Okay. Call this meeting to order. Please call the role. Mr. Garrett. >> Uh, here. Councilman. >> Councilman Okamo. >> Here. Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Councilwoman Maer
>> here. >> Council President Similar >> here. >> Please rise to salute the >> flag of the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. Adequate notice of this meeting has been sent to all council members and to all legal newspapers in accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act chapter 251 231 public law 1975.
Public is hereby advised that any statements made during the meeting of the township council of the township of Saddlebrook may not be privileged or protected and that persons or entities who take issue with such comments or are offended by same may and have in the
past legal redress through the courts. Any member of the public who addresses the council speaks for themselves enough for the council. Notice is hereby given that beginning January 1st, 2026, the complete text of all legal notices required to be published in the township of Saddlebrook
shall be obtained or viewed on the Saddlebrook website, saddlebrooknj. us. In addition, the New Jersey Secretary of State will be establishing a legal notice hyperlink page allowing members of the public to find hyperlinks for every municipality.
on or about March 1st. A hyperlink to the Secretary of State's web page will be published on the municipal web page as soon as Sam is available. Uh today, tonight is a special meeting. Uh it's to introduce the 2026 municipal
budget. With us, we have uh the township's auditor, Steven Wilcox, and we're going to hand it over to him so he can give us some uh highlights, low lightss, whatever we have to do with a little of both uh on the budget. And then uh there will be a uh motion to uh
introduce the budget. And just for everyone's knowledge, there will be the public hearing on the budget >> July at our regular meeting June June 18th. >> Okay. That'll be a 7 o'clock meeting. >> Correct. >> Thank you, Council President. Good
evening, everybody. Tonight, as Andrew said, you have the 2026 municipal budget for introduction. process is you introduce it. It goes to the state, they re go through a review
process, and then we have a scheduled public hearing on the introduced budget on June 18th at the regular meeting. With any kind of luck, we'll actually get the okay from the state by then in order to adopt the budget at that time
after the public hearing. So, 2026, I'm sure you've read the articles in the newspaper about surrounding communities, uh, about the county.
Um, it's been a challenging budget year. I understand, uh, your school district as well has had a challenging bud budget year. Um, in in in a sense
we're kind of lucky that the township is not a member of the state health benefits plan, you have private healthcare. Whereas a few years back, people thought that that that was a detriment,
uh, state health benefits premiums went up 35% in 2026, which is a big reason why some surrounding municipalities and school districts are having a bigger issue with the their budget and the level of their
anticipated M tax increase just because of that piece of the puzzle. Uh here we have our challenges as well. Um on the appropriation side,
it's a 5.61% increase in appropriations. Now I say appropriations specifically, not spending because most of the things that are increasing are things you have no control over.
You get a bill, you pay the bill. The biggest driver in this budget is PG Valley Sewer. It went up $650,000. >> But there is a silver lining which I'll get to. But that $650,000 relates to
34.5% of the total increase in appropriations for 2026. Similarly, pension contributions are 7 and a half% of the total increase. Other insuranceances, liability and
workers comp are 13.3% of that increase. Salaries which are contractual are 32.8%. And then everything else, all the things that you control, all the recreation,
parks, board of health, um, police department, fire, EMS, that increase is 9 and a half% of the total increases. It's $181,000
out of almost $1.9 million are the things that you physically can have a decision on whether you provide it or don't provide it. The goal of the budget always is to
provide the same or better services every year and not cut any services and not lay people off and and do some of the things that some of the surrounding communities and school districts have had to do
because of the crisis we're in relative to the economy, healthc care, inflation. So having said all that,
the 1.9 increase in appropriations requires an increase in revenue. The tax piece of that is $1.1 million because we've been able to in a couple of ways. When I mentioned
Pank Valley Sewer, there's a food company that moved into town a couple of years ago. that now has kicked in and is part of that big increase in the Pose Valley bill. On the other side of that,
we direct bill sewer charges to those larger entities. That creates a new revenue in the budget of $400,000, which is a big offset to the 650 increase in the sewer bill. In addition,
we sold the piece of property earlier, last last month, I guess. We closed the old municipal complex, and we're using $251,000 of those proceeds in this year's budget to help offset some of the enormous
increases in in appropriations that you have no control over. So when we get all said and done, the municipal tax increase to the average residential assessment, which was $476,319
in 2025 and through the reassessment process is now $500,567 in 2026. That increase for the year for 12 months is $186.97
which is uh I I'll I'll give you some surrounding town information. Bergenfield $44. Englewood $255. Fairlon $385.
Hackinac $557. Teneck $486. Washington Township $343. Those are average increases in th each of those towns for 2026. >> That's just municipal taxes.
>> Just municipal taxes. Correct. So, we're 18697, which everything I've seen throughout the first couple of months of this year and every budget I've looked
at and every newspaper article I've read about any town or any school district, they're laying people off. They're cutting programs. They're they're they're a mess. We're in good shape.
We have surplus. We're using three million in this budget like we did last year. We now have the sale of property money which we'll use to help even offset some of the ridiculous increases
in appropriations like health insurance and liability insurance to kind of even that out. and to the best of our ability give the taxpayers a break because this could have easily have been the same as Maywood which was
$311 easily. But we've got some other tools that some other towns don't have. We've been fiscally responsible as long as I've been here and as long as the mayor's been the mayor and the majority of you
have been on the council. And this is the this is the result. The result is yes, we have to raise taxes. Everybody's raising taxes, but we are raising taxes a lot less than the PE towns around us and then our
own school district because of the things that have been set in place budgetarily and economically over the course of time. So, with that, I ask if any of the council members of the mayor have any questions.
>> I'm going to start. Uh, so I'm going to ask a question that we're probably going to be asked and I have been asked before. Uh, we sold the property and we said it at the last meeting was $1.6 million. Plus, there were other concessions including parking
and billboard, moving the monument. There's a bunch of other stuff, but moneywise is $1.6 million. Where does that go? That goes in a reserve. We're you we're using 251,000 of the 1.6 in this budget as revenue to
offset some of the increases in appropriations that we have no control over. and we'll continue to use that money ratably and responsibly over the next few years to do the same.
>> So, so it's a decision to not take 1.6 million, take everything and just put it toward uh the budget. >> Correct. Where we're doing it over a certain number of years. >> Correct. Because taking it all at once would be fiscally irresponsible.
