Call the meeting to order. Roll call. >> Councilman Simaluca. >> I am here. Councilman >> Akamando >> here. >> Councilwoman Sanchez is unable to be here this evening. Councilwoman Maser >> here. >> Council President Garrett >> here. Please rise for the salute to the
flag. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it 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 meeting act chapter 231 public law 1975. The public is hereby advised that any statement m statements made during the meeting of the township council of the
township of Saddlebrook may not be privileged or protected and have persons or entities who take issue with such comments or are offended by saying may and have in the past sought legal redress through the courts. Any member of the public who addresses the council speaks for themselves and not for the
council. >> Okay. >> All right. We're going to have our uh budget hearing for 2025. A motion to open the meeting to the public for the public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget.
>> Motion. >> All in favor? >> I. The meeting is open to the public on the budget. Anyone wishing to address the council on the budget, please step up to the microphone.
Uh just a couple of questions uh in terms of where uh the spending increase or decrease went. But the $74,000 of surplus that decreased. Uh do you guys have an explanation on, you know, what that money was used for, where it
went, what it was spent on? Also salaries and wages. I understand we had a few uh promotions in the police department, but $446,000 that seems like there was, you know, a lot of people hired or do you have any
explanation on the $446,000 increase in salaries and wages? Uh, also the water utility went up 273,000. Um, was that just a one time for last year because the water weights went up or is that going to be 250 to 300k a
year? Um um that's about it other than the fact in terms of forecasting since you guys forecasted in 2030, you go and build 200 apartments and just 20 kids move in, it's $19,000 a child times 20, that's a
million and a half in a 4-year period. Maybe that should be put into the forecast. If you're going to forecast up to 2030, if two, three, 400 apartments are going to be built, how much money does the board of ed need if just 20,
30, or 40 kids move in? Uh, yeah, that's it for the budget. I'll be back later for other non-budget questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, Steve, would you like to address those concerns? >> Sure. um on the reduction of surplus
that was by virtue of a extra what large tax appeal in 2024 that was settled taxes that the town did not collect based on that settlement agreement. The increase in salaries, the net increase
across the board in salaries is $382,000 for the year. That's one of the five specific drivers increasing spending in 2025. The water utility the is the purchase of
water has increased because Pake Valley Water Commission increased their rates 6 or 7% from 24 to 25. Did that cover? >> Is that all? >> Well, if you're I mean if you're going to do a fiveyear forecast
I How many apartment buildings affordable housing market? We're at $19,000 a child. >> This public hearing is on the 25 budget only. >> Yes. Well, let me just if you don't mind through the chair to just address >> Yeah, sure.
>> So, the school the formula that you get is based upon the state formula. And if you just think about this logically, let's just say there's 30 students. They're all not going to be in the same grade. you have god knows how many different grades in this municipality because you do have your own high
school. So if there's a couple of kids added to each grade, the impact to the school in cost is minimal because they're not hiring an extra teacher because now you have two extra students in a specific grade. So you can't correlate and say, well, if there's
going to be 20 new students coming into this municipality, that means it's going to cost the school district $400,000. It's actually impossible. Even if those 20 were in the same grade, that would only necessitate hiring one school teacher for the 20 students. And of
course, the possibility of 20 students moving into a building and all being in the same grade, I would have to say is probably 0001% possibility. And again, even if that's the worst case scenario, you would have
to hire one teacher because you would have to add one grade, one one school teacher. So, there is an additional cost, but it's not anywhere near the $20,000 per student. >> Mrs. Mr. uh through the chair,
Mrs. Cape um the uh the speaker is asking about 200 units and I think that might have been the fair share number, but certainly that's not >> No, no. He he made his point and correct
me if I'm wrong was that that if there's 20 or 30 students that come into one of the buildings that are constructed that that's going to cost $20,000 a student which would be that was my understanding the point you were making. >> I think it was based on I think it was based on 200 new units
>> back and forth here. No, the the what he had indicated was 200 new units. And I know that there was a fair share number that was thrown out um to us of over 200 units, but that was uh that was rejected by the town,
>> right? Well, that number is not going to be 200. So, if you Yeah, I guess if your question going to happen with affordable housing, that number hasn't been finalized yet. But I think it was more of a concern about the number of students that would be generated from any additional residential units,
>> right? >> I think it was based on the fear of 200 200 new units and that's that's not happening. >> And that's not reflected in this budget regardless. There's no new units in this budget. There's no new students in this budget. >> No, you know, >> and it wouldn't be in our budget anyway.
