave them some
suggestions which they uh are taking they're actually taking action to make some changes that we recommended. >> So moving along nicely. Uh we're continuing our training and visiting the different properties and buildings within the town to you know further our response. That's pretty much all I got right now.
>> Addition bids going out next week. >> I did get an email. Yes. I appreciate that. >> Cool. >> And all of our uh hose has been tested. Our ground ladders have been tested. We're just waiting for our air packs that has to get us annual testing and then just the annual maintenance on the vehicles. >> Cool. >> We're moving along good.
>> Any other questions for the chief? >> Thank you. >> Have a good night, >> Chief Reno. Who keeps call was it Rupen? Somebody keeps calling you for Reno. >> It's free >> been called worse. Mayor, >> good evening everybody.
>> So, I submitted my uh my September report. Um just add added one uh one thing on there just for uh going into this month. Uh the US Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has designated October as National Pedestrian Safety
Month, which I know Council Member Robin will appreciate. With this designation of October as pedestrian safety month, the Rosal Park Police Department is affirming its commitment to working on making our roads safe for pedestrians. I believe we must be working to reduce pedestrian
deaths from traffic crashes. This this pedestrian safety month will help save lives in our community. During the month of October, you will see a more targeted enforcement as it relates to pedestrian safety such as radar and c crosswalk enforcement. Additionally, our officers are equipped with pedestrian safety
literature to hand out to the motorists and pedestrians to further educate the importance of pedestrian safety and explain the fines and penalties associated with these type of violations. Um, just to touch on what Rich was talking about about the parking garage.
Um, so over the past month, we've had, uh, a few incidents at that location, uh, which brought up some safety concerns. I, uh, met with the, uh, police chair. I met with, uh, with all the, uh, folks from Meridia, Capedaglia. They were very, uh, very receptive to
everything we went over. We did an on-site inspection. uh all the things that I brought up uh they are willing to remediate and uh get on that quite quite quickly. Um so that was uh that was promising. So I'd like to see some of those things taken care of and uh not to
get in if anybody wants to speak about it um about the incidents or what safety precautions that we're putting in play, I'd be happy to uh talk to you further about it. >> Uh just one real quick note. I think uh Councilman Signarella, we there's been
some talking back and forth about uh we have access to I forget it's like 50 or >> Yeah, 50 spots. Um so that was confirmed. It's on the ground level. So the easiest access because they don't have key fobs to go any higher. Um are they using that? Are they using the deck yet?
>> So the deck is not being utilized currently. >> Okay. >> Uh but they but they did go over the 50 spots that would be designated for the burrow. Okay. You guys talk about putting the signage up for for us. >> Yep. Um, >> we just going to need to put in a kiosk or something. I'm sure >> we just have to add the kiosk. And I I told the uh the individual that we were
speaking to from uh from Meridia that uh the BA would be in contact with them and try to retrofit or pick a designated spot that would work best for uh for the uh pedestrians and and the motorists that come in there. >> Okay, cool. >> Any questions for the chief? Go ahead. >> I'm sorry. I don't know if the governing
body has any. Uh I just wanted to um thank you chief and recognize the fact that um you know OB it goes without saying Union County's uh experienced tremendous loss over the last two weeks. Um and uh as professionals we all
interact with our counterparts in these communities differently. Uh but we always uh we have a pretty supportive group. I know the chiefs do, the administrators do. Um, so, uh, I know we've been talking and I just want to thank you for reaching out to your counterparts in Scotch Plains and
Cranford to try to offer them support during their times of incredible loss and and struggle. So, I just want to recognize that outreach and thank you for doing that. >> Appreciate it. >> Anything else? >> Um, just uh, Chief, just looking forward
to your plans for October. That's all. >> Uh, so we're going to host a meeting. I'll tell you right now, um it's going to be October 23rd, uh at 1:00 p.m. uh in the conference room. Uh we're going to have a security re briefing and I've already done some uh preemptive uh
security uh >> can you send me an email as a reminder? I appreciate it. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Cool. Anything else? >> Cool. >> Appreciate it. Um, can I just touch upon you guys are voting on one of the resolutions uh I think uh Councilman
Johnson is putting forth uh through uh for the uh pilot program. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um we're voting that down if you want to know ahead of time. So >> just just uh to get ahead of it. I I know I hadn't had the opportunity to uh converse with you uh specifically on this uh on this agenda item. However, I
just want to just put in play that if it does go through or you do put put that initiative through that you just take in consideration some sort of uh enforcement uh for that particular >> um idea because we don't have anything on the books right now for like uh um
parking that was uh between the two spots that you would that you would designate. Um, so if we if we do want to if you do wind up going down that road, if we could just help us on our end on the enforcement side to be able to uh address, you know, any concerns that the
resident may say, well, somebody's improperly parked or whatever like that. We don't we don't have anything. >> Yeah. Thank you for that input >> currently to uh cover that. >> Cool. Thanks, Chief. >> Thank you, Chief. Yep. >> Coach, we got your parked stuff delivered.
It's the hair. >> When do you start unpacking? >> TBC. >> I'd like to thank Mayor Signarella 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
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 have currently over 250 recreational members and growing. Recreation department has 26 programs
utilizing 11 locations. Homework hub and afterare we currently have 108 members. We're transporting and chaperoning 94 students daily. After school care has 13 programs, recreational fall sports and activities, elementary, middle school,
and adult volleyball, flag football, cheerleading, off-season basketball, offseason wrestling, and a new youth coding program. We're pleased to report that our department has made the following changes to recreational programming. Half-day programming from
12:30 to 6, back to school night events for members, and parents night out for me for for members. We remain committed to providing the best possible care and program programming. In addition, we believe these changes has afforded our community members the requested ASYC
programming. The ASYC has recently hosted the following meetings: Girl Scout, Cub and Boy Scout, back to school night, dropand go, recreation committee, diversity and inclusion, public affair and community events, CPEG, NJWA,
PTA, fifth grade parent, recreational sports teams, CPR and AED certifications to name a few. That completes our October recreational department update. I'd be happy to answer any questions. >> Any questions? >> Just wanted to say thank you. Uh uh Mr.
