I guess. >> Yeah. >> Good evening. This meeting is being held in accordance uh to with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act. Annual notice of this meeting was published in the Union County Local Source in the Newark Star Ledger. said notice was posted in
the municipal building and a copy is on file with office of the burough clerk. Fire exits are located in the directions I am indicating. Uh if you are alerted for a fire, please move in a calm, orderly manner to the nearest smokefree
exit. Proper notice have been given. The burough clerk is directed to include this statement in the minutes of this meeting. Mr. Clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski >> here. Councilman Johnson, >> present. Councilman Sigurella >> here. >> Councilman Robina >> here. >> Councilman Patel >> here. >> Acting Mayor Lions
>> here. >> All present. Mayor, >> at this time we will have a moment of silence for the Jewish community, Bondi Australia, uh, Brown University, and the Riner family and really America. Mr. Clerk, lead us in the opening prayer
followed by the 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. >> Amen. I >> aliance to the flag of the United States
of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. There are no communications for review this evening. We have one certificate of recognition
this evening. Good evening everybody. Um, tonight we actually have an awesome recognition. Um, she actually contacted me and I got to know her a little bit. Um, and it's just an honor. Um, and also just a way
to be able to uh finish 2025. Um, so our guest of honor tonight, um, she is Union County Teacher of the Year 2025 2026, Governor's Teacher of the Year
2024 2025, Teacher of the Year 2004205, Gifted and Talented K through 8th, RPA grievance chair, and NJHS uh, co-advisor. And on her email, um, I actually love
this because I just I go by this, uh, be the reason someone smiles today. And, uh, I just think this person is just, she's amazing. So, I'll just read a little bit about her. Um, she began her
educational journey, uh, and earned her bachelor's degree in general, uh, science in 1993. She also uh dedicated the last 30 years to the field of education, earning her master's degree in education from Dowling College in
1998. And in 2003, she accepted a position as a language arts teacher in Rosal Park public schools. Um during her 22year tenure at Rosal Park Middle School, she was awarded teacher of the year uh in both 2005 and 2025.
Uh Mrs. Carrie Lynch feels uh that an exceptional educator is one who demonstrates care and respect for their students and forges connections and trusting relationships before academic
instruction even begins. You connect with the kids before anything else. And I admire that. I thought that was awesome. um she is an inspiration to all educators and really wishing to have lifelong
impact to the students. I am so honored tonight and please uh welcome her all of you. Uh her name is Karen Carrie Lynch. [applause] Congratulations.
And can you say some some words? >> Was not expecting this. >> Um, I am actually extremely proud to represent Rosel Park on a state level and to be honored by you all is an honor
and I am very proud to say that I get to teach some of the most amazing people. And as I look around now, I actually see my students who have kids coming through, which is crazy. And it makes me realize like I did make an impact
because they still remember me and they still get excited when they see me as adults. So I just want to say thank you all very much. >> [applause] >> I I just I just want to say um I actually have been in the medical field
for 25 years and I did one year uh with prek and it was the hardest job of my life and I've been working from when I was 14. So I the teachers in Rosal Park are just amazing. Um you all deserve a
raise. Let that happen. Um but it thank you for reaching out. Um we want to celebrate people. You're an amazing woman and just thank you so much and just give it up. Please give it up. Thank you. Let's [applause] take a picture.
Anyone else? >> No, just leave it down there. >> Just leave it there. Yep. Okay. All right. May I have a motion to move out of order for the consideration of resolution number 38125,
38225, and 38325 in succession? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Call the RO. >> Councilman Petroski. >> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson.
>> Moving out. >> This is moving out of order for consideration of three resolutions. >> Yes. I'm sorry. >> Councilman Signarella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Robbina. >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Lions. >> Yes. >> Acting Mayor Lions. >> Mr. Affirmative. The resol I mean the motion is agreed to.