It would be in the school budget. But again, the impact >> the impact, >> we're not the first town that has had residential units put in. If you >> I don't like to use Hackinack per se because it's a completely different kind of community, but they got thousands of units that have gone up in the past few
years and their school budget has stayed relatively the same. I'm sure there's been students generated because again, the students are spread out. Well, during education, >> right, there's 13 grade grades. If you added 20 students and there's 40 classes in Saddlebrook between the elementary
and the high school, >> and you added one to every grade, right? >> What would be the impact to a board of educ? I sat on a board of education. The impact would be zero. >> Would be minimal. Yes. >> If you need books or whatever, that's it. That's all. Absolutely.
>> I just had one one other question for Steve. When you said he had said about 400,000, you specified 382. Is that based on salary increases or um employee uh new employees, new new police officers?
>> That's based upon the the amount budgeted in 25 versus 24 as prepared by the administration. the but most of that increase is more toward
>> most of it contract >> contractual increases and we did hire new new police officers >> and that's part that's part of it >> that wasn't addition >> yes that that was that was filling existing spots the people that we targeted
>> we were we were short brought up to our to maximum which is 34 Anyone else on the budget wish to address the council? Okay, seeing no one else, motion to close. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I Okay, Steve, could you just talk about the amendment? >> Sure. Um the amendment is is is is really just uh two things being amended.
When the state did their review of the budget and the cap calculation and the tax levy cap workbook, uh they came up with an adjustment to our our pension appropriation is greater than what this the actual bill is because there there
have been some additional fees charged by the state for registrations and what have you. So the administration put a little bit extra in the pension line item. The cap calculation pension amount can only be the actual
bill. >> So they made an $11,000 adjustment. So this amendment reduces taxes by 11,000 and increases the use of surplus by 11,000 just to balance the budget out. And that's it. So this is a resolution
to be passed tonight and after that's passed then you can pass the resolution to adopt the budget. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Uh motion to amend the budget. >> Motion.
>> Uh all in favor? I >> I motion to adopt the 2025 municipal budget. >> Motion second. >> All in favor? Uh roll call. >> Council Maluca.
>> Yes. >> Council, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mer, >> yes. >> Council President Garrick, >> yes. >> Budgets adopted. >> Thank you, Steve. We're done. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks, Steve. >> You know, John, I love being around you. No thanks. >> Okay. Uh, we have two young ladies from the library board that would like to address the council this evening. Got it. Okay. Hi, my name is Jillian
Gartland Garrick and I'm a member of the library board. And this is Faith Fitz Simmons. She's our president of the library board. The library board has been very busy over the last several years making improvements to the library space and the programs, including an
area for teens and maker space programs. We now we need to continue. We know that we need to continue making improvements and we need your help. The library is now conducting a community survey for our second
strategic plan. We want to hear from you. We need your feedback on the library's environment, the resources and programs. Our survey can be found on the library website, Facebook, in person at
the library, at town hall, or even at the town picnic. There's a QR code going around also. Did I bring it? I'll show it. >> I have it here. >> Sorry.
And you can easily scan it to get to the survey. There's three surveys, an English version, a Spanish version, and a teen survey. Please give us your honest opinions so we can continue to improve the services our library provides. Thank
you, and we look forward to seeing you at the library. >> Thank you very much. >> Thanks. Oh, um, if you return a completed survey at the library, there's some prizes that you can get at the library desk. Just bring your survey to
the library desk and we have some different prizes that we're giving out to incentivize people to come to the library and join in the summer fun. Thanks. Hold them up. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you very much. And thank you for
all your hard work. >> Thanks. Okay. Um, motion to open the meeting to the public. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> The meeting is now open to the public. Please state your name and address for
the record. >> Thomas Van Winkle, 128 Lincoln Avenue, Saddlebrook. Good evening, everyone. Um, I want to let you know that the mayor's youth group is going to meet in this room on Saturday at 10:30. Um, we're going to talk about being involved with
some future events, including National Night Out, which is on Tuesday, August 5th. We're looking to help out with the Saddleber Committee Partnership because they're going to have a table um at the National Night Out. So, we're going to kind of partner, work together um to do