Reeri, you're always there like whenever we're trying to do some type of event and and things of that nature, you're always there to the recreation is always there to lend a hand no matter who is asking and who is requesting and I appreciate that and I just wanted to publicly say that. So thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Our pleasure.
>> I also want to personally thank you for your actions multicultural. >> Okay. Great. You're welcome. again. Our pleasure. >> Cool. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Have a good night. Yep. >> Uh, okay. I think that's it. I miss
anybody. >> No, Ruben, you don't actually have to stay, man. We were just kidding around. >> I mean, it'd be nice if you showed some effort and stuck around, but >> I'm just kidding, dude. Go, go, go, go. Huh? >> Go, go, go, go, go, go. Uh, may I have a
motion to accept the report says department has submitted? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> He said, can I quit now? >> Oh, can I quit now? No. We appoint you and we remove it. You can't quit. >> Oh, >> yeah. Don't do what I did.
>> He'll be all right. Uh, Mr. Clerk, please read ordinance number 2829 by title. >> Uh, yes, Mayor. Ordinance 2829 is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing. an ordinance amending chapter 19 section 10 of the code of the Bur Rosal Park entitled public utility poles. >> Uh may I have a motion to open the
public hearing on ordinance number 2829? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Uh all in favor? >> I. Anybody want to come up and speak on this ordinance? >> May I have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2829? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I may have a motion to adopt ordinance number 2829.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Yes, mayor. Um, I just wanted to thank Andrew for helping me with uh trying to work on this ordinance. Uh, this ordinance shows that as municipal government, we do have a say. We do have skin in the game. Uh, I can't believe I
seen that utility pole on a stack of crates in a rope near the train station that's vibrating the ground. Uh, it was just ludicrous to me and it was an emergency. It wasn't time to try to muster up all the troops and and get everyone involved when we just needed to
take action. And so I thank Andrew for his swift action as well. So, uh, this is, uh, this is going to strengthen that that ordinance and the fines. Um, and and now we just need executive government to enforce them. >> Uh, any further discussion?
>> Great work, Councilman. >> Okay. Please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski, yes. >> Councilman Johnson, >> yes. >> Councilman Sigurella, >> yes. >> Councilman Roina, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Lions, >> yes. Yes. Councilman Patel. >> Yes. >> Six oive. Mayor, the ordinance is adopted. >> Uh, please read ordinance number 2830 by title.
>> Yes. Mayor Ordinance 2830 is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing. An ordinance amending chapter 2 section 9 subsection 8 of the code of the Bur Roell Park entitled Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. >> May I have a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance number 2830? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. They like to come up and speak on
this ordinance. >> I'm seeing no one. May I have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2830? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Have a motion to adopt ordinance reserve 2830. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski. Yes. Councilman
Johnson. Yes. >> Councilman Signarella. Yes. >> Councilman Robbina. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Lions. Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> Yes. >> Six votes in the votes in the affirmative. Mayor. The ordinance is adopted. >> Please read ordinance number 2831 by title. >> Yes, mayor. Ordinance 2831 is an ordinance amending ordinance number 2824
fixing the salary ranges of non-union employees and officials of the Bur Rosal Park in the county of Union state of New Jersey. May I have a motion to open the public hearing on orders number 2831? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I would like to come up and speak on this ordinance.
I'm seeing no one. May I have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2831? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I have >> a motion to adopt ordinance number 2831. >> So moved. Second. >> Is there any discussion? Please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski. >> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson. Yes. Councilman Signarella? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Robina? Yes. Counciloman Lions? Yes. >> Councilman Pat Fatel? Yes. The affirmative. Mayor, the ordinance is adopted. Please read ordinance number 2832 by title. >> Yes, Mayor. Ordinance 2832. Sorry. Is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing. An ordinance amending chapter 2 section 31 of the
code of the burros park to be in the community center. >> Uh may I have a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance number 2832? >> So move. >> Second. >> Uh all in favor? I I >> would like to come up and speak on this ordinance. >> I'm seeing no one. May I have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance
number 2832? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 2832. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski. Yes. >> Councilman Johnson. Yes. Councilman Signarella. Yes. >> Councilman Robin. Yes. Councilwoman Lions.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> Yes. Six o mayor. The ordinance is adopted. >> Please read ordinance number 2833 by title. >> M. Mayor. Ordinance 20833 is an ordinance adopting the 510 Chestnut Street redevelopment plan pursuant to the local redevelopment housing law NJSA48 12A-1 at SEC. >> Uh may I have a motion to open the
public hearing on ordinance number 2833. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I would like to come up and speak on this ordinance. >> George Ramirez 500 East Clay. Uh so as far as it as far as this ordinance here uh what's her name? Lindsay.
>> Uh Lindsay the planner. Yep. >> Yeah. So during one of the meetings here uh she had said that the reason that this building qualified as being in need of redevelopment is because of the uh that there's no handicap ramp to the building. also that
the sewer system is more than 50 years old and that the lines in the parking lot were faded and there were a couple of potholes in the parking lot. Uh I just want to know if that's still your stance on that.
>> Um so I think you're referencing the area need of uh study that we did which has already been adopted. Um this what we're voting on they're voting on this evening is the redevelopment plan. >> Yeah. So this is part of the whole redevelopment. Would that be a pertinent question as part of this ordinance
adoption? >> I mean, it predates it. Yeah. I mean, that >> that's still part of the re the whole plan. It's all in here, right? >> No, it's that's the history. So, that resolution that adopted that area need
was done probably a year, two years ago. >> A little bit less than a year, but a year, >> but but it's it's passed and done. >> So, yes, you could ask questions pertinent to this plan. to this plan right here. >> Yes. >> So, the redevelopment plan basically.