>> Okay. Mr. Clerk, uh, please read resolution number 381-25 by title. >> Yes, mayor. Resolution 38125 is appointing a person to be named as mayor pursuant to NJSA486-11. >> Is there a motion to amend the resolution to include one of the names
submitted by the Rosal Park Democrat Democratic Committee? >> So moved. >> Move. You need a name. >> Okay. Uh, I motion to nominate Joseph Signella Jr. Second it. >> Is there any discussion?
>> Call the role. >> Councilman Petroski? >> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson? >> Yes. >> Councilman Signarella? >> Yes. >> Councilman Rabbina? >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel? >> No. >> Councilwoman Lions? >> Yes. >> Five votes in the affirmative, one in the negative. The resolution is amended
and we need adopting as amended. >> Okay. Uh, is there a motion to adopt the resolution as amended? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Mr. Clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski,
>> yes. >> Councilman Johnson, >> yes. >> Councilman Signarella, >> yes. >> Councilman Robin, >> yes. >> Councilman Patel, >> no. >> Councilwoman Lions, >> yes. >> Five affirmative, one in the negative. The resolution is adopted. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. [applause] I want to focus. [laughter]
No, >> that's all right. still say no. >> Repeat after me. >> No. [laughter] >> Repeat after me. >> Yes. >> I >> I >> Joseph Sigerella Jr. >> Joseph Signarella Jr. do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear
>> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> the governments established
>> in the United States >> the United States >> and in this state >> in this state >> under the authority of the people >> and the authority of the people >> I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of mayor
>> all all the duties of mayor >> of the burough of Rosal Park >> the burough of Rosal Park >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help you God >> so to help me God >> congratulations [applause] [applause] [applause] Hold on. >> I'm gonna I'm gonna say a couple words
now. Sure. So, well, first of all, I'd like to thank my wife for her support and filling this position, my sons, my siblings.
Um, I would like to thank the uh my colleagues on the days here for filling the position of mayor and I I really appreciate this. Excuse me. So, a few quick words here.
Um, Rosa Park is my heart. My great-grandfather chose this community for many reasons. when he immigrated here from Italy. Decades later, my grandfather, my father, and I chose to remain here to raise our families in
Rosal Park because of the close community and a close community feel. Rosa Park is a wonderful place to call home. As mayor, I look forward to leading our town and representing our community to get what we need to build a
strong connection. I'm here to listen to the residents and address your concerns and learn from the community. Um, I'm not a Facebook guy, so please reach out to my burrow contact and information and I promise I will get
back to you in a timely manner. I look forward to working for and with each and every resident of Rosel Park. Thank you. [clears throat] [applause] Right there. >> Right here. Right. Andrew. >> Yep.
[clears throat] >> Mr. Clerk, please read resolution number 382-25 by title. >> Yes, Mayor. Resolution 385. 382-25 is appointing a person to be named as council member at large pursuant to
NJSA4A16-11. >> Is there a motion to amend the resolution to include one of the names submitted by the Rosal Park Democrat Committee? >> I move to amend the resolution to add the name of George Castalanis. >> Is there a second?
>> Second, >> Mr. Uh clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski? >> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson? >> No. >> Councilman Robina? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Lions? >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel? >> No.
>> That is uh three in the negative, two in the affirmative. The res the motion is agreed to. Need a motion to adopt as amended. >> Three. >> So moved. Oh yeah. I I don't run the meeting. >> Is it Yes. There's a motion to adopt the
resolution as amended. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Mr. Clerk, please call the role. >> Councilman Petroski. >> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson. >> Where are we now? >> This is adopting the resolution as amended.