It would falsely reduce the taxes this year. What are you gonna do next year? And mind you, we have a tax levy cap to contend with that sets the maximum amount of taxes you can
raise yeartoear. And I'll tell you, I've got I've got a handful of towns. They still haven't introduced a budget because they can't get under the tax levy cap because costs are out of control. So, you know, there's there's there's a
serious problem statewide right now that at some point is probably going to require some sort of legislative relief because the tax levy cap was 2010
2%. In 2026, what's going up only 2%. almost nothing. And then on the the spending side, the same thing. The cap is three and a half percent. In some of these smaller
municip municipalities, that three and a half% is a couple hundred,000 and salaries are going up more than that because, you know, the the the binding arbitration bill sunshined eight years ago. It's never been renewed. So
contracts, right, wrong or indifferent, are more than 2%. Yet there's a cap at 2%. So yeah, there's a whole set of circumstances here kind of like a
perfect storm. Um, and again, I've been doing this a long time and I've never seen it so many people having such a such a problem balancing a budget. Just one other from me and maybe this is for Jimmy and not for you, but with that
enormous increase from actually I got two questions. But uh with the enormous increase from the sewer commission, is there a reason given for such an exponential increase? >> I think he's got it. >> Um yeah, so one thing to keep in mind
that yes, that's correct. Our increase is 650,000 roughly from year to year. of that 650 about 330 is strictly just the one entity which we will be uh billing them for to raise that. So about 300,000
a little over 300,000 increase year-toear that's just you know for their cost of business and our consumption just to keep their operations and continue their operations capital improvements salary and wages health benefits and so on and so forth is that's really how it's it's simply
computed by their end. Okay. So, so are we com are we consuming more or they just have they've got a budget crisis and they've got to raise their funds to fuel their increase in operating costs and salaries and things like that. >> It's probably a mix of both, but
probably more the latter. >> Okay. Yeah. Part of it is you have this com new newer company in town that's a food food processing. >> Yeah. Food manufacturing >> that creates an inordinate amount of sewage.
That's that's a big reason. That's probably 300 plus,000 of the $650,000 increase. But now we get to direct bill them for their portion of the Bake Valley bill. So that generated a new
revenue in the budget to help offset the cost of the increase. But listen, all the sewer agencies have raised their rates >> because they have the same issues. healthcare going up 20 to 30 to 35%.
Salaries, inflation, every every government, every authority, every business is facing the same challenges. >> And last for me, you had mentioned about the insurance cost and the state went up 30 something. State health benefits went
up 30 >> 35 35%. Did you calculate I I I kind of see ours went up a few hundred thousand. Do you know what percentage that comes out to? >> Uh, so ours it's um we this year with um
through our um our uh our health benefits consultant, our health broker um negotiated and re we redesigned our plan design uh which allowed our premium to go down with the same level of
benefit but that included using and reliance more on the difference card. So technically the premiums did not increase but the the use of the difference card will but there's no it's
hard to it they have a percentage it's a it's a complicated formula that I don't have with me in front of me right now but that's uh the premiums technically if you look strictly at the health premiums had have gone down from year to year. >> I thought I saw that we're up like $300,000 different
>> you saw the account for the the difference card. So that line includes those items in prescription which are separate. >> But you're nowhere near I mean entities in state health benefits have seen the premiums go up over 100% the last four
years and they've already released information that it state health benefits going to go up in 2027 somewhere between 10 and 20%. That that's their best guesstimate. So again, there's there's no end in sight with
healthcare. >> Andrew, Mr. Gar, >> with your last statement, Steve, some of the residents at home may be thinking to themselves, well, how come the board of ed isn't going to a private plan? Could you speak to that at all?
>> Well, it's it's simple. Nobody will take them. that PE entities that were able to get out of state health benefits got out and either went to private went to the
Bergen County uh BMED uh fund, but you have to get accepted by another company and depending on your your loss rating >> depends on if another company would
underwrite your policy. So, so basically what you're saying is a lot of the districts are bad risks and nobody wants to insure them >> kind of. >> Generally speaking, yes, it's that they're they're their history is such >> right. It's a loss for them if they
underwrite them. >> Correct. >> Yeah. I was just wondering, Steve, could you give us a breakdown in regards to municipal, what percent, board of ed, what percent, county, what percent? Do you do you have those numbers? Uh, I
don't know if I have that with me because I was watching the board of ed um budget hearing on Monday night and they're, you know, their health benefits, they're in state health benefits and they're going up substantially. >> The I guess the percent that you
mentioned about 35%. Yeah. >> Okay. Cell phone, calculator. 2528. Uh the municipal tax levy is 35% of the total. >> Okay. >> And I think the county is usually around
9 10% or so and the remainder >> it's a little over 10%. >> Yeah. >> We've got a little for the library and then the rest is board of ed. >> Library is minimal. It's it's it's it's peanuts and the school board is 39. because I know the the board of ed their
um their increase is $399 for the average house. >> Board of Ed is over 54%. total tax levy. >> Okay. And then just one final question overall. How would you rate our overall financial situation here in Saddlebrook
from the municipal standpoint? >> Again, I I think I said it earlier that you're you're in good shape. >> You've been in good shape for a number of years. No, >> you were you were in good shape before >> CO system. >> We got through co
>> like everybody else, we struggled a little bit, but >> we were, you know, everybody got the federal money to help. >> Um unlike some other governments, we didn't piss away the federal money. We used it wisely and we came out of CO in as good
or better shape than we were beforehand. and we continue to to operate and and generate surplus every year and take that surplus and put it back into the budget. >> And and honestly, we we we
haven't had certainly haven't had a bad year like some of these towns that are going up $5 and $600 for municipal taxes only. >> We we've done a very good job of, you know, everything gets done in moderation. And and by the way, that
includes where we sit and and the money we spent, you spent in order to buy and redo and to open up this facility that by every measure was sorely needed in
this town. The previous Burough Hall from the day you moved in was never big enough. So, you you've done a lot of great things with with managing the tax levy and and
the the amount the amount you charge. I mean, you think think about it this way. For 2026, the average taxpayer is going to pay $4,154.71 for police, fire, emergency
DPW, which includes sewer, snow, roads, parks. You've got a you've got a nice gym next door, a nice nice court next door. So, everything that you provide as a community to the community is less
than $4,200 for the year. That's a pretty good deal. >> Yes. >> Y, you're good. >> That's it. I'm good. Thank you, Steve. >> And through the chair. >> Yes, sir. >> The uh surplus because a lot of times we
get different department heads and uh you know, competing for dollars, of course, they're you know, they're looking for more money. >> Mhm. >> Um they think that when they hear surplus,
and a lot of people do, I I understand. They think, "Oh, that that's extra money we could just use, you know, that that that we could just grab at any time." That it's there and it's basically that's what it's there for. It's almost like if uh you if we run short, we just go there and and take
that out of the surplus. Can you explain the importance of surplus and >> Sure. >> why basically why why aren't we taking we're using 250. Why aren't we taking 500 or why aren't we taking the whole thing?
>> Listen, we're we're using 2.6 million. >> Last year we used 2,591. We're using 2.6 million out of an available 2,765. So, we use our surplus, we we generate
it, and then we put it back into the budget. And we've been doing that for as long as we've been here. And if you remember, mayor, when you and I first got here, the surplus in Saddlebrook was like $200,000. >> What do we have left after we what we
use? >> Altogether, the surplus is 3,164. We're using 2.6. So there's about $564,000. Most of which you can't use because it's not cash surplus under the definition.
We've got some deferred charges, special emergencies that were were were pledged against some of the surplus. So, we use most of it and we've been doing that for years. >> But doesn't to the fact that we need we
need to generate surplus when we look to bond money, the bond rating, doesn't that have an impact? >> Well, it all has an impact on the bond rating. I mean, we just sold notes We rolled over notes last last month. We
got rated again by Moody's Investor Services, which is the largest rating agency in in the United States. We got the highest rating on the note issue called a MIG one. We're we're an A1
community. uh we're doing we're doing fine, but you can't be broke and then try to go out and sell debt and get close to the best rate there is in
the market that day. You know, again, when when you when you were first elected and I first got hired, we had no surplus. We had no money. You had nothing. And you guys have built up
millions of dollars over the years and then you take those millions of dollars and you put it back in the budget to help offset the cost which is what you're supposed to do. >> So that's the fiscally responsible thing to do. Correct.