So, this was approved as being an area of redevelopment because there's no handicap ramp, the lines are faded, and the sewer is more than 50 years old. >> Once again, that pertains to the study. >> Is that correct? >> Well, that pertains to the study that
qualified it for redevelopment. Not what's on the agenda tonight. Well, I just want to make it put on the record that there is a handicap ramp in the back of the building. Okay. >> According to the expert, there was no ramp. >> Noted. >> All right. Uh also,
uh so basically this property is owned by the board of education. >> Yes. >> And under NJSA18A-20-4.2, Two, any sale of BOE property must go through public bidding and receive approval from the Commissioner of Education. So, why has this transaction
not been put out to public bid as both state and law and board bylaws require? >> Um, we've gone through this a number of times, George, but I'm happy to repeat it. This is not a transaction. There is no transaction happening tonight at all. There's no exchange of lands. This is
setting the parameters of what could be built >> right >> in that area. >> Let me ask you a simple question. What's the positive from this project? How is this going to help out the residents of Rosal Park? >> Uh >> or the students of Rosal Park, I should say. >> Compliance with uh affordable housing
mandates would be one >> that's got nothing to do with the board of education. >> You said the first question was how is it a positive >> park? clients to the housing laws which we have 10 years to support. >> Well, thanks for teeing me up for that, George, because I was going to make this announcement tonight, but I'll I'll
frontr run it. Um, so, uh, one of the, uh, things that council has been advocating for, Councilman Johnson, in particular, I give him a shout out, uh, has been giving pilot money to the board of education. Um, they have not been part and parcel of any of the pilots beforehand. Um, one of the things that
council has been discussing in discussions with the board of ed, the board of ed actually put in a hard ask. um and they were hard negotiators. Uh if there is a project to be done here, I guess I can talk a little bit about this because it's part of a rant plan and potential agreement. Uh we would give 80% of the pilot monies to the board of
education which would be could be5 to $7 million depending on how the pilot's structured, right? Like it's not a insignificant sum of money. Um but yeah, I mean, >> so $5 million what over 30 years? >> Depends on how the pilot's structured. So, how do you know if it's 5 to7
million if you don't know how long it's for? >> Because I'm basing it off the Hunter property, which is a similar size. >> What do you think the pilot money is going to equate to per year? >> I don't know. >> It's a guess. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Well, basically each student as per the
board of education, the average student for Roso Park costs about $22,500. If you go by what the other apartments are rented at, it's basically 20% of the population or the residents from these apartments. >> Okay.
>> Are attending schools. So if you take 20% >> where where did you get the 20% figure >> from actually the Neglia not from Neglia from Meridia from my place all of those >> support? Yeah. >> Okay. So there's
>> about 20% of the residents so far, >> 80 students. I don't understand how the maths there, but Okay. >> No, there's been more this year that have gone up. >> Got it. Okay. >> Okay. Great. >> So it's about 20%. So that comes out to about 10 students into the school system from this 50 apartments.
>> Okay. >> So at a 22,500 each, that's what 2 point or 225,000 per year. Do you think the school is going to get
more than 225,000 per year for from the uh pilot? >> There's there's two pieces to that and I'll defer to my burough attorney for just explaining this one more time, but that's not how the calculation works for the board of education, but Joe, please
feel free. >> So, I think you keep confusing an issue. I'm confused. So, and I apologize. The property is owned by the board of vet. >> Correct. >> So the only person who can sell that property is the board of vet. >> Okay. >> And as you said by statute, they have to
go through a process. >> Correct. >> Okay. So whether or not it is in the best interest to sell that property and allow a development is in the control of the board of ed. They'll make that decision. So the
question you just asked was, does this benefit the school? How does this benefit the students? What is the benefit to the school? Those are all questions that will be answered and need to be answered by the board of ed if and when they decide to make that decision.
All we're doing here is saying here's a piece of property. If that's the decision you want to make, this is what could be built there. That's it. That's it. >> Okay. Here's the developer for the property.
Correct. Here's a conditional developer that you, the board of ed, can go negotiate with that you can go do whatever you need to do and make your decision and if they don't like it after 180 days because it's a conditional
redevelopment, that condition is not met and nothing happens. >> You don't think that's an overreach of uh the municipality and the board of ed? How come the board of edit isn't doing all of this? Why are we why are you guys >> zoning laws? Zoning laws are the purview
of the responsibility of the municipality. >> Zoning. But development call >> which is zoning is development. >> Naming a developer is part of zoning. >> Yes. That is where the you cite statutes all the time. That's where the statutes put it. But who gets to sell that
property? >> Okay. >> Is who. >> One last question. >> Who gets to sell the property? Who makes the There you go. Thank you. I just need to just say it once. Okay, no problem. Uh, is 441-443 East Westfield part of this?
>> Not relevant to this. >> Okay. >> All right. That's all I had. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else wish and speak? Yep. >> Name and address, sir. >> Mark Fernandez, 114 Loca Street. Hi. Um,
so as a member of the board of ed, um, also a taxpayer, a parent, um, I could tell you that the board of ed is doing their due diligence in everything we need to do for this town, for the students, and for the overall community
to make Rosel Park better. We have a property that is in desperate need of repair, and we need to know how we can fix it. So, we have to plan and that's all we have right now is a plan. That plan, whether we sell the property or
not sell the property is a plan and we have to have it in place. So, if there's any information that folks want, they can come to a schoolboard meeting. If they have any questions, they can email the superintendent. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mark.
Anybody else? Okay. Uh, may I have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2833? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Uh, may I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 2833? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Is there any discussion? >> Andrew, please call the role. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Sorry. Councilman Kroski, yes. Councilman Johnson, >> no. >> Councilman Signarella, >> yes. >> Councilman Robina, >> yes. Councilwoman Lions, >> no.
>> Council Patel, >> no. >> Mayor Sigllo, >> yes. >> Four votes in the affirmative, three in the negative. The ordinance is adopted. Had to dust off the cobwebs there. Uh, okay. Uh, may uh there are no ordinances for
introduction this evening. All matters listed within 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 30425 is authorizing an efficiency public parking markings pilot program. Resolution 30825 is affirming the appointment of
community grants planning and housing LLC as 2025 administrative agent for affordable housing programs. Resolution 30925 is approving the time due calculation in terms of final payment for Paul Gallagher. Resolution 31025 is approving the time due calculation in terms of final payment for Joshua Rean.