>> Oh yes. >> Councilman Robina. >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> Woman. >> Council. Counciloman Lions. Yes. >> Councilman Patel. >> No. >> I told you guys I would mess it up. [laughter]
>> Uh, four votes in affirmative, one in the negative. The resolution is adopted. Congratulations. [applause] [applause] [applause] >> All right. Yes. [cheering] A, how cute. Hold it up. [laughter]
>> Repeat after me. I, George Castellins, >> I, George Castellins, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith
>> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> to the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially
>> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of Councilman at large >> councilman at large >> of the bur of Rosel Park >> of the burrow of Rosel Park >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. [applause]
>> Congratulations. Mhm. There. Got it. >> I'm going go right back into the regular now. >> No, no, no. Yeah, you're right. You're
right. Yep. Minutes. Um, [clears throat] may I have a motion that the meeting minutes be approved and pending for any corrections? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I have a motion that the bills and
payrolls not be read and pass for payment. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I have a motion to open the public portion on any agenda items only. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I >> I anyone >> Don't be too shy. You close it. >> Oh no. I'm follow I see no one else. I see no one. I may have a motion to close the public portion of the agenda items only.
>> So moves. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Mayor, we uh we skipped something. That's my fault. Um we need to dispense with uh resolution >> uh 38325. It just requires a motion to table as it's not applicable any longer.
>> I make a motion to table 385. >> 38325. >> 38325. We have a motion. >> So moved. Second. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> May I have a motion to accept the reports of departments as submitted? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> Mr. Clerk, please read ordinance 2838 by title.
>> Yes, mayor. Ordinance 2838 is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing. An ordinance amending ordinance number 2836 fixing the salary ranges of non-union employees and officials of Veros Park in the county of Union State of New Jersey. >> I have a motion to open the public
hearing on ordinance number 2838. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? I >> I >> I >> um I have a motion to close the public
hearing on ordinance number 2038. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> Mr. Clark, please read ordinance. >> Motion to adopt. >> Oh.
>> Yep. Thank you. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2838? So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I You need a roll call. >> Yes. >> Roll call. >> All right. Uh, Councilman Petroski?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Johnson? >> Yes. >> Councilman Robina? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Lions? >> Yes. >> Councilman Patel? >> Yes. >> Councilman Castins, >> abstain. >> That's uh five in the affirmative, one abstension. The ordinance is adopted.
Mr. um [clears throat] excuse Mr. Clark read ordinance 2839 by title. >> Yes mayor. Ordinance 2839 is an ordinance for second reading and public hearing. An ordinance repealing ordinance number 2829 an ordinance amending chapter 19 section 10 of the code of the bur roell park entitled
public utility polls. >> I have a motion to open a public hearing on ordinance number 2839. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> may I have a motion? >> Anybody want to talk? >> Oh, yeah.
>> No, [snorts] >> I don't see that. >> No, you're good. >> Uh, >> we're right here. Right. I'm sorry. We have a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance number 2839. >> So, moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? I >> I >> I have a mo um may I have a motion to adopt number 2839. >> So moved. >> Second five. Roll call. >> Oh, discussion. >> Yeah, discussion. >> Oh, >> yep.
>> Discussion. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you. Uh this this ordinance was uh drafted um but I wanted uh council to review it. Unfortunately, that didn't really uh transpire. So, uh, me and Andrew put this on so we can get
it removed and we'll revisit it, uh, next year. >> Any other discussion? >> Call the RO, please. >> Councilman Petroski, >> yes. >> Councilman Johnson, >> yes. >> Councilman Robbina, >> yes. >> Counciloman Lions, >> yes. >> Councilman Patel, >> yes.