>> What you're saying. Okay. >> I'm I'm going to ask what I think is an obvious question. If we're using $2.5 million out of a $3.1 million surplus, then we put money into the budget to build up the surplus again, right?
Doesn't that kind of cancel each other out? Is there is there is that just accounting magic or >> again to a certain extent, >> but but again, a budget's a plan. You fund it as best you can. televised. >> There's the reserve front, collect the
taxes, which is a hedge against not collecting all your tax money, which you never collect all your tax money every year. >> And you know, we're in a pretty good rhythm here where we're able to la last year we used 2,591, we generated 2,892.
So we had a little bit better year than maybe the year before. So you never want to get to the point where you're going to use 2.6 6 and only regenerate a million dollars because then how do you how do you make up on the revenue side that difference?
>> Do we know what the projected surplus is going to be after this budget is uh >> we haven't done a formal projection but again it it's it's it's pretty systematic. You know you've got good taxpayers in town.
They pay their taxes. We had we didn't take a hit like other towns did in 2025 in collections. Our delinquent balance for 25 is pretty similar to what it was for 20 at 24. >> So, you know, we're in a pretty good program where we we use it, we
regenerate it, and we use it again. >> It doesn't play well. >> So, you expect it to be around 3 million again? >> I I I see no reason why it wouldn't be. >> Okay. >> I keep reminding Jimmy to watch every penny. So, yeah, it'll be there. Don't worry about it. >> Right?
>> Yeah. Hopefully. >> No, he's good. He calls a lot. >> I know. >> I have a question. >> Just testing you, Steve, to make sure you know you're on your on your toes. That's why he calls you. >> It's all good. Unlike other professions,
phone calls are free. >> Okay, Steve. Uh, if I may, I'd like to know what number are we using for the average home assessment? Uh it's the 500,000 567. >> Okay. Thanks.
>> Which is based on the reassessment 426. >> Yes. Mayor Council >> I just just one last bone. So what's the percentage of the raise of of the increase? I should say >> 4 something >> four 4.42
>> right? Which again when you read these articles about surrounding I mean hackinac was 10 and a quarter hoboken 18.9%. >> Steve do you know how much of the 4.2%
as you stated earlier is due to the health insurance and the pension and that aspect of it of the 4.2 It's it's it's it's about 89.5%. >> So 89.5% of the 4.2% increase basically
>> are things we don't we can't control. That's it. it again when we look at that the last few years when we we looked at that other expense side of it the things that you control as a governing body the increase andor decrease from year to year has
been has been very very small versus the things that are going up enormously that you don't you can't control. So each year the things that you can look at and you know whittle away at or you know take take away $10
here and $20 here in order to get to a balanced budget. You've done that and you continue to do that >> and just you're going to be here June 18th to answer any questions from the public. >> I will. Excellent. Any other questions from council
>> through the chair if you don't mind. Um Steve, we have a um introduction of an ordinance tonight establishing a cap bank. Do you mind um just explaining what that accomplishes and what that does as it relates to budgeting and finance?
the the the the cap bank ordinance has been around forever and and what it does it allows you the the state sets the cap rate October November of the previous year for the subsequent year
for 2026 they set it at 2%. I'm not sure how they got to that, especially in this economic condition condition, but it's 2%. You're you're allowed by ordinance to increase that to three and a half%.
which you've done every year since I've been here that I venture to say out of the 566 municipalities in 21 counties in the state, just about everyone as a matter of course passes that ordinance because it
g just gives you the most financial flexibility that you could have in order to preserve if there's any bank from previous years to carry over to the next years. This year's budget is $518 under the cap
at three and a half percent. And that's because of all of the things we talked about that are going up enormously that are all contained within that three and a half cap base. So it's it's really a prefuncter
activity to do it. It makes the most sense because but when you did it last year, you preserved a $221,000 bank from 2025 that carried to 2026, which helped us get within the appropriation cap in
this year's budget. >> Thank you, >> Ros. You said when we got elected, I got elected as a mayor 12 years ago. We had tax appeals from we got elected from 2014. We had tax appeals from 2006.
>> We that >> what we're do we have any tax appeals now? the t tax appeals. Now, again, I can't speak for our friend over here, but tax appeals, my understanding is they're pretty much non-existent because we've been in the rolling reassessment program
for the last five or six years where everybody gets and again, we were getting killed by the commercial properties. If we had not done and we had a whole whole long discussion five or six years ago about whether we should or shouldn't do the rolling re reassessment program
by utilizing that tool and keeping the commercials and industrials at 100%. It pretty much cuts out their ability. They can file an appeal, but it certainly cuts out their ability to get
any kind of huge decrease >> because they're already at market value. Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. We had to go to the state and do a refunding bond ordinance and we had to refund hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars. >> It was eight years of tax appeals that
were never taken care of. >> Yeah. >> Well, you know, it's like Montlair Board of Ed. put it in a draw and nobody knows what >> in here. >> Thanks. Do you have a Yankee game to go to? >> They played this afternoon.
>> Oh, okay. >> 92. >> No, >> they won 92, right? >> 92. >> Okay. So, as you're going to depart, we're going to intro we're going to make a motion to uh introduce the 2026 municipal budget. >> Correct. >> And then there'll be a public hearing in
June 18th. >> Correct. Okay. And there are other resolutions that go along with that. You've laid that out in the letter that you had sent um including the the cap bank and the equal opportunity resolution. All those kind of things that goes part and parcel with the introduction of the budget.
>> Correct. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you for thank you for your assistance and your information. >> You want to stay for it? >> No, I'll go. Okay. I'll entertain questions. This will not be the for questions now. >> No. >> Okay.
>> No, there's a public meeting. >> Yeah. The time for the public hearing is going to be in June 18th. >> So, I'll entertain your motion to introduce the 2026 municipal budget for the township of Saddle Brook. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Akamando. >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Garrick. Roll call, please.
>> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mer. >> Yes. have the president's. >> Yes. So, uh the 2026 municipal budget for Saddlebrook has been introduced
>> and uh it's going to be sent to the to the state. >> It'll be uploaded fast tomorrow morning. >> Awesome. Okay. Thank you for coming. Thank you for the information >> and we'll see you on we'll see you on June 18th. >> Thank you, >> Andrew. I wouldn't miss it for the
world. >> Yes. Looking forward to seeing you. Um, I'll entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> Motion, >> Mr. Echando, second by Ms. Maser. All in favor? I >> I. >> Any against? Seeing none. The meeting is
now open to the public. Anyone wish to address the council and the mayor. Um, please come up, state your name, >> your address, and be happy to hear you. Still a threem minute as you know there is a threeminut
uh limit on public comments 506 Avenue South Jersey um I was here last time we just want to know uh we had some communication back and forth emails I don't want to get into all that we just res want to know the results of the
survey and where do we go from here on Mayor, >> I think Jimmy's Jimmy has the results. So, >> yeah, through the uh through the through the chair. Um, just if you want me to share those now, I can. We do have a a portion of the meeting later on under old business for the update, but whatever you prefer.