Resolution 31125 is approving the time due calculation in terms of final payment for Robert Morasco. Resolution 3125 is accepting the resignation of Jerry Campos from the Rosal Park Fire Department. Resolution 31325 is authorizing the tax collector to issue a pro-rated refund of 3rd and fourth
quarter 2025 property taxes for 421 Cherry Street, block 807, lot 3 in the amount of $5,217.64 cents pursuant to 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption. Resolution 31425 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 Parks 2025 Italian Festival. And resolution 31525s is designating a conditional redeveloper for the property identified as block 504 lot 6 of the municipal tax map commonly
known as 510 Chestnut Street along with all pertinent streets and rights of way and authorizing the execution of an interim cost agreement with respect there too. >> Uh what are we pulling? >> 304 315. >> Yep.
Uh okay. Anything else? May I have a motion to approve the resolutions remaining on the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> May I have a motion to adopt 304-25? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Yeah, mayor, if I may. Um, after lengthy
uh conversations with uh my colleague uh Robin and a couple other individuals, I just feel like it's best for us to vote this down to a no. And then what we'll probably do is just have a survey follow up later on with the public safety committee in that process and step in
fashion. So I just want to vote this down to a no. >> Okay. Uh maybe I won't have to vote on this one. >> Uh okay. Call the RO. >> Councilman Petroski? >> No. >> Councilman Johnson? >> No. >> Councilman Scarella? >> No. >> Councilman Robin? >> No.
>> Counciloman Lions? >> No. >> Councilman Patel? >> No. >> Six in the negative. The resolution is defeated. May I have a motion to adopt 315-25? >> So moved. >> Second. Is there any discussion? >> Um I have uh just uh designated condition to vote. No, you're good.
>> Okay. Please call the role. Councilman Petroski. >> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson, >> no. >> Councilman Sigurella, >> yes. >> Councilman Robin, >> yes. >> Councilman Lions, >> no. >> Councilman Patel, >> no. >> Mayor Sigurella, >> yes. Four votes affirmative, three in the negative. The resolution is adopted.
>> Okay. Uh reports of burough council/ committees. We will start off with Councilman Signarelloo. >> I just have a short report tonight about the leaves are starting to come down. Just folks, you can't rake the leaves
into the street to the gutter on state, excuse me, the state, county, or municipal roads. You got to put them in a um a bag or bucket for um um when they pick them up on whatever
the part of town you're on Wednesday or Thursday. Do not go into the go what? >> Thursday or Friday. >> Thursday, Friday. Thank you. So, I see a couple people starting. Please don't rake them into the street. Okay. Uh that's County Road and the municipal
road. And if you live on the state road uh which is Route 28. Other than that um and in my report you need to get a hold of me uh Jay Signarella Rosa Park.net. Thank you. >> Cool. Councilman Johnson. >> Yes, Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. Good
evening, Mayor, residents, fellow colleagues. I would like to begin by sincerely thanking everyone who participated in and sponsored our very first multiculture and heritage music festival. Your support made this milestone event possible and together we
showcase the diversity, culture and unity that makes Rosell Park such a special community. As part of the celebration, I was honored to recognize two outstanding residents with our inaugural cultural ambassador award. This award is given to
residents who volunteer their time and talent on committees and nonprofit organizations that promote culture, heritage, and unity within our local community. This year's recipients were Shaina
O'Keeffe and Chrissy May. Shaina was is a longtime uh member of the diversity and inclusion committee and its chair, current chair for the past two years. Some people still think it's Chris. It's been Sheam. Her leadership and dedication here has been instrumental in
advancing cultural awareness and inclusion throughout the burrow. She also if if it wasn't for the O'Keefe family, we wouldn't even have the logo that we have today. And so she she participates in many other uh committees, but uh this was the one that uh stood out the most.
um for Chrissy who has worked tirelessly to promote culture through the annual arts festival and showing that arts uh continues to be the bridge that connects residents across backgrounds and traditions. Uh those diverse displays up
and down Chestnut annually every year is just remarkable and second to none. So, uh, both of these individuals embodied the spirit of culture, service, and community pride, and it was a privilege to honor them, um, and their
contributions. I just want to take a second to do a moment of silence for our neighbors, uh, the kids, uh, that got hit by a vehicle driving the e motorcycles or bikes,
excuse me, bikes. I just wanted to let them know this resonates deeply with me. Ever since I began to run for office, the first uh incident that I encountered when someone uh got mauled over by Dalton and hence
uh why Jay and I and the rest of the burrow council have been working hard up and down Route 28. You're going to see a lot of more crosswalks being implemented throughout and stop lights if if possible. Uh so that's coming the next
couple of years. So looking forward to that. At our September 24th public safety committee meeting, um we had one on the 24th, we reached a consensus on one important step forward directing the business administrator to draft standard
op operating procedures SOPs for promoting from sergeant to lieutenant. This is progress because for too long the burrow has operated without clear policies in this area and the lack of structure has contributed to grievances and mistrust.
Where we could not reach a consensus was on how to resolve the grievance filed by um a sergeant regarding the promotional process. In my view, this matter could and should be resolved here at the committee um and uh council level. The
burrow has the opportunity to resolve grievances at the lowest level possible, but for too many uh long many for excuse me, but for too many uh committees uh have allowed these matters to move forward into the process letting
attorneys rack up uh rather than uh practicing true mitigation. um us as uh council there are uh steps and stage two that stage isn't just to listen to the grievance and pass it on.
It's also for us to have opportunity to mitigate it at the lowest level possible. Uh I would like for mayor and council to start doing those type of things. Let's this is what the people voted us into office. uh it's just easy to pass it to the attorney and just
allow them to rack up uh costs. But without uh resolution, this case may now proceed towards arbitration. I want the public to understand what that means. It it takes the matter out the borrow's hands. It places it in the legal system. It racks up additional attorney fees. Like I said, that's not covered by
insurance. Let's get that clear. uh our labor attorneys are 0 for five since I've been up here and a little bit before me in these type of cases and each time the taxpayer is the one who fits the bill. That's why I will continue to push to resolve matters
fairly openly right here on the burough level before they become a burden on uh residents. Um I can't uh express or stress the importance of of that. Uh feel like that's our duty when we get sworn into office.
