Councilman Garrick >> here. >> Council Nakamando >> here. >> Councilwoman Sanchez >> here. >> Councilwoman Ma >> here. Council President Sim here. Uh, please rise to salute the
flag. Remain standing in memory of Pete Medico, former board of ed member, board of ed president, councilman, council president, mayor, business administrator, and current town council clerk. and from Joe sorry the current voluntary fireman and
current board member United States of America to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all Adequate notice of this meeting concern. 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 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 have taken issue with such comments or are offended by same 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. 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 Saddle Brook website, saddlebrook NJ. 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, the hyperlink to the Secretary of State's web page will be published on the municipal web page as soon as SAM is available. >> Okay. Before we open to the meeting, before we open the meeting to the public
on the uh budget hearing, uh the mayor has a proclamation with regard to uh Peter Roiko. >> Thank you, Andrew. The first proclamation is uh from the mayor's office and office of councel in loving
memory of Joseph she c as in Charles Schilp whereas Joe is survived by an his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 60 years his son Joseph Schilp Jr. and wife Susan, his daughter Pamela
Blass, and husband Jerry, his son Jeffrey Schilp, and wife Marissa, and eight Cherish grandchildren, Katie, M Mary, and John Schilp, Gregory, Michael, and Victoria Blast, and Nico and Penelope Schilp. Joseph was predesceased
by his parents, William H. Schilp, and Katherine Sackerman Schilp. Whereas Joe was a cherished member of the Saddle Brook Volunteer Fire Department, Company number one for over 54 years. He had several leadership roles including
engineer, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief. At the time of his passing, he was serving as president of both engine company number one and the entire department. Joe was also a member of Saddlebrook zoning board of adjustment for many years.
Joe brought much joy to Saddlebrook families during the annual Christmas tree lighting and fire department holiday ride where he dressed as Santa Claus. Whereas Joe was a graduate of Teterboroough School of Aeronautics, he began his 40-year career with American
Airlines in 1966 as an aircraft maintenance mechanic. Through dedication and hard work, he rose through the ranks of management and retired as manager of aircraft maintenance for American Airlines at LaGuardia Airport. Joe also
served as Americans aircraft recovery team, representing the airline at ground zero following the September 11th attacks. In November 2001, he led recovery efforts following the crash of flight 587, assisting the
National Transportation Safety Board in determining the cause of the accident. The findings contributed to significant changes in pilot training protocols and aircraft design that enhanced aviation safety. So now therefore, on the 26th day of
May, 2026, I, Robert D. White, the mayor of the township of Saddlebrook and township council, wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to Joe's family and recognize his dedication and service to the community. So we lost Joe and we lost another icon
uh Peter Lodico. So this proclamation is for in loving memory of Peter Leiko. Whereas Peter Leico, son of the late Angelo and Mary Marian Leo, was born in Pake, New Jersey, and was a lifelong
resident of Saddlebrook. Pete graduated from Pramis Catholic High School and Satan Hall University, earning bachelor's a bachelor's degree in political science. And whereas Pete was all was a well-known and longtime community civic
leader and cornerstone of public government and service to the Sadd. At the age of 18, Pete was elected as the youngest person to the Sadd board of education and later served as one of the youngest persons in the country to be
board president in the early 1970s. Pete was also administrative procurement director at Pamis Catholic High School. After serving with the Saddleberrook Board of Education, Pete was elected to the Saddle Brook Township Council in 1976 and would later be elected as mayor
in 1985. After serving on the township council and as mayor, Pete was then appointed as Saddle Brook Municipal Clerk in 1997, a beloved and passionate role he proudly served in right up to his passing. Pete
also had a dual role as the Saddlebrook business administrator for many years until 2022. Pete also became an active member of the Bergen County Municipal Clerk's Association and later became the association's president in 2013
with a sincere desire to be dedicated and active and an active part of the Saddle community and service to residents. Pete was also a member of the Saddlebrook Historic Society and named township historian and was the mayor's alternate of the of the Saddlebrook
Library Board of Trustees. Pete was predesceased by his parents Angelo and Mary Marian Leo and is survived by his loving brother John Leo and his sister-in-law Ellen and was a proud uncle of Nicholas Leiko and
Jennifer Vodavvic and husband Andre and greatuncle of Milo. Pete also leaves behind countless family and friends including his Saddlebrook family and friends. He has selfish selfish selfishly
served his entire public life. So now therefore on the 19th day of June 2026 I Robert D. White the mayor of the township of Saddlebrook along with the township council council wish to express our heartfelt sympathy to Peter's family and recognize his dedication and service
to our community. Um, council president is um I would like to at this time maybe just everybody say a few words especially about Pete. I know we already spoke about Joe >> at a previous meeting. It's up to you.