>> We don't want to keep them. If I can get the information now, sure. >> Yeah. Uh, for LER AB, we received 12 of the surveys back of about 15 homes that are on that street. 10 of those 12 stated they want resident parking only
and then two of those 10 uh stated they want no parking restrictions. So of the 12, 10 want uh resident parking and two >> prefer no parking restrictions at all. >> Yes, >> Mr. Jackson. >> And that included those the one that I received tonight.
>> Did you have any other Well, you you got your you still got your time. >> I don't know. Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. So, my next question is where do we go from here? >> Uh I would say that we're going to discuss it uh a little further and uh
see what that would entail. Um again, be careful what you wish for. I always say this to anybody who comes here and asks for things like that like parking and restrictions and things like that because you're also restricting yourself. Um we've got to determine how
if if we do it, how we would do it, uh what mechanism we'd use. We have uh are you captain now? Lieutenant Buchek, I keep giving you raises or promotions here. Uh so, Lieutenant Buchek is here. Uh I know that uh there have been some
issues in other towns that I know of where somebody has an overnight guest. They go to park. Sometimes they know the overnight guest is going to be there, but sometimes it's a, you know, 12 midnight decision to have an overnight guest and they park on the street and they get a ticket because there's no
resident uh parking. My understanding is we'd have to work something out and get something developed with the police department that somebody on that street uh that has the resident parking permit uh can call in and say, "Listen,
my aunt uh Nelly is coming in from Iowa and she's going to be here and she's going to be overnight. Uh can we get exemption?" You know, and it's got to be limited. They can't be there for two weeks, but there would be limited exemptions for uh for some guests. So, it's it's not something that can be done
overnight, but we will be uh we we will be looking into it and seeing what the best thing is and maybe the best thing is to uh confer with other towns that have that to see exactly how they implemented it, what the and I'm sure that there were bad things that happened
in the beginning and what kind of kinks that they worked out. >> Is there any kind of time frame on this that the process started already, three months, two months? >> You're here talking about it. We're here talking about it probably a couple months. I mean that's just the way government works.
>> Couples too. I mean >> I mean >> a couple months because you know when we you'd have to have an introduction and then wait uh wait for >> I understand there's a process. I'm just we're just trying to get a time frame because
>> couple months to look at it's not good. >> No I I get it. I get it. I uh Mr. Mr. Willie has my uh has my cell phone. I see videos. I see pictures. I I know you guys are uh are are in a bad spot over
there. So, we're going to do everything we can to help. >> Yeah. >> Roy, it's mostly bad after 2:00, right? >> Yeah. Because because the signs >> they can't park on the streets till 2:00, >> right? >> And then there's shifts that come in and then they at night. It's still at night. I mean, my daughter's husband died,
unfortunately. And uh we had the grandbaby there and they slam the doors, her dogs bark, wakes up the baby. It's it's it's not good, you know. >> I mean, we we we have been in contact with the business that uh Mr. Wilcox
talked about and and Mr. Holmes talked about um in order to increase their have them voluntarily increase their parking. There's no to me there's no reason why they can't use the back end of their parking lot that they wanted to park trucks on that they don't need to park trucks on to park there. There's to me
there should be enough room uh for them to park all their vehicles there. >> Kenny's I agree. They shouldn't be on the street. >> So couple two three months. >> Couple months I would say two three months is is a fair estimate or something.
>> They could I guess they could hold back Nancy Mary Pine Avenue. Um, two things. One, um, East Rutherford by my mother h by my mother's house is near the, uh, train tracks and all the bus stops. They have allotted two visitor parking passes
for each homeowner that requests them and your hang tag in in the car. That's a solution that they use right now because I have one when I visit her once once a week. Um, but my issue for coming here is the is the work that P uh PSCG
is doing with the paving and the milling and the notification that wasn't really good the first uh for the curbs. The the notification was non-existent on Pine Avenue for the curbs. They showed up 7 o'clock on a Monday morning. There was no 48 hours, not even Sunday night
before. Cones out like we were told. And there was a bunch of us running out at 7:10. I ran out with wet hair and just threw on something to move my car because they were coming around there. I we figured they were going to tow. Um it it's just not I got a hold of the
superintendent that was there, the foreman, and I let him know that I didn't think it was appropriate. I said, "You go up a few more blocks, you're going to get to the mayor's house. So, learn from your mistake here that you don't do it a couple blocks and don't be so disrespectful of the residents and give them the notice that you promised
them. Um, so now we've got seven and eight for the milling. And I understand my my street was mil today, but we're all assuming seven and eight means you're going to mill, then you're going to pave. And I don't think so because they milled all of uh Wilson. Um they've milled and started milling all the
streets. And you know, we don't know when they're going to pave. But I don't leave at 7:00 in the morning for work. I leave at like 10 to 9. So I need to be able to get out of my driveway. So they just got to be a little bit more considerate, I think, when they when they give us notice because they give us
an email from PSNG and they put the co the signs out. But sometimes the signs aren't correct. And then you then you're trying to figure out, okay, what's what's the next date? What's the next date? How many more days is it going to be? That's all. Just some a little more consideration. And uh that would
probably be >> they're gonna do your street tomorrow or >> No, they just mil my street today. >> Oh, they mil. They're gonna do all the milling first and then they're going to come and pave. >> But originally the the concrete that that was the town Bob, maybe you can
speak. >> That was terrible because they dug up the street and they dug up the grass. They put the curb in and when I came home from work, I was parked down on Chappus and I had to climb over in heels one single board that allowed me to get
over a big hole and where they put the the curbing in. And then the next day they took the the curb was done. They took the boards away and I am kind of just jumping from sidewalk to curb to street to get through. And the funny thing about that notice was that first
day the woman across the street, her husband walks with a cane and they had to go out and he literally had to walk down the block over somebody's yard with his cane. I actually stopped before I left for work to see if he needed any
help because she was parked over here. He had to go that way. You couldn't cross the streets. It It was just inconsiderate. I think that's all with the curbing and >> we're going to defer a lot of the uh all the paving issu questions and hopefully
answers to uh Mr. Klein. >> Yeah, just it's just consideration. >> You know, I do know because I've been getting notifications as you as you said. >> Um but public service I've been getting I've gotten texts messages. I got I got something on my on my door. But it it
did kind of explain what they were doing with the bill. They explained it, but then they put the dates out and then the dates don't always hold. >> Yeah. >> And so then you're kind of confused. Are they just going to extend it a day? >> Right. >> What are they going to do? >> So that's all. >> All right. Uh you know what? Uh while we're on that
topic and it's fresh in everyone's head. I'm just still be open to the public. Anyone else wants to come up, but for now I'm going to defer to Mr. Klein. Can you give us an update on paving and issues that you've heard and that uh you're
hopefully solving? >> So, first off, that issue you described, I passed on to the contractor so that it wouldn't it would be improved when he went to each of the streets and I didn't hear any complaints after that. So, but
they're now finished with their work. So, they're they're finished gone. Um, as far as PSENG, they're they're milling and paving a lot of streets. They did a lot of gas main work. They're they're milling and paving
a lot of streets, which is a good thing because they're paying for it and we are not. Um, their milling started in that area. Their paving will start at some juncture, I believe, next week. I'm not I'm not
sure where. They have a schedule out there, but they will give out notices again when they're going to pave your street. Sometimes they give you two dates because they're not exactly sure how far they'll get with the milling, for example, on one day. They they have
a pretty good idea how much, but it's not an exact science. So, it the exact science is not knowing exactly when they're going to be, you know, on this part of the street or that part of the street. So, it's a it's a two-day. That's why they kind of schedule it for
two days. But paving it this will go on in town pretty much for the whole month of May. It's it's about a month's worth of paving. And again, they'll they'll give out notices when they're going to pave. Uh but no, they're not paving yet. Um, so if your
streets mil, you're fine for now to get in and out, drive as need be, and then you'll get noticed again when they paved. When when they are going to pave. >> Well, you don't I'm sorry. We did you say no. So
milling, obviously milling comes before the paving. Uh but we had an issue a couple of years ago with a contractor that milled and then it took forever to pave and you know I got my house powerwashed and
then you know two weeks later it was like it it was in a >> I remembered that and I emailed I sent out an email to PSCG I believe and their contractor too to make sure that they
sweep and to keep the roads cleaned, do dust control if they have to. So I this contractor that we're dealing with I think is a little better. So hopefully if there's an issue, we'll get cooperation and if I hear otherwise or I hear there's issues, we'll reach out to
them and get them to correct it. >> I know I I don't know if there were signs posted um by uh NY's uh street. I know that yesterday, the day before, there were signs on almost every telephone call on my street saying, uh,
emergency, no parking, 7 am to whatever, 7:00 p.m., uh, for next Monday and Tuesday. So, obviously, I'm going to have to move my, you know, do something in between. I work from home on Monday, so I'm going to have to, you know, do something with the car. But that's for billing. >> Yes. The first, the first time you're
going to get a notice is going to be for milling. The second time you get a notice, that'll be for paving. Okay. >> So, even if it if it says two days the first time for the first notice, it's milling. It may be the first day, it may be the second day.