Um, again, your voice matters. I'm here to serve the community. If you need to get in contact with me for any other matter, please email me at gson roseelpark.net or 9083031519. And mayor, that concludes my report. >> Thank you. Uh, Councilman Petroski.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, first of all, I want to send my condolences out to Maria McGrath's family, uh, Marie Chromis, uh, uh, who, uh, was very, um, involved with the Casano Center and, uh, she was 98
years old. Um, and also, uh, Linda Seagga Graham, who, uh, was a 1983 graduate of Roosevelt Park High School. Okay. Uh September 20th, I attended the October Fest. On the 27th, I attended
the Multicultural and Heritage Music Festival. And uh if you need to contact me, you get me at J Petroski rose park.net 9086667821. And that's where I report. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman,
>> good evening, Mayor and Council. Um I just want to share this quote. It says, "In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it." Maryanne Williamson
said that. And Ketta Scott King said, "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." um just saying, you know, having a hurting uh community and and being so close in Union County and all these
things that are happening in the world. Um our heart our our hearts are hurting, but at the same time, compassion is also there. And if we can tap into that and reach out to neighbors, like I said to Adulo, and I meant it from my heart as
you were standing there, um being a picture of love thy neighbor is a really good thing. um and and putting actions out there. So, I just encourage everybody um and I send forth um really heartfelt prayers to um the kids
families in uh Cranford and also in Scotch Plains. Uh just tragic events and uh we definitely are praying for you and thinking of you. Um so, just in Rosal Park, I just want to say there's so many uh things that are happening and events.
Um just a uh a quick note that the planters are actually going to be getting some fall flowers, right Andrew? >> Yeah. Next week. >> Next week. Um so that has been uh just a really beautiful addition to the downtown. Um and I appreciate that and
that's going to be coming. Um, we also um just I I like I was writing this down in mayor. I give credit uh to where credit is due and in the last three years I've seen so many great things and especially in the downtown and dowlings and the gym and the coffee shop. Those
are things we have to acknowledge like the sidewalks and the planters. Every little thing that we're doing is just always making it better and that's what it's about. And I I definitely uh hear what Mark Fernandez said and that's what it's all about. we all have a piece of the puzzle and working together and
making that happen. Um I just want to announce uh definitely for the weekend this weekend on Saturday the uh festival of India is happening October 4th if that if I'm not mistaken. Uh yes. Um and uh I I can't wait. It's such a beautiful
event. And if you can make it, it's at the high school starting at 5:00 pm. And then October 18 18th is the Italian Heritage Festival. Please come. We have canoli that we're going to be handing out and also a canoli eating contest. >> I'm not participating this year. And and
also >> I gota get a list. >> We have like a medic on hand just in case because the pretzel eating contest got a little >> Were you there? >> No, I was not. I was away. >> We had we had a guy like almost choke on a pretzel. Like it was it was bad.
>> God forbid. Please. Yes. All right. We're going to be alert. Have a no canoli emergency. Okay. Um, but we're going to have pizza. We're going to have great entertainment. Come dance with us. It's It's going to be fun. Um, and uh, just to reiterate what uh, Rupen said,
the food pantry is in need. So, I'm going to try to put a flyer together, maybe some uh, places that we can collect. So, if you can just remember uh, some individuals in Rosal Park and really if we can bring that out. But my last note, I just want to thank the
residents. I've been walking. Uh, obviously I'm going to be running in November again. I just want to thank the residents, everybody that I've talked to, everyone that I'm getting a list, and I apologize, Andrew. I'm sending it to you. I don't know if I should be sending it to Ruben. Um, >> Oh, yeah, definitely.
>> But, yes. Okay. >> No, send it to me. >> Okay. But, um, we're just getting things done and it's just beautiful and to really feel the support and thank you for the calls and also my mom has been telling me people are reaching out to her, too. So, I love you guys and I
thank you and I look forward to more and and just listen, call me if you need me 9087268773 and our Lions at roselpark.net. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilman Patel. >> Good evening. Over the past week, I have
pleasure of attending the Rosal Park Multiculture and Heritage Music Festival organized by Councilman Johnson. It was a wonderful event where we enjoy music from diverse culture around the world. The environmental commission is planning its next repair cafe on Sunday, November
9th at the Casano Center. Residents can bring items such as jewelry, computers, small electronics to be repaired. If you'd like to volunteer, please reach out via email at environmental commission atroark.net or follow the commission on Facebook or
Instagram. This Saturday, November 4th, we have the 10th annual Festival of India Navarati, also Garba starting at 5:00 PM at Rosa Park High School. Lastly, if you need to get in touch with me, please email me at kpatella roselopark.net. Thank you. That's it.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Uh, Councilman Robin. >> Thank you, mayor. Good evening, Mayor, colleagues, and good evening, Rose Park. On September 25th, I attended the easy ride recognition event at Galping Hill Golf Course. This annual program honors schools, municipalities, and businesses that demonstrate an exceptional
commitment to advancing mobility, safety, and sustainability in our communities. I'm proud to share that the Burough Reso Park was recognized as a silver award recipient, and both Robert Gordon School and the middle school also earned silver and gold distinctions. These awards highlight the work we've
we're doing to create safer streets, promote walking and biking, and to build healthier, more connected communities. And more is on the way. On September 27th, I had attended the multicultural and heritage festival. Big thank you to Al Waloff, Raphael Samus, Councilman
Johnson for organizing the talent and vendors, to Rupen for his support, the diversity inclusion committee, and to our DPW team who worked hard setting up, adding chairs and tables as needed, and keeping the space, the event space clean throughout the day. I had residents approached me to compliment their efforts, and I'm grateful for everyone
who helped make this day such a success. The following day, my family and I traveled to Bhuton to visit the railroad museum event where Rosel Park history was on full display with the Railway Valley Railroad engines 16 and 17. >> Oh, that's where that was from. Okay. >> It was a great opportunity to connect
with our past and appreciate the role Rosel Park played in New Jerseys rail history. Closer to home, road work is underway on Laurel Avenue and repairs at Aldine Park are moving forward. Now, as election season approaches, I
want to remind everyone that while passions may run high and misinformation often spreads quickly, it's important to do your research, ask questions, and most of all, remain civil. Our community is strongest when we treat each other with respect, even when we disagree.