You know, >> I think we're going to we're going to all do it during comments. Okay. >> So, can we save it to comments? The only thing I just want I just want to say one thing and that you know I I kind of spoke to a few council members uh and we definitely and we're going to meet and
talk about it but I definitely want to see and I think the council agrees we want to do some something for Pete to acknowledge him u perhaps maybe naming this council chambers after him but we definitely have to do something like
that to acknowledge him and uh for all hard work and dedication through throughout the years. >> I spoke to Todd. We've done that for certain people that have served the community for long periods of time and uh a top-notch um that that performed
admirably. Uh so I had spoken to Todd earlier uh just you know spitballing things and I do think that's appropriate. So I think when we get together for our next work session, which I think we're having a joint work session or one meeting next month, so
we'll do a work session first and then the regular meeting, but that's certainly going to be a topic of conversation. And I I 100% agree with that. >> Thank you. >> Uh I think we'll we'll do it during comments because we we I know there's some people that are here just for the
uh the budget hearing. So and Mr. Wilcox uh doesn't want to hear my 45minut speech about PE. >> No. Okay. >> Uh is there a motion to open the meeting to the public for the public hearing on the 2026 municipal
>> motion? Second by uh Mr. Garrick. Uh all in favor? >> I >> I any anys? >> I didn't hear anybody say yes actually other than Dave. >> Sorry. >> Did everyone say yes? Yes. I I
>> um Okay. Meeting uh meeting is now open to the public for the uh >> for the uh budget hearing. >> Just the budget. >> Just the budget. >> We'll we'll open it up. >> Okay. >> Again, for uh for the regular meeting,
other subjects, I should say. >> Good evening. Uh I went I went through the budget uh about four or five times so I don't know if you have the level of detail or granularity. Uh but first the salary and wages increase from last year to this year. >> Want to say your name?
>> We know I know who you are but maybe some people out there don't. >> Uh Andrew Judge 8th Street South Brook. >> Thank you. >> Uh from last year to this year the salary and wages increased 620,000. Um I mean whether uh Steve or somebody
from the council on Mayor is that uh additional police officers, is that additional DPW workers, additional water department workers? If we could have some sort of clarification on that uh increase. Uh the other one which amounts
to an increase of 1.38 if you add these salaries is there's the other expenses which increased over $700,000 which the exact number is $78,000 from last year. Uh do you have a breakdown of what specifically caused this? Um so that's
the the 1.328 million I have in terms of salary and wages other expenses. Um, also a little bit confused on a back and forth between the water department and that specific budget. Uh, I I thought uh that Saddlebrook never historically currently in the future can take money
out of that department to be used somewhere else. Uh, there's a $125,000 decrease uh specifically in the water department from this year uh to last year. So, a little confused there. Uh and also again not in a financial
statement um but the eight employees we have in the water department um if we can get a breakdown of what their positions and and salaries are and the 2.8 million in expenses for water last year. Um is that
planned renovation work that's been going on yearly or those emergency leaks? Uh so just the eight positions and the the 2.8 8 million uh in expenses for water uh specifically uh and also just from the town's uh point of view
from I think we were a little over 24 million to now a little over 25 million but uh the 1.08 u million raised from taxation from last year uh to this year. Uh is there a plan for the mayor and council to use that
with the uh 2.6 million we already have in surplus? Um so just uh looking for uh answers to those questions. Thank you. Um I'm going to defer to our business
administrator and we also have our auditor here and I think the best way to do it is rather than have everyone come up and then at the end just hit you with a lot of stuff um maybe it's best to answer the questions as they're fresh. So Mr. Mr. Holsey, do you have uh I know
I know that we talked at the last meeting about the uh the difference about u wages and salaries how it came out of one department and went into another and it was just an accounting issue. But if you want to talk about it or does Steve want to talk? Yeah, I mean I could begin just with the one line
that was brought up previously that it was if it's I'm not sure it was calculated all total lines that was being calculated, but in the last um with the question posed tonight, but previously um we consolidated a couple um salary lines. So there was no
necessarily increase. We had the um special law enforcement officers in their own lines. We just uh included it in the police total police salary lines. So outside of the the contractual year-to-year increase, um that's why those combined. We did that last year.