>> It's not going to be milling and then paving the next day. Okay. All right. Uh, anybody else wishes to address the council? Thomas Van Winko, where are you? >> No. Tom Van Winkl.
Okay. Uh, seeing no one else, sir, would you like to address the council? I don't know. >> You're good. Okay. Excellent. >> I I'll entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Rakamandanda, second by Mr. Garrett. All in favor? >> I. >> I. No. Any objections? No. Um meeting is
now closed to the public and we'll go with uh comments. Mayor, you want to start? >> Yes. Thank you. I just want to thank uh Steve Wilcox for coming tonight and uh doing a good job with the budget, explaining everything, answering questions. I want to thank all our
professionals, uh, Jimmy as well for preparing the budget, helping to prepare it. Uh, Vince Bono, our CFO as well. Um, Bob is going to probably bring this up when when he uh, speaks, but I just want
to talk about the park update. Uh, the Mayill Street tennis courts and pickle ball courts are finished. U, we need the pickle ball nets. They ordered the wrong size. So, they should be in Monday. That was uh a little snafu
there, but they look great. They really do. They're uh the color, the the blue and the green. It looks very nice. And uh so the pickle ball is is a good addition. It'll be two new pickle ball courts. So, we eliminated one one of the
tennis courts. We had four, now we have three, which is sufficient. Uh the big thing there was talking to the the high school that they have enough they have enough courts because uh I guess I guess their season is in the fall. So we spoke to them and they were
fine with the three three courts. And just to to add on to that, >> what we made the decision to do is of the tennis courts and making it the pickle ball, we tried to take it as far away from the residential area and put
it closer to Mayill because uh I've honestly never played pickle ball pickle ball, but uh what my my understanding is that it's not a tennis ball. Uh it's hard and uh it makes it makes a sound and we've heard from other places uh
from a lot of retirey places down in Florida that they go crazy because there's so much uh there's many pickle ball courts and there's a lot of a lot of noise. So we tried to do is take it as far away as possible from the uh from the residential area uh behind them.
>> Yeah, that was that was a good decision to do because I've already had some people that thank me for that. So, um, but also we in regard to parks, Kern Street playground is, uh, the playground's complete. The the ground is
done. There looks like there's still a few things that need to get done. Uh, I know they they poured the, uh, the concrete walkway up to it, but uh, Bob will go into that. It looks like it's 98% done to me, but I'll let Bob handle
that. And also um the veterans veterans field the house that was there has been demoed. It's down uh and they're going to start soon on the splash pad. So we're happy about that. Uh the senior lunch program, I just want to give a
little update with that. It's really going very well. We're getting quite a few uh three days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, we're getting uh between 40 and 50 uh seniors that are coming. doesn't have to be a senior, but uh seniors that are are coming uh to to
eat lunch there. So, it's it's very it's going very well so far. So, I want to thank uh I want to thank the senior center, Karen Dminino, is doing a great job there as the director and uh all the other employees. It's a big change. It's it's a lot of lot of paperwork. So, but
they're but they're doing very well. Uh I just want to mention too, uh unfortunately uh sometime earlier this week, I think it was on Tuesday, uh there was a crossing guard that was uh hit and
killed in Woodland Park. So, uh, I had the chief put out, uh, a, uh, a Facebook post, um, an Instagram post just telling people, telling residents, telling parents, anybody that's driving around
in a school zone, please be careful. um you know it's uh they do a good job but it's it's a dangerous job of being a crossing guard and uh so please uh try to be mindful of of that and uh and be
courteous and be patient and I know taking your kids to school sometimes it's you uh you know there's a lot of traffic especially early in you know arrival and dismissal but uh please uh do your best to be safe. So, um, I also
want to mention, uh, we have 250th anniversary signs. I'm going to show you. They're lawn lawn signs that, uh, the town purchased. We purchased a hundred of them. I think we're going to need more. But what we're
doing is we're we're selling them for uh $10 uh minimum of $10 cash and we're going to take the proceeds or we're going to give it to the VFW, half to the VFW and half to the American Legion. They both uh you know could use the
funds, especially the VFW with the parade and all. And I I ask anybody out there that could uh any business that any business person uh from town that might, you know, that could donate to the parade to write a check to the VFW. They're they're always, you know, it's
it's a good thing. The town does donate uh probably quite a bit uh half for half the parade. It's really the VFW's parade, but you know, the town of course uh takes part in it. And uh so uh I
think the signs they're they're we just started selling them Monday. We can get them at the rec center uh when the rec center is open. Uh but we already sold I think 40 signs. So in two days, two three days. So but uh we also with this 250th
anniversary, we have along Market Street, we have a banner. Um we also have uh flags. I don't know if you've noticed on all the town buildings. Um, it's a smaller flag that goes underneath on the bottom. It says 250th anniversary. It's a small United States.