Finally, as the council leas to clean communities, I'd like to invite all residents to join us for the burrowwide cleanup on Saturday, October 25th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. We'll be meeting at the Casano Center before heading out to different areas of town. This is a volunteer-driven event, just neighbors
helping neighbors. For more information, residents can contact Dec. The Cosmo at roselpark.net. That concludes my report. As always, I can be reached at 862-2360019 jabin rose parknet. Thank you and have a good evening. >> And Jay, thank you for introducing Allan
uh for uh the multicultural. I appreciate you. >> No problem, man. >> Cool. Uh, thank you guys. Um, I don't have a much of a report, but I I'm going to talk about this board of ed stuff one more time just because I think it it
bears repeating and and going through the the full history of all this. Um, so last year, uh, we had a really fun year of total common peace. I'm just kidding. It was a nightmare year of uh marijuana
and class 5 uh shops opening up in Rosal Park. Um of the three that were proposed, two of them passed. Um and the community spoke out against one specific location. Candidly, I was super surprised that that was the most controversial location, but it is what
it is. Um the land use board passed it and the land use board uh knocked it down. Um and uh and then we actually which we probably should have done from the beginning, but you live and you learn. Um we went from three licenses to
two by the council. So there's only going to be a maximum of two ever in Rosal Park, potentially less. Um one of the things that I heard loud and clear from the people, the residents of the area, was why don't you do something nice there, right? Why don't you do
something that's positive? Um so one of the potential proposals that came up as a part of this as this very complicated deal that we all worked through which again is ultimately in the hands of the board would be a potential person um
taking that property rehabbing it beautifying it making a new office space for the board of education and then the board of education would take that board of education property would be developed right helps board of education go into a nice new property um helps us meet our
redevelopment requirements. Whether you like redevelopment or not, we have to do it. Sorry guys, we have a mandate. Um, what we did tonight and what we've continued done is setting the table for that. Whether the board of ed wants to act on that or not, it's totally up to
them. I I cannot stress that enough. We cannot compel them to do that. The only way that you could potentially compel some kind of property changing hands are happening is if we condemn something, which we did not condemn tonight, nor any part of this did we ever condemn it. Um, but we did set the parameters of
what could be built there, which is the table stakes. You need to have a negotiation to figure out what the building's worth. Um, none of this has been hidden. We've literally talked about it in plain sight, right? So any idea that there's some kind of like conspiracy theory like
okay I we've this is the worst hidden conspiracy theory known to man because literally I've explained this throughout the whole process but whatever again it's the board of ed's decision. The other thing I want to mention because there's been a lot of misinformation specifically around this is the idea
that the board of ed has been you know not aware of this or people have been left out. I was invited to a board of ed meeting to discuss the potential of all this and talk people through how this would work. Magically half of the board
was sick that day. Uh so I I don't know uh you know I don't know if it was protest or everybody just got COVID that time around but feels like some people didn't want to be involved in the process but but that's okay right and and the other piece of misinformation that I really want to I want to mention
is this is not new. I am 37 years old. I grew up in this town. This has been discussed for years. And I actually I wanted to make sure that I could say this and I'm going to say it on the record because I think it's really important. This predates any mayor and council here and any board of ed here
and and there's been continuity with the board of ed that has been talking about this once again. Spoke to Lauren Harms, board of ed member for a long time on the land use board. Rosal Park guy. Talked to him last week. I said, "Loren, can I talk about this?" He said, "Absolutely." The board of ed has been
talking with mayor and counsel and mayor and counsel before me about doing something at this property well before this mayor and counsel. So the idea that this is some kind of like mayor signarella contrivance that like came out of thin air is just utter nonsense.
This has been all super transparent all throughout public opinion. There's been a couple people that come out. We've had a lot of meetings where nobody's come out and nobody's objectified it. If we want to make a mountain out of molehill here, we're it's fine. It's okay. But
the facts remain. Nothing is getting done unless the board of ed wants to get it done. Period. End of sentence. It's up to them. It's their building. It's all I have to say on the matter. Um, any questions from Oh, on a happy
note, trees are getting planted in October. >> 75 of them. >> Nice. >> I'm very excited about that. Most of them have been requested those locations. If you did not request it, sorry. It's the burrows right away. And there are some areas that need some
trees. So, you might get a surprise tree, but most of the trees have been requested. A couple ones to particularly look out along county roads. Um, they're going to plant a couple. So, East Lincoln and Chestnut, uh, replacing some of the ones that have fell. Yeah, this there's stumps now. They'll want them gone and at least trust
>> Galipa Hill. >> Galping. No, no, Galping Hill doesn't want their trees. They're already talking about the stumps that need to go. >> Oh, the stumps do need to go. Yeah, 100%. Um, but they are the tree service is going to be out and planting some some seedlings on the county uh roads. Um, and yeah. Um, I think that's it.
That's all I have. Uh, oh, donate candy to the Cassano Center. Um, Bender Avenue gets whacked with candy. There's a candy drive there. If you want to help them out, they're going to take candy at the Cassano Center. I'm going to donate a couple bags. It's my favorite holiday. Uh,
>> I don't know why you hate Halloween so much, man. >> I'm I'm glad. Yeah, good riddens. Okay. Uh, Mayor Secret Rosal Park.net if you have any questions. That concludes my report. Um, >> what's next on my prompt? Oh, may I have
a motion to open the public portion on any subject matter? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? Uh, if you'd like to come up and speak, you may do so now. Uh, okay. Was he following? >> Yes. >> Hello. Uh, Constance Matella 432 Walnut.