Um and then what reflects this year, um I haven't se off the top of my head. I don't know if the if that's the numbers he that was being calculated, but those were the contractual increases if that's if they're calculating the total lines. >> So So the number that the speaker had
indicated something about $600,000 uh in increased salaries. Is that an accounting uh shift? No, that's that's the year-to-year increase budget to budget from 25 to 26. $619,475.
That was part of my presentation uh when we introduced four weeks ago. Those are based on the administrator that those are all contractual obligations. Um young guys getting steps plus their cola increase, the normal progression through
the police department. Um, and Jimmy could speak to whether there's any additional employees. >> Were there any new hires from >> uh new hires? No. And actually what we've been doing over the past couple years is when there is um either
whatever um uh either a separation in service with someone with an employee that were full-time, we would review the mayor and I would review the position the department and we've already turned two to two or three positions from full-time to part-time and we continue
to do so as people retire or they separate. So we we've continued to take that without while keeping the same level of service. We review um the department every time there is some some type of uh separation or move and um we take a holistic approach and make sure
we keep the same level of service and to ensure that we uh we do the right thing for the township and the budget and um like I said we've through attrition um have been able to reduce some of those services not the services I apologize the salaries from full-time to part-time
>> some of the other numbers that the speaker had asked about did you were Are you writing them down? >> Uh, I wrote a couple down, but um but I know Steve, you know, me, Steve, and Vince have worked through the budget uh together. So, Steve may have a little
bit more detailed insight on some of those those lines. >> Well, I I did I heard a question about the water utility. >> Yes, that was one of them. The o the only uh appropriation in this budget now
that the water utility pays the current fund is $95,000 for the water utility employees share of the state pension bill. >> Okay. >> There is no other money in this budget
going from the water utility to the general fund. So it's not the water department is not being used as basically a cash cow to >> the water department isn't a cash cow. >> Although since Saddlebrook owns the
water utility if there was money legitimately the municipality could take the money as revenue in their budget but you don't. >> Okay. There was an and forgive me I I I apologize I didn't write it down. I was
hoping somebody did. Um there was something about um there was a million dollars thrown around as as something. Uh >> yeah, I I if the gentleman would >> Can you come back up? >> Do you mind coming back up because uh >> make sure you still have you know you
still had a little more time. So if we could just uh >> Yeah, sure. >> A couple things that we didn't answer yet. >> Other expenses went up $78,000 from last year. This year >> they certainly did. Uh the bulk of that is the bill we get from the Pake Valley
Sewer Commission for It went up $650,000 >> just in one year. It just went up. >> Yep. >> Okay. And the uh I mean do you have a breakdown of the 2 million in expenses specifically for the water department? That's just >> um I mean
>> finance department has the detail >> in the budget. It's a It's one number, but it's all the cost to operate the water utility, chemicals, all the things that that they do, >> water testing. >> Uhhuh. So, the the 125k
uh decrease from last year, this year, specifically in the water department, that was for an emergency mainline break or that's for uh increase in labor cost, overtime costs. >> You say 125,000 decrease. >> Correct. from specifically in the water
department that was taken out from last year to this year. >> The the water department budget went from 3,9119 to 3,988. It went up. It went up about 6 $70,000. >> No, there's something in there. It was 275
and then 275k and then this year it went down to 150k. there's a you know a few hundred uh not okay not from not in the water budget I'm looking at >> there's uh water utility and is there a water budget but it >> the same thing the salaries went from
425 to 450 the operating cost went from 2.6 to 2.8 8 capital outlay stayed the same at 25. The debt service went up a little bit based upon the debt service that needs to be paid this year. The P the pension number is the same 95 and
the social security number is the same 50. I'll I'll look back at the the budget and come back later. But uh on the salary and wages because I asked from 2024 2025 and you gave me that same response because last year was 450k
increase. Um, and you said it was an accounting adjustment that took you 3 months. So this year it's the same thing. From 2024 to 2025, we have 450 460k salary increase. You said it's an accounting mistake or some sort of accounting methodology. And this year
it's the same thing. >> There was no mistake. >> No, I you took three months last year and I kept coming back for the 440k increase in salaries. That was one meeting >> and well you just gave the the same explanation of a different accounting method or accounting approach to make up
an additional 620k. I mean this is the rolled up township budget with you know everything all department. So I I don't know how you can have an increase of 620K this year from salaries and wages two years ago to last year was 450k. >> The 450 that that'll be the last
question, but you can certainly answer them. >> Well, again, what what happens is that you've got union contracts with the specifically the police and the DPW. you get young younger employees and the
steps that they get are pretty substantial yeartoear. So it it's that that's what the number is. The salaries appropriated last year versus the salaries appropriated this
year. The increase is $619,475. And those are all for current employees for the cost of living increase plus steps. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sounds good. Thank you. Omar Rodriguez Soldbrook.