>> Councilman Castellins, >> yes. >> Uh, six in the affirmative, the ordinance adopted. Uh, all right. There are no ordinances for induction this evening. Um, all matters
listed with an asterric are considered to be a routine and non-controversial by the council and will be adopted, excuse me, approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the governing body so
requests in which the 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. Mr. Clerk, please read all resolutions by title. >> Yes, mayor. Resolution 37925 is
terminating the employment of Ailia Creso as perdm parttime community center deskperson and a member of the community center events and activity staff. Resolution 38025 is authorizing the tax collector to issue a pr-rated refund or credit of fourth quarter 2025 property taxes on block 110 lot 13 of the
municipal tax map commonly known as 125 vendor revenue in the amount of a $1,61280 uh in the amount of $1,612.80 pursuant to a 100% disabled veteran property tax exemption. Resolution 38425 is awarding a professional services
contract to the Neglia Group for professional engineering services for the project watershed inventory report phase one in an amount not to exceed $37,785. Resolution 38525 is authorizing change order number one to SLI Sun General
Contracting Inc. for the project improvements to Avon Street and Berwin Street in the amount of a $1,9223 increase to reflect a total contract amount of $442,444.73 after all change orders. Resol resolution 38625 is authorizing closeout
of the contract with Sellian Sun General Contracting Inc. for the project improvements to Avon Street and Berwin Street. Resolution 38725 is authorizing change order number one to Smith Sundi Ashwalt Construction Co. Inc. for the project 2025 capital road program in the
amount of a $35,5307 increase to reflect a total contract amount of $331,836.70 after all change orders. Resolution 38825 is authorizing closeout of the contract with Smith Sandi Asheall Construction Co. Inc. for the project
2025 capital road program. Resolution 38925 is authorizing a shared service agreement with the Burough of Kennorth for the position of certified public works manager for calendar year 26 through 2026 through 2028. Resolution 39025 is authorizing a $12,000 increase to the professional service contract
with Gerubo and Capise PC as labor attorney for the year 2025 reflecting a revised contract amount not to exceed $67,000. Resolution 39125 is authorizing a $10,000 increase to the professional services contract with Serinian Edwards Busac and Nolan LLC as affordable
housing attorney for the year 2025 reflecting a revised contract amount not to exceed $30,000. Resolution 39225 is authorizing an $8,000 increase to the professional services contract with PCS for 2025 manage IT services reflecting a
revised contract amount not to exceed $16,000. Resolution 39325 is authorizing a $10,000 increase to the professional service contract with Collier's Engineering and Design as Burough Engineer reflecting revised contract amount for 2025 not to exceed $70,000.
Resolution 39425 is authorizing change order number one to Portoino Builders LLC for the project improvements to Laurel Avenue in the amount of a 22,4681 decrease to reflect a total contract amount of $296,66.79
after all change orders. Resolution 39525 is authorizing close out of the contract with Portoino Builders LLC for the project improvements to Laurel Avenue. Resolution 39625 is authorizing change order number one to Portoino Builders LLC for the project improvements to Warren Avenue in the
amount of a 32,69.30 decrease to reflect a total contract amount of $216,292.70 after all change orders. Resolution 39725 is authorizing close out of the contract with Porterfino Builders LLC for the project improvements to Warren Avenue. Resolution 39825 is accepting
the retirement of Robert Morasco. Resolution 39925 is authorizing the cancellation of certain current fund appropriations. Resolution 3425 is authorizing the cancellation of two stale dated checks. Resolution 40125 is authorizing the issuance of a notice of
intent to award a contract through a national cooperative purchasing agreement pursuant to local finance notice number 2012-10 for a metered parking mobile application. And resolution 40225 is awarding a contract to Boulder Construction Inc. for the project Aker Park Improvements pursuant
to the base bid in an amount not to exceed $393,67.75. Do any members wish to have uh items removed from the consent agenda? >> Okay. May I have a motion to approve the resolutions remaining the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? I >> I >> uh reports of uh council committee. So I'll go with uh Councilman Jay on the left. Thank you. >> Good evening, mayor, colleagues, and residents of Rosel Park. On Friday,
December 5th, I was glad to join many of my colleagues at the annual tree lighting and winter market. A great community event that really kicked off the holiday season. Thank you to Director Sha, PD, Fire, DPW, the carolers, performers, and vendors for a safe, clean, well-run family fun event.