that. So, we hope to see everyone come to the next meeting. It's open to anybody, any Saddleberg resident going to grades four up through 12 in September of 2025. So, again, the meeting is this Saturday at 10:30. So, all any any fourth through 12th grade
watching this right now is invited to come on Saturday morning. Thank you. >> Thank you, Thomas. I I just have a comment. >> Just state your name and address for the record. I don't know if you did that before. >> Uh Andrew J. It's 3378th Street. Uh the
last two years the the tax increases. Um 50 by 100 lots in town. I looked through homes of all districts. Uh one home hasn't been renovated. 1300 square foot. Last year was $1,040 increase. This year
1,080. Um, you know, I've spoken to dozens of people last year. Is this going to be consistent year-over-year? 1,11 $1,200 a year. I mean, I think it was even 10 12 years ago, too. The 300 was the average,
but this is outrageous and terrible. Uh, what's the update on 9395 Market Street? There were three proposals. Are you negotiating with all three or have you decided on one um and the the 279 units? Have you guys made a counter to
that or are you going to accept all 279? Uh and just one comment on the PSNG road work. Uh since they have to pave the street, uh all of district one is needing to be paved. So, if they don't
do that within the next four to five months, where's the accountability? Um, that entire district and town didn't get paved. Uh, because they did First Street and Second Street and they were many, many months behind that. And I would think it'd be terrible if five to six
months go by and an entire district isn't paved when it would should have been paved for free by PSENG. Uh just some things to note if you could follow up with P PSEG if there's delays but there's an entire district in town that
won't be paved without a dollar out of the council's budget. Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else wish to address the council? Sylvia Zadderelli 236 L a hope you guys are having a great summer. You all look really well rested which is one of the
reasons I'm here. I was at the planning board meeting when Walmart gave their presentation and they assured us that there was going to be security back there to stop racing. We're still getting woken up all crazy hours of the night. I've called the cops a few times.
or neighbors have called. Anyone have any idea when that's going to go into effect? >> Okay, >> we'll we'll answer your questions. >> Okay. And second, I'm not here to speak on behalf of the board of ed, but I just want to comment your logic is 100% well
99. If we have seven classes that are masked out and you put one kid in each class, you need seven more teachers. I'm sorry. Aid or teacher? >> Aid or teacher? >> There's the likelihood of all of these
kids going in the same grade would only cost one teacher. If you're that class is maxed out and you put one more kid in and it goes over, you have to hire you have to split it up. So if there's seven classes at max and you put seven more kids, one in each class, you're hiring
seven more teachers. >> Well, well, that would be a decision. I served on the board of education. That would be decisions for the board. You know, they ideally they may want only 19 kids in a class, but are they going to add it another teacher if it's going to be 20? In my district, they would not do it. In your district, it may be
different. But again, the ultimate decision until the ultimate decision would be up to the board as to whether or not they would want to add a teacher because there was one student over there >> understandably just the point is it could happen. That's >> anything's possible.
>> Okay. Anyone else wish to address the council? >> Okay. Seeing no one else, motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Uh all in favor? >> I. >> Okay. >> Um through the chair, I I can address two of the questions first. Sure.
>> And and I know Councilman Simaluca was actually addressed it somewhat earlier with respect to the affordable housing number that is uh that is in litigation. The number is not final. The when the uh when they come up with these numbers,
they assume all vacant land can have affordable housing units constructed on it. what they don't take into account that maybe it's a cemetery, maybe it's undevelopable, maybe it's wetlands. So all that then gets analyzed after the fact and through the court system. So
that number we've been told by the attorney who's handling this for the township that that number should be much lower. Secondly, you're not required to build those number of units. What you have to do is come up with a plan that within 10 years you can perhaps
have those units built. But even after the 10 years, if you haven't built them, but you've shown progress or reason why they couldn't be built, uh there's no penalty or there's no consequence as a result of that. So the number isn't finalized. It won't be
finalized probably for several months. And once it is finalized, it does not necessarily mean that that number whatever that number comes out to be will actually have to have been built. Uh with respect to 93