Like when you walk out, you could see it on the flag pole on the right. Um, but they're really nice and we've gotten a lot of compliments about that. You know, we want to celebrate. It's a it's a big thing. 250th year is it's a we should be proud. You know, we all be proud to be
Americans. And so, um, I also want to mention that the VFW installation dinner, uh, is this Saturday. I think most of us are going, uh, this Saturday, May the 9th, uh, at the VFW. That's an annual thing where they
install their officers. Also, the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies are Sunday, May the 24th. Uh for us it's a long day because they start in the morning at 9ine at the American Legion uh at Welcome Road. They have they have
different uh ceremonies at each location. Then we go to the fire department, then the ambulance corp, then the VFW at 12, and then at 1:00 we meet by the uh by the uh Korean War
monument which is uh on Failon Parkway. Uh this year we have a monument uh for um uh Cap uh Captain McFarland who passed away last year. We named that island after him. The circle we call it
McFarland Circle. Now we we uh we got a actual monument that's near the near the sign. So we wanted to wanted to put something more permanent there. Um, so at one o'clock we'll do a little ceremony there at the uh at the Korean
War monument and the parade starts at 1:30. Uh, a couple other things. Arbor Day, uh, Colombia Bank, uh, I want to thank them. They donated, they started this last year, uh, for Arbor Day, they donated a tree. Um, this year we put it
at Tsentennial Tsentennial Park. It's a dogwood. Uh that was done on Monday, April the 27th. So, thank you to Columbia Bank for that. Um the mayor's youth group uh did a cleanup this past Saturday, Earth Day at Tsentennial Park.
Um clean up and planting. We also planted a uh a Christmas type tree that we got from the county. Uh, I want to mention that Vanderstan Field opening day, the county did work at at uh
Vanderan Field, which is behind Cooler School. Uh, the high school baseball team plays there, but they turfed the infield and they put uh grass, natural grass sod on the whole outfield. It looks really, really nice. Um, so they
the high school played their first game there. It was a county tournament game which they won. They're doing fantastic this year. Both the boys baseball and girls softball are doing very well. They got a winning record and they I think this is the first time they made it into
that tournament in years. So, congratulations to them. I just want to mention we don't have any of our firefighters here, but uh International Firefighters Day was May the 4th. So, I want to thank all our firefighters, volunteers, do a great job.
Um, the Saddleback High School softball home run derby is Saturday the May May the 16th from 11 to 3. Please go out and support them. That's at uh Smithfield. Also, the Marriott Hotel, believe it or not, is turning they're having their
60th anniversary. They've been here 60 years. Nick, you probably remember when it went up, right? Remember when we used to go there when the pro football teams used to play and they used to they used to all the pro football teams used to play uh they used to stay at the Marriott because it was close to Yankee
Stadium back then. That's where they played. The Giants played and the Jets. Where did the Jets play? >> I think at Shay Shay, you're right. Um anyway, uh we have a sensory friendly craft night on May the 27th. Our
community partnership committee is doing that. Uh that's uh that evening at uh I think 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. here at the recreation center. And we lastly we have a summer concert Friday, June the 5th. I forget who's playing. I think I might
have it. >> The Benjamins. >> Benjamins. >> The Ben What is it? >> Benjamins. >> The Benjamins. I I don't know. It must be pretty. It's a Friday night, so hopefully it'll be a nice nice evening. That's it. >> Okay. Uh, Mr. Akamando,
>> well, just like the mayor said, I just like to thank the professionals and everyone up here. Um, we do it respectfully, responsibly without yelling and getting out of control, which is says a lot about us that we could work together to come to
understanding. Um, the gentleman from Lysav, thank you for coming here. Anybody who comes here and expresses their their feelings is great to know that you can come here because we don't always see what happens on social media. Anybody could complain on social media.
Oh, this town sucks. They don't do this. They don't do that. But Mr. Willie, I got to tell you, as long as I've been here, you've been coming up here and complaining about something or bringing something to our attention and we try and get it done. So, thank you guys for doing that because it makes us aware of what's going on. Um, I don't really have
much other to say than happy Mother's Day. >> Okay, >> Mr. Mer. >> Okay, I just like to um shout out to Pico uh who spent his birthday in the hospital. U wish him well and uh speedy recovery buddy and also happy Mother's
Day to everybody. Um this year I have a new I have a new title. I'm a great grandma. So happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmothers, stepmoms, >> and great grandmothers. Great grandma >> and dad as mothers. >> I'm sorry. >> And no, I've said it wrong.
>> Who are fathers? Mother of dragons. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Gar. >> It's that it's that time of the year, budget season. Um, and we always watch every nickel. Um, we do our best. It's not always easy. Um, we're taxpayers,
too. We don't want to raise the taxes any more than we need to. So, we're doing our best. I want to thank all of our professionals uh for doing such a good job. Um I know any increase is is not welcomed. I think this could have been a lot worse and I appreciate what's
going on here. I the mayor uh did a great job. Uh Jimmy always does a good job. Um also I just want to mention Pete. We could probably count on one hand how many meetings he's missed in the past 30 plus years. So, uh, our
thoughts are with him and we're just hoping for a speedy recovery for Pete. And finally, happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Thank you. >> Couple of things. You know, it's funny. Uh, the mayor had mentioned how good the, uh, baseball and softball teams are
doing. I, uh, was with a friend last night and I said, "Hey, I just saw something on Facebook about the the Saddle Brook baseball team. They played 17 games. What do you think their record is?" and he said, "Oo and 17." And I was like, "No, they're they're 13 and four or 14 and three," which is amazing. We
have the we actually have the uh coach of the high school baseball team, Garrett Luna, here. And uh so I thank him for coming and uh also condolences on your aunt. It's very sad story. >> Um I'm going to defer to Jimmy Holsy. He
talked about the the quiet train, the quiet zone, things like that about the the train some an individual who lives Chelsea by Chelsea. Um, and back it kind of backs up to the to the train tracks
over there and uh he had indicated that there's some regulations that you can look at. I mean, it's it's a book that thick about federal regulations on that. But uh you did speak to him and I just wanted to let him know that uh you know, we we didn't ignore him. I think you spoke to him and spoke to somebody else
in in government that uh kind of can guide us where if anywhere we can we can go and and see if we can do anything. >> Yeah. Um looking into the quiet zone process. It is as you mentioned very
complex, very thorough. Um it can require um engineering and construction. Not sure who that responsibility falls on or if it's something done conjunction with the transit system. Uh that is something again we're at the kind of
early stages of looking into, but I'll I'll I'm going to be working with the uh police department to assist with uh their contacts there to begin that process to better understand uh step by step what that entails. >> Thank you. Uh the mayor had mentioned Tricenning Park and thank you to
Columbia Bank for helping out. There are park benches. There are slabs there that have not been filled with park benches and I believe it's $500 if you want to donate uh $500 and you can have a bench dedicated or in your own name or
dedicated to somebody. Uh mayor mentioned about the crossing guard in Woodland Park. Uh my understanding is that she actually pushed children out of danger and was struck and killed and she was an elderly lady as a lot of crossing guards are mostly retired folk. Uh but