Um, see you soon. Under the budget, council president, just to clarify a little bit and do some house cleaning, under the state law, when we have a budget hearing, there's no time limit. So, we can expose all the
questions. It's up to you and your council members to respond state law. >> No, that that's not >> So, you're going to put a time limit? >> What's that? >> Are you going to put a time limit on the budget hearing? >> Oh, because I just heard. Excuse me, sir. >> You are the attorney. with due all respect and speaking to the council
president. >> Yes, there there's a same time limit. >> Same time limit. >> Same time moment, sir. Yes, >> there's a lot of a lot of going on right here on the the budget hearing and I will call this day because basically
this matters to all Solderberg residents just to have a three minutes and you just put a budget 10 minutes before a meeting. How the people can come out with questions with due all respect. I'm not here to argue. I just got some questions right
here. It's like why you're not asking question. So ask your question. >> Why the budget appropriations went up almost 54% this year. >> So it's for the council, not for the professional. It's for the council. The council is going to be the one that going to vote on it. Not the
professional. The professional present the budget to you guys. Do you have before my three minutes goes up, do you have any plans for the taxes to stay steady? Because now, are you using any surplus money to balance the budget this year?
>> Yep. There's surplus money being used. Yes. >> Okay. How much? >> I believe it was a million. I I'll defer to my professionals. >> Oh, so you are going to vote, but you're not sure about what you're voting on. >> 2,695. >> Okay. Total surplus. Okay.
>> Question is the sale on Market Street >> of the property on Marcus Street. >> Uh $1.6 million. Yes. 26 $26,000 a unit. Yeah. $1.6 million. Is that included in this year's budget?
>> $251,000 of the proceeds are in this year's budget as a revenue. >> 251. Okay. >> So then, council president, I'm just going to ask you the last question or maybe the mayor who is the leader of the town.
What is the tax rate for this year? And why? >> Why is the tax What? What is the tax rate for this year? >> You know what? I don't know. >> And why? >> I don't know. The tax rate is what the tax rate is. >> That's all I need to hear because if you're going to vote
>> and you don't know about the tax rate, what doesn't matter is 2.3 to 2.37. Before you vote something, mayor and council should be aware because all the residents are suffering about the taxes every year. >> It turns out to be
>> Thank you. But but then again, I will with all respect, I'm just going to give you >> that. Thank you. But I'm thinking that you're wrong on the budget hearing is not 3 minutes. And Mr. Steve, I think that you're wrong. I'm going to push you. There's no time limit for that. >> There's nothing in the statute that that talks about time limit at public
meetings. >> If you had any authority for that, I'd be happy to hear it. So, you can you can go Google it right now and come back and show some kind of state law. I'd be more than happy to change the the position. >> Uh, council president, if I might.
>> Yes. >> Uh, the projected municipal tax rate is 83 cents, which is 310 of a percentage point less than last year. Now, remember, we're still doing the annual rolling reassessment.