On the 9th, I attended the final virtual public meeting for Union County Safe Streets for All Plan. I offered comments on behalf of the burrow, and I want to thank uh the Roso Park residents, some here in this audience, who participated or shared feedback. Community input truly helps shape what improvements come
to our streets. [cough] Excuse [clears throat] me. On the 12th, I attended the New Jersey Trails Action Network meeting where it was announced NJP Green Acres is starting a new round of construction grant funding. The group also discussed new trail legislation and additional
funding opportunities. A key focus was a draft letter to incoming Governor Cheryl urging a commitment within the first 100 days to create a garden state trails and greenways plan. That plan would map a priority statewide network, establish design standards, and set clear timelines, metrics, and funding
mechanisms. The proposal also calls for accelerating major regional projects, including completion of the greenway in North Jersey, and other priorities, increasing including uh increasing funding for trail planning and construction, restoring and expanding programs like bikeways and the recreational trails program, and
streamlining planning and permitting by expanding staff capacity and technical assistance for municipalities like ours. Over the past two weeks, I've stayed in close contact with residents regarding ongoing utility work, catch basin cleaning, and street plowing concerns. NJ American Water continues important
work throughout the ward and burrowwide, replacing lead and galvanized service lines as per state mandate. As chair of the technology committee, I want to thank business administrator Casias and deputy business administrator Shaw for their work on the bureau's new website. It's cleaner, easier to
navigate, and just yesterday, in collaboration with DPW Superintendent Buddhashim and his team, a new service request form went live. Residents can now easily report issues ranging from catch basin cleaning to water main breaks and other DPW related concerns,
ensuring better tracking and followup. As this is our final meeting of the year, I want to wish everyone a safe and peaceful Hanukkah, Quanza, merry Christmas, and happy new year. I look forward to a very productive 2026 and continuing our work together to keep Rosel Park moving forward. Mayor, that
concludes my report. As always, I can be reached at 862-22360019 Jrine at roselpark.net. Thank you and good night. >> Thanks, Councilman Councilman Patel. >> Uh, no report. Happy holidays and uh, have a wonderful New Year's. Thank you, Mayor.
>> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Good evening, uh, mayor. the woman. >> It's okay. It's not a problem. It's okay. Um, good evening, mayor um and council and residents of Rosal Park. I
just want to say congratulations, mayor. Um, and congratulations to Councilman Councilman at large, uh, George. Um, it's the first of many wonderful nights ahead. Um, I just wanted to say a few
words. I did uh I reiterate uh the great words of Councilman Jay. Thank you just for um just hitting the nail on the head with everything and being so thorough. I appreciate you. Um but the treelighting ceremony and just our our our times when
we get to spend time uh together with the uh with the residents of Rosal Park and as a community is just so beautiful. Um we did have to unfortunately cancel because of the snow, but that's happening this Saturday. the Santa Parade of Lights. So, definitely uh uh
stay tuned for that. That's going to be Saturday at 700 p.m. And uh we'll we'll definitely be posting about that. Um I definitely look forward to 2026. Um just, you know, as I had thought about
today, I was um I was mayor, acting mayor for um how many hours? I don't even know, not 24 hours quite, but um about 20. Yes. Um, I say that it was very humbling and, um, just an honor to
be council president in 2025. Um, for me, uh, I never thought that I would, um, be in, um, government, even though I love to volunteer and lead. Um, and I say that because when I was thinking of
the words, uh, acting mayor, um, I'll just say this, at 50 years old, I really learned never to act. >> [laughter] >> Um, but be genuine and be authentic. And I really love the people of Rosal Park. You guys are my family. I've I've been
raised here. And um, I really my my heart is to be a servant leader. Um, and I say that um with the greatest words that I've ever seen is to really um just being humbling, to be humble um and to
be sacrificing really time and really of yourself and um and I say that um and with this team I really believe that we do uh many things for the community and we will continue to um but in in all seriousness as well um
many things have happened in our world in the last week. Um, and I am continuously praying for all that's happening and for all of you in Rosal Park. Um, and just I always say this, just love your neighbor, love your your
the people around you. Um, it matters that we are close because you know I'm not in Colorado or I'm not in Australia, but I'm here in Rosal Park. So, I want to love each one of you. I want us to to be that. And it I I understand it could