uh was it the market street property? >> Uh the township has based upon the comments received from the public, the township has been aggressively looking for developers to come up with different types of proposals. Some developers have come forward but they were all looking
for residential and higher density than what was presented. So those those proposals or those developers will not even be considered because the sentiment was not to increase the density of what was proposed but perhaps uh look for less. Uh but there is uh interest from
one or two developers to continue along a residential type development and once that is uh ready for a presentation to the public, it will be presented at a public meeting. Uh but the developers who have been called have been told about the comments that have been
received from the residents in the area and the restrictions that they would like to see with respect to any uh development. So hopefully some of their concerns will be able to get addressed by whatever development is considered for that site.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Um we also have um we had a question regarding the paving. >> You want to talk about that? talk to that >> with regard to the paving. When when PSEG
um replaces their main in a road, they are obligated to pave from center line to to the curb. They're obligated to pave half the road. Um at the end of the day, we will make sure they meet their
obligation. Um if the road was paved recently and is under a moratorum, they're obligated to pay repave the road in full. we will make sure that they meet that obligation as well. Uh I believe PSCG is planning to do some roads in the fall and some roads in the
following spring. Um we are going to work with them to determine which of those roads are which and they will then come up with a schedule. >> Okay. Thank you. Mayor, do you want to mention uh the
Walmart security? Is there anything that you'd like to speak to regarding that or no? >> Yes. Um I would like uh Captain Califan, I don't want to put him on the spot, but I do know and he may may or may not know. The
chief's not here. Uh but the chief has been meeting with the management group and I don't believe they've gotten the security yet. And that wasn't, you know, I don't believe the deal was that they were going to get security the next day. you know, this this is in line with
what's going on with Walmart. So, I think, you know, it's in the it's in the making. That's why the way I understand it. Yeah, they definitely are. >> Yeah. I mean, they're going to put a You were at the meeting, Sylvia. They're going to put a gate in. Walmart's doing
that. So, there's a whole bunch of It's not something >> I I know it's an ongoing problem and and you know that's why I asked the captain. It's the police department's problem. You know what? Do you want me and the council to go out
there and patrol? I mean, you know, I I don't mean to put captain on spot, but you know what, Captain? Can you tell us anything? What what's going on there? Where where was anybody caught? You know, >> here. I mean it's a patrol sector so
we're patrolling the area but you know sometimes it happens so fast they all get out of >> yeah they they do it they do it sporadically but once there's security there I would think they're they're not going to go because they're they're going to get
caught if they get caught they won't go thereel Yeah. >> Did that address it? I don't know. >> I'm sorry. All right. Uh, moving forward, I would just like to just quickly address the
taxes, which I was going to do anyway. Obviously, many people, most of us in this room pay taxes. Nobody wants to pay any more taxes than they need to. Um, last month we discussed with our auditor many of the reasons why the taxes went
up, healthc care contributions increased, many things like you're looking at in your own family's budget are increasing. The breakdown of the taxes is the schools are 55%,
municipal 32%. The county's 10% and give or take 2% is the library. Okay, we all have rising costs. Taxes go up. We haven't hired any new people. In addition, just getting
back to that 55% from the school. There was a referendum passed that the voters in Saddlebrook approved that helped increase taxes. Many of the things that are done here obviously and with the schools are absolutely needed.
Okay. We did not answer uh we did not add any new positions here. We replace some people that retired on the police department. Okay. of your average tax bill, which is now give or take a little over $10,000,
less than 4,000 comes our way. Okay. Police, DPW, our office staff, which we've been able to consolidate a number of positions. Correct, Jim? >> Correct. >> So, we're watching our dollars here.
Okay. And we don't want to raise taxes any more than we need to. So, we're doing the best job in that respect as we can. I thank our department heads. I thank Jimmy. I thank Bob White, our mayor, for their due diligence and working so hard to do as
good a job as they do to keep the spending under control here. Nobody wants to pay any more taxes than we have to. We have an incredible township here. Property values are up. That's not going to happen forever.
Okay. So, we're going to do our best to continue to watch our spending. >> Okay. Mayor, would you like to? >> Yes. Uh, just thank you, Dave, for that. You made my job a lot easier.