Uh, first of all, for the food pantry, if you guys reach out to the student councils for all the schools, they do an awesome job of collecting food and they love doing it. It's something they can add. So, >> awesome. >> I would reach out or ask Ruben. Rupin, I'm sorry. Um, secondly, so, uh, just
going back when George was up here, you had mentioned if the board of ed were to sell the building that they would get 80% of the pilot money that went >> just a little confusing. I'm sure you guys can agree because when you guys were doing voting on the pilot money for
the previous apartments. >> Yep. >> Um, I believe everyone but K, John, and Greg voted no. I got you, Greg. You're good. >> Yeah. >> Voted a hard no to that. So what's the difference? Why would is the council going to agree to give that why would
they give that money now when they do it for others? >> Well, what I what I state at the time and is still my con conviction going forward is um I agree I think there should have been better planning in prior >> developments in consideration here.
Right. And just to recap of the big ones, right? Um Oh, there's a time limit. Do you have any other questions? I don't want to take up more of your time. Oh, no. Keep going. Okay, cool. Um, so, so Meridi won again, like I really I I know I just come shocking responsibility literally predates me, right? We can all agree on that.
Ramaraski 2009 predates me. Nothing we could do about that. Uh, the H the second Meridia that does have I finished the swing on that and Hunter, so I'll take responsibility for those. Um, I think the problem with that ordinance that I had philosophically was the the
CFO and our financial planning as we went through those pilot monies were already baked into our future plan, right? And and and in all, you know, >> poor financial planning on your part. >> No, that's very very poor mischaracterization of it. >> I
there's there's just to be clear, right, and I know it's been a little bit rougher, but you know, the burrow hasn't seen an increase in state aid in like 15 some years, right? the board of ed, right? So, while we haven't gotten state aid, we have counted on that pilot money to help offset a lot of the costs, right? Like recycling costs have
doubled, waste disposal has gone crazy up, the pilot money has helped to offset that, right? >> What I did say at the time and what I'm saying now is all future pilots will have the board of ed will have some exposure to. Right now, this particular one, >> does that stand even if the board of ed
building does not get sold? >> Yes. Yes. So your promise on is 80%. >> No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. It's it's a percentage of the ones going forward. The reason why I think it's so important to give the board of ed such a large share of this is because it's
literally your property, right? So I think you guys should be the biggest benefactor now >> if it's sold. >> If it's 100% if it's sold. Um just to be clear. Uh and the last thing I want to say is the other issue I had so with that ordinance at the time was retroactively it's tough to and
especially again no shade to either of these gentlemen here who were in favor of it. It was also after our budget season this year right? You know you have a budget season you have it in the board of ed too. Um we can at least plan in the future if we say hey we're going to give 10% here 20% here 25% there. We
can at least plan for that going forward. So, you have a commitment from the mayor and council to give you guys a piece of those going forward, but retroactively I just was not in favor of. >> Can I say something, ma'am? >> Yeah, please. >> And I just want to reiterate, um, back then there was no discussion and there
was more of it was more of like, hey, we should talk about it. Let's get this on the table. Not like, and it was definitely more of yes, let's go forward with it and plan. So, of course, and I just want to say on the record, the reason I'm saying no, because I feel for
for the board of ed, I do hear people that are in the community in that ward in my ward and the third ward that are saying they don't want to do that. So, I'm I'm back and forth, but I am totally for the pilot money and being able to have it kicked back to the board of ed.
That's >> if you guys would guess if you Yeah. If that happens, I just want to make that clear to you. But the reason that maybe two people did it and maybe we didn't is because we had to discuss it and that was and doing things like that there's
not it's not gonna happen. So it was not against the actual um plan and and and the pilot. It was more of back here and behind the curtain. And I I just want to say that I'm Dorothy. Okay. I see what's behind
the curtain and I I know so and I don't have a problem exposing it. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Anybody else want to come up and speak? >> Yes. Hey, Mark Fernandez, 114 Locus. Um, so yes, you know, the school board for
most residents understand that the bulk 55% of your taxes go to our schools. Um, we have not received pilot money, tax money, and we are not a business, right? We don't generate revenue. Pilot money,
whether it's $1, a million dollars that's coming not from the state, from any resource that we have, is good for students and good for the town. That's that's what it is, right? So, we have to plan. Yep.
>> Again, right? our our schools, three of our schools are 100 years old. >> Yep. >> Right. Um there's other plans that we might have, you know, but you know, in order to improve our schools, regardless
of what's happening, these are the things we have to think about. And I could tell you the majority of new students in our schools are from houses that have been sold in Rosup Park. Yep. >> Thank you. Uh I was about to call you Councilman. Uh
board of ed board of ed uh board of ed member. Yeah. Wow. Geez. >> Meow. >> Pride comes before the fall, my friends. Pride. Pride comes before the fall. >> Brutal. >> Um it's like a mayor sigb burn right there.
I don't I don't know about that. Putting time out, councilman. Um, >> so, um, yeah, I want to say I think the other thing that's been really good about this board holistically, right, is I think you guys finally are starting to look forward. Uh, we're part of the plan. Councilman Signarelloo and Johnson
are are part of that committee, which I think is great. >> 2035 >> 20 Thank you. 2035. Um, and I think that's great engagement. And, and look, it goes back to you. I I I I get I'm going to comment in the board as a member of the public, but
what I will say is I think it's pretty self-evident as a board member Fernandez stated, we have hundred-year-old buildings, right? Um we have walls that don't get Wi-Fi through them. We have Sherman School. I remember vividly it
felt like a sauna back then. It feels like a sauna today when you go to read what you guys just upgraded the AC though, though, right? Something like that. Oh, really? Okay, nice. You got like an ice box in there. Okay, good. It was pretty sweaty before, but my point is they need upgrading. And the other thing is also, which I think is a great
thing that you guys did was doing rolling out prek. The reality is you guys have run out of space because of preK too, right? Like it's a reality. There's I'm not throwing pointing fingers at anybody. It's just you have more kids because of prek. You run out of space. There's planning that needs to
happen there. So, I think um there's facilities planning that you guys are in the process of. That's good work and I think you guys actually just were interviewing architects for for just this which is commendable. So um you know this could be part of the strategy
or it cannot be up to you guys. Uh anybody else want to come speak George? >> Yeah this >> so a couple things. >> Yep. Uh you got >> George Ramirez 500 East Clay. >> Yep. The current property that the board
of ed sits on now >> Yep. >> is huge. Every time I drive by there, there's buses parked there. There's a ton of cars packed parked there. That's a property that if needed be, you can expand on it. >> Yep. >> If you need to build a whole new
building or an whole extension to the existing building, you can do that. >> Yep. >> If 441443 Westfield A is an option, >> Yep. >> you're limited to what you can do. You're limited to parking spots >> and in the bylaws, I don't know if you
know this, but you need if you plan on putting uh classes in there for students for prek or whatever, you had mentioned that once. >> Yep. >> That you could put three extra classes, whatever. >> Theoretically, y >> you have to put a playground. >> Yep. >> Outside. >> Yep.