be all that's a little wishy-washy, but it's my heart and it's not about me, but if we do that, we can impact the surrounding communities. So, I say that sincerely. Uh, merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy holidays and uh hope to
see you guys soon. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Councilman Joe Petroski. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, first of all, I want to send my condolences out to William Nut family. Uh, Bill was a 1972 graduate of Roso
Park High School. I remember um, junior high school. I used to watch him play football for Roso Park High School. So, my uh, thoughts and prayers go to the family. Uh, December 5th, I attended the Christmas tree lighting um, and
everything. Very cold night. Um but um again I I I appreciate all the performers and the people that uh you know were selling food and I hope they had a good night. Uh on the 6 I I stopped by again a very cold night and
everything and uh um so I I I hope they uh the people the vendors did very well that night. Um the 10th we uh we had uh a recreation meeting uh due to the uh weather. Um the story time with Santa
got cancelled and it will be this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the U Jose uh Anthony Signarella Youth Center um on Chesn Street. Um uh any questions? Uh contact the recreation
committee and Tina way to bear with that. I'm glad you did a red date um like that. So uh >> it's on the way. >> Ask the chairman. Um uh but uh we're hoping a good showing
and everything, but I appreciate Tina. I know what uh it was unfortunate it did get cancelled, but uh I'm glad you uh you know did another one. Uh uh this today I had the uh uh the uh
joint silver meeting. Uh we approved the 2026 budget um and everything. I want to wish everyone a uh merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, happy Kowanza, uh happy new year or whatever holiday you
celebrate and I hope everything is a good one for the rest of the year and we have a great 2026. Um I want to thank personally our our mayor Joseph Signarella the third uh ex
mayor. Uh I know um he came in I I ran in 2018 with him um and everything and um we got a lot done and I I I was proud to serve with him um and everything and you know like I said we did get a lot
done um to his father Joe good luck this year um and if you need anything I'm there for you and George good luck um welcome to the the the committee. And uh again, same thing. If you need anything,
I'm here for you. Um anyone needs to contact me, get me at J. Petroski at rosepark.net 9086667821. And that's my report, Mayor. Thank you, >> Councilman Johnson. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Mayor,
council members, and residents. I would like to provide a brief update followed by professional development highlighted and community outreach announcements. First, Persian A uh improvement updates due to the code weather conditions. All improvement work on Persian A has been
temporarily suspended in accordance with NJ DOT. Uh construction activities will resume once weather conditions become suitable next year. Uh updates will follow and uh just stand by. um professional development. Um in
addition to um ongoing infrastructure and municipal uh responsibilities, I remain committed to con continuing education in support of effective public service. On Friday, December 5th, I completed the
course introduction to public purchasing instructed by Susan Taylor, who was wonderful and uh patient with all of us and offered she offered uh this program, excuse me, this program was uh offered through Rucker Center for Leadership and
Government. Uh, this training strengthens my understanding in public purchasing practices, transparency, and compliance, which directly supports responsible and informed decision-makings on behalf of our residents. I just want to say it was a great class, and I always enjoy learning
new things, especially uh when it pertains to government, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same. Uh, continued education is very important. Now, uh, moving along, community outreach and toy drive. Uh, at this time, I would like to take a moment to
recognize and thank the New Jersey State FOP for their generous donation of toys to the American Legion Post 60 Veterans Group. Residents are encouraged to contact Shannon at 908245144 by Saturday, December 20th, if they have
children interested in receiving gifts. Toy distri uh distribution will take place on uh at the post on Sunday, December 21st from 1 to 5:00 pm, but only if you call the post. So, uh,
giving the limited time frame, any remaining toys, uh, not claimed by residents or, uh, that are interested or or know children that are, uh, in need, uh, will be donated to the children's hospital and other community
organizations. So, please call and that number again is 908245144 and ask for Shannon. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy and safe holiday season. Thank you for allowing me thank you for
allowing me the privilege to serve. If any residents need to get in contact with me, uh I could be reached at 9083031519 or email at g johnsonrospark.net. And mayor, that concludes my report and congratulations to both. >> Thank you. Thank you. And thank you.