every year we go down to the League of Municipalities and we have a uh a seminar basically by our uh GIF, the Joint Insurance Fund. And every year they say the same thing. The number one
most dangerous job in government is a crossing guard. And again, a lot of them are elderly. You might see them um doing their job and they might look like they're they're moving a little slow. So give them a little slack. I know it's stressful. you want to get your kids on time, but I can't tell you how many
times I've seen uh and I've heard of just people just being so disrespectful to uh senior citizens that are that are doing their job. I mean, yeah, they're getting paid, but they're not getting paid a hell of a lot. And again, they're they're in danger. They're they're, you
know, inches from cars and and there's people parking all over the place and they want to get their kids there, and they don't give a crap. Um so just take a second, take a deep breath, treat them with the respect that they deserve. Um one thing, uh the June 5th is that uh
it's a Friday night. Last year we had a nice Friday night concert. Um I forget the I think it was the Nerds and we had our largest uh our largest attendance uh because they're they're a band that has a following and the Benjamins is the same way. You'll see the Benjamins
playing down up and down the Jersey Shore all summer long. We're happy to have them and and I'm going to try my best. Uh I tried last year and it was not successful to try and get at least at least one more concert and uh uh I'd like to get some of our local bands to
see if if they they would come out and we could do a night with with our local bands. The issue is do they share their equipment? And I I have to work that out because I think they're very proprietary with their equipment. Somebody might not want the other guy to use his drum set or or his amplifier. But I'm going to try and
smooth that out the best I can. Uh talking to a couple of our uh local bands that you've seen playing in bars and all over the place. Uh one thing that the mayor didn't mention, I'm sure that just uh slipped was this sorry, next Friday, a week from this Friday, a
week from tomorrow, on May 15th uh at 12:00 noon, we'll have the police memorial service at the police station. Usually it's at uh town hall, which is leveled. Uh but we uh got the contractor
that is doing that has uh purchased that property to move the uh the police memorial over to the police station where I personally I thought it it always belonged and we'll be doing it uh there at 12 noon. Right. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um
and then the lunch afterwards too with the VFW >> refreshments at the post afterwards, right? uh happy Memorial Day or I mean it's it's very we have this thing is it happy Memorial Day. I mean it's a Memorial Day. It's a sad thing but we
all know that we're having a parade. I mean we're not having a parade to to sit there and and be very glum. So everyone enjoys the parade. Uh so it's the unofficial start of summer but main thing is we have to remember who that parade is for. for our uh the people
that have have served and have lost their lives in in service. Um Mother's Day is f is mon is Jesus is Sunday. Uh for those who have still have their moms, you know, uh love them to death and uh for those who lost their moms,
just please remember them on that day. Thank you very much. And I think we're going to go into ordinances. First reading on ordinance uh 1803-26. Have a nice night. >> Calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed
the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank NJSA484-45.14. >> Okay. Is there a motion to introduce the motion? >> Second. >> Uh roll call. >> What's that? >> Use the motion. >> Motion was Mr. Akimmon. Was it Dave?
>> No, Dave. >> Mr. Garrick. Second by Todd. >> Mr. Todd. >> Okay. Uh, we'll do a roll call. >> Councilman Garrick, >> yes. >> Councilman Okamando, >> yes. >> Council Councilwoman Maser, >> yes. >> And council president Simila,
>> yes. Please read the resolutions. Now therefore, be it resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank NJSA48 colon 4-45.14
here to four passed on first reading be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on June 18th 2026 at 7 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be reached at the municipal complex 55 Mayill Street. And that at such time and place, all persons
interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance according to law with a notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of a time and place when and where said ordinance will be further considered for final passage. Is there >> a motion to uh to uh adopt this
resolution on first reading? >> Motion second. >> Garrick, second, Mr. Akamando. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamanda. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mazer. >> Yes. >> Council President Simul. >> Yes. >> Believe we'll go to the consent agenda.
All items listed with an asterisk are considered routine and non-controversial by the township council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a council member so requests it in which case the item will be removed from the C consent agenda and considered
in its normal sequence on the agenda. The one motion signifies adoption of all resolutions receive and file letters, correspondence, reports and approval of minutes and applications. Is >> there a motion on consent agenda? >> Motion. >> Ms. Maser. >> Second.
>> Second. Mr. Garrick. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. Yes. Councilman Armando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Simula. >> Yes. Old business. We talked about Lyster Avenue. Is there any other old business that we'd like to go over at this point? We're at the old business
portion of the >> No, I I I think we're >> we covered it. We covered it during comments, >> right? >> We covered definitely Lester Avenue. are going to be talking about that and and see and maybe what we can do is um Jimmy, I'm going to throw that in your lap if we could just see what other
towns that have resident parking uh have done. What kind of uh stickers or nowadays everything is digital. You got to give your license plates. You know, again, it may infringe on your freedom because
you're giving a lot of information to uh some uh to a government agency, but again, that's something that we're going to work on. Uh new business >> just through the chair with the uh Yes, sir. parking permits. >> Yep. >> I grew up in Loai, so
>> as as you did, but I think by the time you left the parking passes were gone. >> What's that? When I started there, there were no cars. It was they were just inventing cars. So what we did is we had to have a sticker on primary cars for their household and if somebody was staying overnight you just called in and
gave the license plate number and it was good for usually two days. Anything after two days you had to call back. I I I do I actually was there when they started that and I and I know that there were some people just like I said there were some let's put it Playboys that had
frequent overnight guests uh a variety of overnight guests and and they just didn't want to tell the police who who was sleeping over uh and it caused a little bit of a problem but uh they solved it. But the only problem with the parking passes for resident
non-residents is it's an additional cost at the town opposed to just calling up um police department and saying listen this is my address this my uh tag number to be staying overnight right I would
think that inconvenience to you guys but it's a lot less cost than to making >> right >> 50 60 100 more uh >> tags whatever to close bags or decals or something. >> Yeah. I I I would just think that the way it's going to work is if there's two
people who live there, you're going to get two. If there's, you know, five people that drive and you got five cars, you're going to get five. And then, like you said, maybe we can do a callin just so when they go down that road, and I know, listen, it's a small street. I don't expect there to be a lot of action
over there. Uh but they can call in and say, you know, it's uh you know, XYZ123. Uh that's going to be an overnight guest. uh were there for for a day or two >> or honestly just take your car to the driveway and let your guests use the driveway. >> There there's ways to there's ways to do
it right >> through the chair if you don't mind. Um >> yes, sir, Mr. Holmes. >> Thank you. Um if you want, I'll I can meet with some of the the PD representatives and and come up with maybe a couple recommendations for the council consideration. >> Sure. General BHK maybe.