>> Um, the only other thing I want to say is it was a very difficult budget year. Um, it's everything goes up. the inflation like Dave said, you know, the insurance influensions,
all all this goes up and, you know, I feel bad because really other than other than essential services and paving roads and fixing parks, um, you know,
the the school put in a brand new beautiful turf field with lights, which is amazing, looks amazing. And I think the the residents, the the kids and the parents uh that deserved it. Uh but other than that,
you know, and that was a refraction of of of the of the increase. Uh it's all these it's all it's all this extra expenses. It's not like and I feel bad because really
you're paying more and you're not I mean it's a beautiful town and I I love living here. I think all of you do as well. Um but essentially you're getting the same that you got last year. Okay. With the exception of those things that I
mentioned, but we yearly we've been doing the roads anyway and we've been fixing parks. So, uh, you know, but there's nothing we can do about it. You know, I I don't care. You could put anybody else up here other than the only You know what we
could do? We could lay people off. Okay. Do we want to lay people off? No. Do we want to cut essential services? No. You know what? Those are all that's the only way you can get that money. You know, people talk all these candidates out there, you know, they talk about
cutting taxes. That's the only way you can do it. And and you as far as as far as the operating expenses, nothing's changed. Nothing went up from this year, you know, to last year. Nothing went up. If anything, it was decreased. But here's
another thing, Andrew. And Andrew, excuse me, Andrew, you mentioned about, you know, that that the budget went up as far as salary and wages. Sure it did. Because like every other town,
you know, they they all have the police have a contract, the DPW has a contract, the white collar has a contract in in those two years, that two-year period, they all their contracts were renegotiated. They all got raises. They got what what most of
the other towns get. And the police department alone, you know, two 3% raise, that's a lot of money, you know. So, but our police department does a great job and and and that's why we filled the the table organization
because we want we we want people to be safe. You know, the these are essential services. So, yeah, there's really nothing else that we could do. I I feel terrible about it. I like Dave said, nobody wants nobody wants to pay higher taxes. But, you
know, with that being said, also we are we are the 13th lowest. We were eighth. And you know, I'm I'm being totally honest. We were eighth. Three years ago, we were eighth. Now we're 13th. So, we're going up. But the average
the average tax in Bergen County, okay, for the average house is 12 thou is $12,000. We're a little above 10. So, we're still lower. You know, it doesn't help when
you get that increase, but you know, we are lower. We're a nice town. I think we're doing a good job here trying to make things better. We got a good school district. I'm very happy with the school district. Um, people want to live here. People want to come. You know, the the
house the market's so high yet we're getting houses go to market and and and you get bidding wars. So, people want to move into this town because it's a nice town. You know, they're not excuses. This is this is the reality of it. And I still
feel bad that, you know, nobody wants to pay higher taxes. And and to answer your question, Andrew, I think we're going to next year when we sell this property, we're going to there's going to be a big tax relief because if we sell it for,
you know, what we hope to sell it for, that's going to go directly towards the municipal tax decrease. So hopefully we'll be next year will be zero or you know a nominal
50 $50. This year we're $38. The school's $2 less than us. Usually you're more than us but you know. Okay. So I don't know what your school's going to be next year but you know hopefully
it won't be so bad. So that's the taxes. Let me get into the ordinances. We have five ordinances uh tonight on for final reading. Uh one for abandoned property rehabilitation act, one for unsafe
buildings. Um this is related to some of the uh buildings that we have in town that are vacant. Um also flood plane management regulations. This is by the state. um fixing of water rates and a bond
ordinance to exceed the appropriation limits and established uh bank cap which is we do that every year. We have a first reading uh tonight on bond ordinance for capital improvements. Um
resolutions of note. Um we're approving there's a there's a there's an approval on tonight for a contract to repair the canopy roof here at uh the municipal building. We talked about roads resurfacing
program. Uh Bergen County will be paving uh Midland Avenue between Erie and Pley Avenue within the next couple of weeks. Uh also uh they're going to be paving West Minister all within the next couple of weeks. Uh
public service uh gas and electric will start paving roads where they replace gas mains this fall. Um and whatever they don't get done, they'll do in the spring. Um, they should be finished with the with these gas mains by the fall. Well,
they they said they said probably October, November, but they're going to start paving the roads before that. Um, the 2025 road program. Uh we're talking about we haven't finalized it yet, but
we're talking about maple a, spruce a, large a and pine a uh concrete only work there because public service they work there as well digging the trenches and they're going to they're going to do the paving part. Uh we also have to tie in
the water lines which we did on on the other streets um in that area. We did it on uh on oak and elm and and ash. We got to tie the water into sheep because there was an issue with that and
uh we want to correct that. So, we'll do that all at the same time and fix the infrastructure there. Uh New Jersey DOT, we have a grant to uh to pave Floral Lane. That should get done then and also Bergen County Community Development block grant for Third Street. So, that
that street will get paved. uh paved on that grant. Um recent events, uh the Coronation Ball was Tuesday, June the 25th. That's for um I believe eth 8th graders. Um uh that
went off very well. I want to thank Andy and uh Gallow and Diane Bonner. Also the parent chaperones doing a great job with that. The fireworks were Thursday, July 3rd. uh we were able to get them in. A lot of people canled, but I'm happy that we uh went forward with it. Worked out
well. I want to thank the police department, fire department, ambulance, DPW, and especially Mike Sites, our fire marshal, who puts the whole plan together. Um we started our summer camp, our second annual uh summer camp here at the
new municipal complex on the rec side. Um they're off to an excellent start. It's uh it goes the whole month of July. Uh upcoming events, we got a sensory friendly car show, Sunday, July 27th, uh here at the municipal complex parking
lot, uh 6 pm to 8:00 p.m. National Night Out is Tuesday, August 5th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Again, here in in the parking lot of the municipal complex, our annual picnic is Saturday, August 23rd. Um rain day is Sunday, August
24th. Uh the mayor's walk around Auto Paley Pond is at 9:00 am the before the picnic. The day the day of the picnic. Also the junior police academy is uh starting August 7th to the 15th.