So, the value of the average home went from $476,319 to $500,567. the rate's going to stay almost the same. And the municipal tax increase projected based on this budget is
$186.95 for the year. And what I think to the people out there that are listening to this, the difference between what is your tax rate, like a quiz that uh this individual likes to put out there, the
difference between 2.3 or knowing that it's 2.3 as opposed to 2.37 what in the long run that doesn't mean anything to the people out there. What they want to know is how much are their taxes going to increase? And Mr. Wilcox
has just told everyone the municipal port portion of the budget is approximately $180. >> Correct. And and just to give again, I know there's other speakers, but just to put some color on the record, tax increases in some of the surrounding
communities this year, understanding that 2026 has been the worst budget year. I'm doing this 43 years. I've never seen inflationary increases, health benefit
increases in the magnitude that we're seeing here in Saddlebrook. You're very lucky because you're in a p private insurance plan. You don't have state health benefits, so you're not
going up 35%. Some other surrounding communities are not so lucky. And I'll just read off from this list that's been circulating through Bergen County over the last month and a month and a half as towns have introduced and adopted their
budget. Bergenfield, now this is municipal increase only. Bergenfield $44. Englewood 25455. Fairlon 38534. Hackinack 55776.
T-neck $448.95. Washington Township in Northern Bergen County $343. Lynhurst $335. Maywood $311. All of them are a lot more than $186.97.
Thank you, Mr. Taylor. >> Jerry Taylor at 318 Shepherds Avenue uh council candidate. I just have a question with the uh you Mr. Samuki, you mentioned that there was surplus being used for the budget and according to the
budget itself, what's being proposed is there's a surplus in the water department. Is that money from the water department being used towards the budget that you're you're saying the million dollars? >> No, it turned out to be it was it was more than that. I think Mr. Wilcox's correcting me. It was 2.6.
>> It was we're using 2 million695 of the current fund budget. Current fund surplus in the current fund budget. We're using 148,850 of the water utility surplus in the water utility budget
>> towards the overall budget. just for the water department. Okay. All right. Cuz that money that's in the water department can't be used for any other >> department. >> Uh statutoily it could, but we don't do that.
>> Okay. >> Anybody else with regard to uh the municipal budget hearing? John Manzo, 179 Market Street, Saddlebook. It's kind of naive for people to think that the budget's not going to go up. I
know my expenses on everything has gone up. So, why wouldn't the town's uh budget have to go up? I'm sure life insurance is crazy at utilities and salaries. So, you know, it's something that's inevitable. I don't like it.
Nobody else likes it either, but it's something that that's in that has to be done. Thank you. Well, council, I just ask you something before Well, we'll do a uh Is there anyone else want to address the council
with regard to the budget? >> Okay. I'll uh entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public with regard to the budget. Yes. >> Motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Eric, >> second by Miss Mays. All in favor? >> I. Any objections? Seeing none. Mr. Wilcox, before the next order of
business would be the motion to amend the budget. Can you just tell us >> generally we submit the budget that was introduced to the state the state has some comments. could you give us uh like u I guess a cliffnotes version of uh
what kind of amendments uh we're looking at here so the public's >> there there's there's one amendment being required by the state and that had to do with one of the items of revenue that wasn't realized last year that we
budgeted again this year that we will realize this year but they said they would rather it come out and we replace it with another revenue which this is a a a twoline amendment making a
technical adjustment pursuant to the state and you're correct the budget goes down to the state they go through it with a fine tooth comb and came back with with comments the administrator the CFO and myself went through all the comments gave them the additional
information they were looking for And today's Thursday on Tuesday, they they didn't they didn't review it till Friday or Monday. We got the review notes late Monday and we were able to clear everything during the day on Tuesday and
we got the approval from the state to with this minor amendment to amend and adopt the budget tonight. >> Does it change the numbers? >> No. No, the numbers are exactly as they were portrayed uh when we introduced the budget uh at the last meeting.
>> So, I'll entertain a motion to amend uh the budget in accordance with the state's requirements. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Garrick. >> Second. >> Second by Miss Sanchez. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamando.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Sama. >> Yes. >> Next, I will entertain a motion to accept the municipal budget as amended by the with regard with the state's
recommendations. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Garrick. >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Akamando. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Akamando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. Council President Simon.