>> Yeah. Um, under new business, I just I saw something. Are we sending someone to the county on on Monday for the allocation application? >> Yes. Yeah, we we had we had the meeting. It was a Zoom meeting. >> It happened already. >> Yeah, it happened. >> I thought it was it was
>> No, no, not for the allocation, just to to vote for the uh the officers. >> Okay. >> Right. You know, >> because it made it seem like if we didn't show up on the 15th. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, they're they're very they're very strict with that now. So, no, we're we're good. I was going to say if you if you don't have anyone to go, it's 4:30. I'll I'll I'll attend if you
need me. >> Yeah, that one that one is you have to you have to go there in person. >> So, we have somebody going. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Uh any other new business? >> U did you uh I mean we kind of bypassed Bob. Is there any other thing that you
you want to talk about parks maybe or >> general engineering stuff? >> Current current park is done. It's being used. I was there earlier today. There were little children using it and parents sitting on the benches which
have been returned and and bolted down. Um I just asked the contra contractor to do a little bit of top soiling on the, you know, along the walkway, but it's it's available able to be used. Um nothing to add with the pickle ball
courts. Um, >> Monday. We're thinking we're going to have >> I was told they're going to arrive Monday. Then they have to be installed. I don't know if they're going to be installed Monday or Tuesday, but I will keep on them. >> We have our pickup afficionados that are
>> I'm sure waiting there with their paddles. Um, with the spray park, >> as was mentioned, the house is down. The contractor is out there starting his form work. he's going to be doing the plumbing work. Um, he gave me
a schedule. I I would expect that around, you know, around the end of school year is is looking like when uh more realistic when it's going to be done. Um, which is fine. That's when the kiddies
come out and they'll want to use it. Um, and then the last one that'll come out will be the basketball court on Fifth Street. We submitted a >> grant request to have that playground replaced as well in Fifth Street. This is the
>> Fifth Street, the Fifth Street Park. >> Okay. >> There'll be a basketball court there constructed. And then the playground that's there now, we put in a grant request to have it replaced. >> And that's it. >> Was going to say >> Yeah, I was going to I was going to ask
you about Fifth Street. There's going to be parking, a couple of parking spaces in there. Has that >> Yes. >> So, it's going to be partially paved >> and then >> it'll be there'll be an entrance. It'll be paved. It'll be paved up to about five parking spots and then the basketball court.
>> I'm I'm going to bring it up now. Um, since we're kind of in in new business, Mayor uh, and everybody, are we utilizing that trailer that used to be fire and recreation
that's when you go into in the Veterans Field, the parking lot, like when you walk in. >> Yeah, it's it's being used, but it's mostly storage and some of the different sports use it, the commissioners. My my thought is especially when you're going to well there's always a need for parking and we may have an issue with
Norosan you know who knows uh is is there a way that we can think about and maybe put our heads together and see if we take that out how many more spaces we can get in that lot um if it's we've got plenty of storage room here um and see
if we can maybe or reconfigure it so this way it's not in that area maybe Maybe get 10 more parking spaces out. >> Get a few more. >> Maybe we can talk to Andy and recreation and uh Jimmy and and Bob and see if it's
worth it to do it. If it's not really serving that much of a purpose, u it may be time to to get rid of it. It is old and dumpy looking too. Uh anything else under new business? Anybody else? >> Uh sorry, I apologize. Who shared? There is one.
>> You know what? You may have a new uh a new feature here and that is the business administrator >> like telling what what's going on in in your uh professional life report. >> Like a a BA report. We maybe we'll do that. >> It's all Saddlebrook. >> Huh?
>> It's all Saddlebrook. >> There you go. >> Obviously, it's all Saddlebrook, but anything that's coming up that we don't that we haven't talked about that you know of because you're the BA and you're like the guy you're the contact person. Uh I'll I'll stew on that for the next
moment or two. Uh but there is one item of old business um that I'm going to refer to Mr. Statino to give an update on a legal matter that is had uh has recently been resolved. >> Yes. So, uh I guess over over a year ago, a complaint was filed, a complaint
was filed by a resident contending that uh a decision that was made by our zoning board was discriminatory. And for whatever reason, they also included uh the governing body even though the decision was made by the uh zoning
board. And uh we received a decision today that said there was no discrimination in dismissing the complaint that was filed. >> Awesome. >> Okay. U >> uh one item actually more than a few items in this uh this budget that was
introduced tonight. uh one item that it will actually be in the capital budget, but that one item that we're uh it's been kind of years in the making that we're proud to um to have installed. And it's not really a forward- facing much of a forward- facing product, but it's it's really the the the lifeline of our
financial system is our our um is our financial actual software product that we use to implement taxes, keep track and uh and uh issue taxes and bills and water bills and all that is um we currently use a company called Munidex
and uh we will through the support of everyone and and also all the departments and supervisors uh we'll be upgrading that to Ed admins. Um there for for many different reasons. Uh this will provide us the the best efficient and effective services and product in
the market that 90 plus of the communities in New Jersey use. This will bring us up to um you know to current standards, current uh technology. So it will help the staff, it will help the the residents and uh we're excited that to implement that that will begin. This
the transition takes about a year. We're a few months into that transition, so it'll be some point in early to mid uh 2027. Uh but I'm excited that that's free up their time. They're actually very excited. Usually employees don't aren't always open to to change and especially a software system. Um they're
they're very open and excited for this for this uh this change which will come uh early next year. >> Financially, I mean, is it cost a lot more or >> uh there it's just really just the upfront costs? Um but year-to-year it's it's comparable uh in terms of cost but
in terms of uh uh functionality and uh providing a better uh more efficiency and uh to the staff it will save them a ton of time and it will be better for uh it's more reliable and robust. >> Time is money. We all know this, right? >> And for the residents as well.
>> Yeah. And our IT guy is supporting it 100%. So it's uh >> anything happening else that uh you think the the township should be aware? We got to your time to shine my friend. >> Uh I mean everyone we've been put we'll
put it on social we have put on social media and it's a it's a big issue that all the communities are facing in New Jersey the uh the ebikes that that law I believe in uh June or July will become uh able to enforce. So, uh, we'll be sharing that, but that that is a large,
uh, a very forward- facing issue that, uh, you know, pe the residents in in Bridder should be aware aware of that the PD will be out enforcing when that when the time allows. >> Do you have to have >> there's certain definitions, but there's you will have to have a license,
registration, insurance. >> Commander Buchek is here. Um, is all also a helmet. >> Is there a helmet? I think some will require I don't know about all of them but some will cuz there's different definitions of different depending on the speed and so on and so forth but some will will require I believe
>> I think it goes by how many miles per hour the bus the bike can go has different uh type of >> I guess maybe >> a training bike has to wear a helmet why shouldn't somebody on a scooter go a lot faster than a train
>> I don't disagree with you but uh our are are people in the legislature who uh enacted it. If it's in there, then it's in there if they but I believe I believe that they do have to wear it. >> Okay. Uh I also on that note too, I
spoke to the chief. He's going to do some kind of roadside uh educational program, have officers that you know are on the side and pulling them over and talking to them and explaining the law. Yeah,
>> community that's part of our community policing. >> Yeah. So, uh, okay. Uh, anybody else before we open the meeting to agenda items? >> We're good. >> I just want I just want to wish everybody a happy Mother's Day. I forgot
that. And >> and wish it was in >> and wish Pete well. I went to see him last night. He's he's he's in good spirits. >> Yes. I I talked to him yesterday and he sounded a lot better than I he sounded two days before. So, you know, best of
luck to him. Get back soon. And I want to commend Mr. Barali who's done a fantastic job here. A little golf clap for you. Thank you. Uh entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public on agenda items only. >> Motion by Mr. Mer, second by Mr.
Akamando. All in favor? >> I. >> Any I any uh opposed? Seeing none, motion passes. meeting is now open to the public on agenda items. Anyone wishes to address the public, address the council and and the mayor on uh any
agenda items? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Motion, Mr. Akaman, second by >> Mr. Garrick. All in favor? >> I. >> All anybody against? Seeing none.
>> Last item of business. Any final comments besides happy Mother's Day and enjoy your Memorial Day and be safe out there? >> No, >> we're good. Tanner's getting cold. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Ms. Maer. >> Second. >> Second. Mr. Garrick. All in favor?
>> I. >> Great. Thank you everybody.