Uh they do that um I don't know where they're doing that this year. I think maybe one of the schools they're doing it at. I believe um they did it here last year. Uh some other things uh public service gas and electric
they're working on continuing to work on these gas mains. Uh they're this from July 14th to the 22nd they're on out water lane and they've been on Beach Avenue. Uh they're going to be on Beach up there from July 23rd to 25th.
So, I'll be happy when they're finished with that whole project, but it does benefit us in the long run to have those new mains. Um, finally, I just want to I want to thank the library for tonight for coming coming in and also for participating in
our annual picnic. Um, thank thank you for your continued support. I know this year you're going to be doing arts and crafts with the kids, so we appreciate that. Thank you very much. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, Councilman Akamando, >> I just have comments. You said West
Minister is getting paved. Did they do gas or water on that street? >> They did gas. >> So why is the county paying for it if they if PSG did both sides? Should PSG responsible for paving that? Maybe we could use that that money to pave a
different road in town. I'm just wondering because if it's coming out of the county's budget, we got other county roads in town. Why are they paying for it? If >> you know what I think, Bob, I think, correct me wrong. I think that I think what public service will do is they'll they'll reimburse the county. >> Yeah, that that's a county road. So
that's between public service and the county, but I just I know the county hired the contractor to actually pay the road. >> Okay. >> They're doing they're also doing the handicap rams. Yes. But that's something that's different. The >> the public service won't pay for the rams, >> right? And I heard you say floral lane.
>> Floral lane. Yeah. >> We just do floral lane when we do the speed homes. >> I don't think I don't think so. No. You know, we might have done it not that long ago, but that that got beaten up. >> Okay. Um um I really don't have much. I just want to thank you guys for doing
the budget. Bob, Steve, and Jimmy. It's it takes a lot of work, a lot of time. I also want to thank everybody who came up here to talk because if you don't come up here and talk, you bring up some good points, some redundancy, but a lot of good points are brought up here that we could look into and think of and come up
with other ideas to better better the town. We all live here. We don't want I don't listen I don't have the average house but I chose to build my house bigger because my family was growing. So my taxes don't ever go up average and it stinks because my taxes went from
$4,000 to almost $14,000 in 20 23 years. But I chose to do that and I understand that because I wanted my kids to have roots. We love the town. I hope my kids stay here. me. Unfortunately, when I retire, I can't afford to stay in New Jersey. New Jersey is just too expensive
for anybody. Um, but I do appreciate everybody that comes up here, regardless of affiliations, regardless of if you like us, you don't like us. I appreciate you coming up here and giving your opinions, advice, and bringing up stuff that we don't know because work session there was stuff brought up that we
didn't even we didn't even know of. So, it's now it's something that we could we could look into. So for that, I just thank you and I just wish everybody has a a safe and and healthy uh summer, healthy summer. >> Yeah. Through the chair that I agree with Todd and and you do it in a
respectful manner and that's very much appreciated as far as coming up and and making for public comment. >> Thank you, Councilman uh Councilwoman uh Maer. >> Thank you, Council President. At this time, I'd just like to take the
opportunity to commend the um the library, the the staff at the library and also board of directors of course for um imple imple implementing so many great and new and innovative projects. Um I I you know ask everybody to do the
um you know to do the survey because it will help them to have continued su success. Thanks again for all your hard work. Thank you very much, Councilwoman. Councilman Simaluca, >> after the estimated tax bills came out,
I got a number of calls in taxes. A guy back there that did it called me and said, "My taxes went up. I compared it to last year and it went up x amount of dollars. Um, and so did mine. I think mine went up 400 or something like that." Uh, but you don't times it by
four. That's not going to that's not the way it works. There's going to be some kind of formula. But if you got a raise, don't just mult say, well, this quarter went up a certain amount compared to last year. There's four quarters in a year. I'm going to multiply it by four
and that's going to be the number. That's not going to be the number. It's an estimated amount. It's going to be not going to be cheap, but um like you said, the average house is going to go up whatever 600 6700 700. Um like Todd
says, I I have an above average valued house in town. So, mine is going to go up more. And like Todd and everyone else says, we all live here. We all love it here. Um, everything's going up. I I wish there
was a way not to do it. And we don't, like the mayor had said, we don't want to go back to the days where, you know, we had to lay off police, we had to lay off DPW, we had to lay off white collar uh workers just to make a reasonable budget. we've been able to do it. It's