Thank you, Councilman. And uh Councilman Castle, do you have a couple words to say? >> Uh yes. Thank you, Mayor. I've been on the job for a few minutes, so uh I don't have any background uh on my job, but I I would like to introduce myself for for those of you that don't know me and give the public a benefit of a little bit
about my background. Um I am a first generation immigrant to this country. Came here when I was age seven. So I've spent most of my life in the United States. Um this is truly a special moment for me. this is, you know, the American dream is to own a house and serve your community in my opinion. Um, and I I get to do that. So, um, I've
been a volunteer in different organizations since the age of 14. Um, anything from a scholarship organization to a community group. Um, really made it my my goal to volunteer as much as I could. Uh, even got a congressional recognition uh from the United States
Congress for for community service. So, this has definitely been in my DNA for a long time. Um, my educational background is in government. Uh, I went to Ruckers University. Uh, was part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics where I studied government and how organizations work in the state of New Jersey. I've worked in
several different municipal departments. Uh, anything from recreation department when I was uh, interning in the summer to the law department when I was a legal clerk in the city of Elizabeth. I worked at the tax assessor's office in the city of Rawway and uh, ultimately the administration department. So, I've spent um the better part of about 14
years in in government in one form or another. Um even though I've never held an elected position, and I know this is just an appointed position, um I do like to believe that I come with some background to be able to help out wherever I can. Um my wife and I moved to Rose Park in 2018. My wife was
actually uh raised in Roselo Park uh right on East Grant. Uh and when we were thinking about where to settle down and have our children, we decided Rose Park would be the place. So, we bought a property here in town and um as you saw tonight, my my kids are here. Um and Roso Park's just that type of a
community where um my son now five, he actually had the teacher that in Robert Gordon that my wife had when she was going to Robert Gordon. Um and that's just the type of community that Rose Park is. It's a multigenerational tight-knit community, and that's what we love about it. So, very uh very happy,
very honored to be here in front of you guys. Um, I'm looking forward to serving, you know, uh, I know I'm new to the the game in in this regard, but I have been serving on a board here in town for five years now. Um, so some of you might know me from there and, uh, I'm very open to any conversations, any
communications that you guys might have, and I really look forward to contributing however I can. So, thank you all for having me and I look forward to working with all of you. Merry Christmas to everybody. Happy holidays and a happy new year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman. I'll just say a few words. Thanks again for everybody's
support. I mean fill in the position as mayor. Um I'd like to thank Roseanne tonight for that moment of silent. That's it that was a nice thing. Uh just I enjoyed the tree lighting. Um again last week with the parade I think it was
the right thing to do with the safety of uh people having to travel and and it did get cold out and it would have been tough for folks to be sitting on the sideline watching that. So, let's hope it's going to be a little warmer this Saturday compared to what it was last week, but we'll deal with it. Uh, just
like to wish everybody a merry Christmas, happy uh, Hanukkah, Quanza, and a happy new year. And again, you need to get in touch me. Uh, it's jiggarella rosa park.net. And um, that's all I have.
Okay. Okay. Now, may I have a motion to open a public portion on any subject? >> So, moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> uh seeing no one, I have a motion to public portion uh be closed.
>> So, moved. Second. All >> in favor? I I There's no no matter of close session. May I have a motion to journ? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. >> Yay.
>> 47 minutes.