>> Westfield Avenue is not a place to put a playground on. >> Sure. Um what So, sorry. Do you have anything else? And also, I mean, you've got a lot of conflict of interest laws that you would be violating if you went forward with that
property. >> Okay. >> Uh, which, you know, >> I'll leave it up to their lawyers. >> Yeah, definitely. And also, I mean, so with the proposed or the possibility of this proposed building, you're limited with the building that you have now.
>> Yep. You have grants, you have a lot of different avenues you can go with a bigger piece of land. >> Okay. >> And that's all I have to say. >> Actually, just real quick, if you want to stick around. So, what what else would you I'm I'm genuinely curious. Right. So, if you were to take that piece of property, would you say you'd
like what would you expand and and do with it? >> The board of ed building now 510 >> that building. Yeah. >> If it was just to stay there and stay in board control, let's just say you were magically board, >> put another extension to it >> for for office or for office, for classes, whatever you could do. You can
choose whatever you want to do and you would still have enough parking, enough space for parking >> and do whatever you need to do just like we >> renovated Sherman with new HVAC and everything. Y >> you can do that with the current building. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> Did you ever go into the board of ed
building? >> I haven't been inside. >> You've never been inside? >> No. >> Okay. Because if you go inside, you wouldn't want to actually extend anything from that. But it's very old and it's like it's very steep stairs.
Like there's a lot to it that >> Okay. Well, one thing that I do is I buy houses. I renovate them. >> Yep. >> And then resell them. And you could always knock down walls, put new stairs, put new HVAC, new electrical, new everything.
>> Okay. One thing that you cannot do is get new land. Like they say, God isn't making more land. So if you have the land, if you have that capability to expand on it at a future date, it's better to be than painting yourself in a
corner with the proposed property. >> Okay. >> You're not going to have that possibility with the way that the proposed property >> schools the schools. Yeah. We don't we don't have the ability to do it. Just to be clear, >> mayor, one second. >> I'm saying in general. >> Yeah. Yeah. Got it. >> Whoever has it isn't doesn't have that
possibility to expand on that proposed >> new building. >> I got your point. >> On the 510 chestnut, you have more than enough space to do whatever you want there. And there's state funding, there's federal funding, there's a lot
of different avenues that I think haven't been explored. >> Well, the board of ed will explore it. Yeah, correct. >> Yes, >> I know. But I'm just saying like >> So, >> so I just real quick, you got to go in
the building. Okay, that building is from the 1890s. And I will I will spend all my time and effort if we ever put a penny in there to put an addition on. You got to you got to you got to do something different than you're you're
telling people here to do something. You're misforming the people, the the community. That place is old. >> It's it's it's old. It has to come down. >> Yeah, it doesn't. >> You're just there's no there's no back and forth. >> So, here's my closing word. There's no back and forth here.
>> My closing word is conditional. Read it. Understand it. Conditional. Are you going to the board of ed meetings and saying the same thank you and have a good night? >> Yes, I am. >> Thanks, Councilman. Thank you, George. Thank you, George. >> Thank you. >> So, my point is >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're out of
time. I I know >> you can fix it. >> Yep. Thank you. >> It's fixable. >> Thank you. >> Y anyone else at all? You can come up. I I I also just want to state for the record though. I And I think what Councilman Sigurella is
saying it I I hear what the public's saying about not wanting to have kids on Westfield Avenue, which is why I think there's been ideas there. But if a swap does happen, I think it should be office buildings. But if you think that Westfield Avenue is a bad idea to have
kids, then I encourage you to go walk to the train station at 6:30 in the morning, between 6:30 in the morning and 8:30 in the morning at that intersection like I do to go to the city, right? Because it's a death trap. As a matter of fact, one thing that I was just talking about beforehand is I'd like to
put a three-way light there. Westfield Avenue is a county highway. Chestnut Street's a or Westfield Avenue is a state highway. Chestn Street is a county highway and that intersection between people going to the train, people going to other schools, it is a death trap.
So, as as strongly and I hear concerns for the students, I George, I I for all uh for all, you know, we can kick rocks like back and forth. I agree with you 100%. But I I feel as passionately as you that that is not a place for kids, period. Uh Adalfo, please.
>> All right. I just want to let everyone know >> Oh, name and address, please, for the record. Adafosmo 531 Spruce Street. Um, on May 20th, 2025, I inquired on that piece of property. I have right here in
my hand a letter from the board of education president. Hello, Mr. D. Cosmo. The board has not taken any formal action to sell the administration office property. It bears noted that the sale of any property owned by the board of education
generally requires advertisement and sale of the highest bidder. The board has not taken any formal action under this position regarding the administration office property and there's no such plans to do so at president. So everybody that's over here
saying something they are not selling it. It is right here. You can see my email. I inquired on this building. All right. They are not selling it. Just to clear everybody's mind. That's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Adolfo. And if they choose to
do in the future, they have the right to. Anybody else? I'm seeing no one. May I have a motion to close the public portion on any subject matter? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? I. >> May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. Second.
>> All in favor? I. Have a good night.