gone up. Um but we're trying to keep it in check as much as possible. So again, don't multiply it by four and say that's what the number is because it's not. You wait till you get your regular tax bill and that'll that'll have the uh the the correct amount and if I'm wrong
and you went up four times, come here, smack me around. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um I I mentioned the taxes. I have below average, but after tonight, my wife finding out that everybody up here has above average, we might be
putting an addition on the house. Uh, so next time don't come, hunt. Okay. Uh, I just want to mention a few other things. Uh, the fireworks were great. Uh, I'd like to, uh, thank the DPW, uh, our first responders, police, fire, uh,
ambulance corps for being there, uh, for us for that great event. Um, I want to mention also the green team. Uh, we discussed at our last meeting having a social media presence. So, Steve Maraconda and Thomas Van Winkle set up a
Facebook page and an Instagram uh page. Uh, we're going to be at National Night Out on August 5th. So, um, we're going to have a table there. And on August 6th, it's our next meeting here at the municipal complex at 7 o'clock. So, everyone's welcome to participate and
attend. Um, have a happy summer to all. Okay. Um, that's all I have right now. Uh, we're going to move into our ordinances. We have the following ordinances for second reading. Ordinance 1781-25,
an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 51 of the code of the township of Saddlebrook entitled property abandoned. Ordinance 1782-25, an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 75 of the code of the township
of Saddlebrook entitled buildings unsafe. Ordinance 1783-25, an ordinance amending the township code of the township of Saddlebrook to repeal chapter 95 flood prevention ordinance
and to adopt a new chapter 95 flood plane management regulations to adopt flood hazard maps to designate a flood plane administrator and providing for severability and an effective date. Ordinance 1784-25,
an ordinance to amend and supplement an ordinance entitled an ordinance to fix the water rates and service charges and penalties for the admissible water system of the township of Saddle River, now known as Saddlebrook in the county
of Bergen, revision 1931 as amended and supplemented. and ordinance 1785-25 calendar year 2025 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a bank cap bank
for second reading. >> Motion >> motion. >> All in favor? >> I >> I motion to open to the public. >> Motion. >> Motion second. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Uh, anyone with any comments or
questions regarding ordinances uh 1781 82 83 84 85 for second reading. >> Motion to close. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. >> Vote on. >> Yes.
>> Yes. be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 51 of the code of the township of Saddlebrook entitled property abandoned does now pass on second and final reading and that the
township clerk be directed to advertise set ordinance or title thereof in the press together with the notice of the date of passage of set ordinance according to what motion to approve >> second uh roll call >> Councilman Simuka Yes. Councilman
Alcomando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Garrick. >> Yes. >> Be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddb Brook that the ordinance entitled an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 75 of the code of the township of Saddlebrook entitled
buildings unsafe. This now pass on second and final reading and that the township clerk be directed to set ordinance or title thereof in the press together with the notice of the date of passage of set ordinance according to law. >> Motion >> second.
>> Uh roll call. >> Councilman Simuka. >> Yes. >> Council Malccomando. >> Yes. >> Council Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Garrick. >> Yes. Ordinance 1783-25,
an ordinance amending the township code of the township of Saddlebrook to repeal chapter 95 flood prevention ordinances. Um, does now pass on second and final reading and that the township clerk be directed to set ordinance or title of
the press together with the notice of date of passage of set ordinance according to law. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Roll call. Councilman Simuca, >> yes. >> Council Commando, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Maser,
>> yes. >> Council President Garrett, >> yes. >> Be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that the ordinance entitled an ordinance to amend and supplement an ordinance entitled an ordinance to fix water rates and service charges and penalties for the municipal
water system of the township of Saddle River, now Saddlebrook in the county of Bergen. Revision of 1931 is amended and supplemented. This now pass on second and final reading that the township clerk be directed to set ordinance or title thereof in the press together with
the notice of the date of passage of said ordinance according to law. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Uh roll call. >> Councilman Simuka. >> Yes. >> Councilman Alamando. >> Yes. >> Council Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Garrick.
>> Yes. be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that the ordinance entitled calendar year 2025 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank does now pass on second and
final reading and that the township clerk be directed to set ordinance title thereof in the press together with the notice of the date of passage of set ordinance according to law. >> Motion to approve. Second. >> Uh, roll call.
>> Councilman Simluca. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamando. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Garrick. >> Yes. >> We have ordinance for first reading. Ordinance 1786-25.
A bond ordinance to amend sections 4 and 10 of the bond ordinance. Ordinance number 1741-23 entitled the bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements and the acquisition of new additional or replacement equipment and
machinery, new communication and signal systems equipment, new information technology equipment and new automotive vehicles including original apparatus and equipment in by afforded township of Saddlebrook in the county of Bergen state of New Jersey to appropriate the
sum of 2,890 $20,000 to pay the cost thereof, to make a down payment, to authorize issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation, and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds that was adopted on August 28th,
2023 for first reading. >> Motion second. >> Uh, roll call. >> Councilman Simula, >> yes. >> Council Alamando, >> yes. >> Counciloman Mer, >> yes. Council President Garrick. >> Yes. >> Now therefore be resolved by the
township council that bond ordinance to amend sections 4 and 10 of the bond ordinance. Ordinance number 1741-23 entitled bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements and the acquisition of new additional or
replacement equipment and machinery, new communication and signal systems equipment, new information technology equipment and new automotive vehicles including original apparatus and equipment in by Ford Township of Saddlebrook in the county of Bergen, state of New Jersey to appropriate the
sum of 2,800 $190,000 to pay a cost thereof, make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds, to finance such appropriation, and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds adopted on
August 28, 2023. Here to for pass on first reading be further considered for a final passage at a meeting to be held on August 21st, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or sooner after as the matter can be reached at the municipal complex 55
Mayill Street and at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance according to law with the notice of its introduction of passage on first reading of a time and place when said ordinance will be further
considered for final passage. >> Motion second. Councilman Samuca. >> Yes. >> Council Aando. >> Yes. >> Council Mer. >> Council President Garrick. >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> Okay. Um the minutes >> consent agenda. All items listed with an asterk 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 or member so requests it in which case the item or items will be removed from the 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. And as we discussed at the work session, if council has no objection, we can add the u following resolution. U whereas 1993 Ford MHV truck was donated in 2001 and
the terms of the donation was to have law enforcement units utilize it or have it destroyed. Now therefore be resolved by the township of council of the township of Saddb Brook that upon receipt of certification by the chief that the vehicle is no longer in use or in need
that the vehicle be disposed. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Simuca. >> Yes. >> Councilman Akamando. >> Yes. >> Council Meer. >> Yes. >> Council President Garrick.
>> Yes. We have the minutes of the May 15, 2025 uh public meeting. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Uh roll call. >> Councilman Simaluca. >> Abstain. >> Councilman Akamando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Garrick.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Um any old business? >> New business. >> Just go to chair. I I just I forgot to mention uh it's really not a township event, but uh the St. Phillips uh annual
festival is uh goes from August 20th to the 24th. Um so please uh a big event in town, so please support it.
>> Yeah. Um, I just wanted to mention, um, I wanted to thank Faith and, uh, Jill for coming in tonight. Uh, there's a lot of wonderful things getting done at the library. Um, if you have the chance, the QR code, um,
take the survey, uh, participate. A lot of the programs that are being done there have there's been huge improvements there. So, uh, take a look at the, uh, website, the Facebook page, and if there's a program that you can get involved in, please partake, uh, in the library and what they're
offering. Thank you. Um, motion to open the meeting to the public for agenda items only. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I I >> The meeting's open to the public for
agenda items. If you'd like to come up Sylvia Zotterelli 236 Lanza A. This is on the budget and it's just a comment I want to make and again I'm not here speaking on behalf of the board of ed. Dave, you and Bobby made comments about the referendum. I found them to be very
misleading. that referendum was at a zero tax impact >> and I think that that should be said. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> Sylvia. Just you know what? You're probably right, but it's because you had
a lot of debt that came off, right? That's why >> Yes. >> So that Yeah, that's >> okay. But it sounds like that part of the reason the taxes went up was because of the referendum and that was at a zero tax impact. So, I'm just saying.
>> No, no, I understand it's it's part of debt service. You're bonded the money and and you went and the the public said, you know, they spoke. They wanted it. So, there's nothing wrong with it. >> No. No. >> Anyone else wish to address the council
on agenda items only? Seeing no one, motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I any final comments? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Motion. Second. >> Uh all in favor. >> I have a good night everyone. Thank you
very much.