>> Uh, yes. Um, I echo Mr. Manzo's sentiments. Everything goes up. I wish that I can tell you as somebody who's been elected five times uh that your taxes are going down, but unless all of
our employees decide to um work at half salary, unless uh the fire department decides that they're okay with driving 30-y old trucks, uh unless we don't have uh garbage pickup twice a week, uh
there's a whole bunch of factors that go into the budget. Uh we're trying to do whatever we can to limit the impact on the uh the residents here and the taxpayers and the six of us up here, six elected
officials are all taxpayers. Um so we tried to do our best and uh in listening to the numbers put out by Mr. Wilcox seems like that we did a pretty decent job considering uh a major increase in Pake
Valley 6 almost a million dollar three uh twothirds of a million dollars just in one of our costs. Um and and that doesn't include hundred $141,000 increase in the state pension bills,
which you get the bill and you pay it April 1st. If you don't pay it April 1st, the state charges you 18% interest. So, um you are correct, Council President. in in this environment,
$15 a month increase over 12 months is stable taxes. If you look at the budget and the tax total tax levy for
the municipality, the municipal side to the average homeowner, $4,154.71. That's $346 a month to the average taxpayer in Saddlebrook for police, fire, ambulance,
recreation, construction, board of health, this building, >> the chair, >> um just to add um you know, listing some of the non-discretionary spending and the increases yeartoear and the items that we can control. Some of the items
we do control um that aren't really forward facing that are just more managerial contractual we're proactive on health insurance. We um uh we negotiated to readjust the plan design that would be keeping while keeping a
similar level of benefits for the employees reduced it. We don't just renew just to renew. We go out to market. We get competitive bids and quotes for everything. We don't just renew. We don't fill positions just to fill positions because that was the way it was always done. I think we take
pride in that reviewing and I we also take pride that you know coming into a a uh organization that has very long-term staff which is tremendous. But when they do decide to retire, separate, leave for whatever reason, we re-evaluate. We
don't just rinse and repeat. being here less than three years, we've probably already had three or four positions come, you know, unfortunately now coming up to a couple more that we reevaluate that that department and see how can we be more efficient, how could we, you know, save and still provide the same
level of service. we're already coming up on our again fourth or fifth person employee that position that's full-time turning to part-time and we continue to do so where appropriate while keeping the same level of service without sacrificing the level of service that we've always provided to the residents.
So these are some of the items that we do behind the scenes to try and stabilize our our the spending that we can control to a large degree. >> Thank you. Um, well, we have a presentation before we open the meeting to the public through
the chair. I'm sorry. >> Sure. >> I just I have a couple questions before he leaves for Mr. Wilcox. Um, tonight we have a second reading on an ordinance um to exceed the budget appropriation and establish a bank cap. Can you just
explain because it may come up later what that is because it sounds a lot worse than what what it really is. It's a prefuncter exercise that every municipality does every single year which allows you to preserve your appropriation cap bank. And
that cap bank, the state sets the cap rate every year. The rate for 2026 was 2%. You have the ability by statute to increase that 2% to three and a half%. which you've done every year that you
and I have been here and every municipality that I know of passes the same ordinance every single year religiously because it preserves the amount that you're under the
appropriation cap for future years. It's more important now than before because even at three and a half percent that cap which is set by statute is now less than inflation. Inflation is
4.2%. So you need to operate the municipality and and quite frankly a box of paper clips today is more expensive than it was last week. And I mean, that's what
we're seeing. I think everybody's seeing. You see in the supermarket, you see it at the gas station, you see it everywhere. So, again, it's just an administrative uh function to adopt that ordinance, continue to have every tool in the
toolbox for future budgets. >> What you had said was some we went up $186, some other towns went up $500. How are they getting away from this? >> Well, that's the tax levy. >> Okay, >> this is the appropriation cap that you do the ordinance for. The tax levy cap,
which is 2%, has exceptions. One of the exceptions is the increase in healthcare. There's other exceptions for debt service, for pension payments. Uh so it's not a hard cap but the this ordinance is about the appropriation or
the spending cap >> which is which is a hard cap >> which is >> hard at two but we get the >> go to three and a half but there there's there's there's limited exceptions. >> Okay. >> Uh anybody else on the council have any
qu one other one other question uh for Steve and I don't know it might be more appropriate for Jimmy or our CFO who's not here. Um, are we going to be doing estimated taxes again this year, do you think? Seems like we've been doing that. >> Yes. >> Okay.
>> And again, it's not us. It's we have to wait for the county to set the tax rate, which typically doesn't happen till mid July. So, so in order to get the uh August 1st
bills out and the money in to operate, um almost most municipalities do have done the estimated bills for years. >> Thank you. If not, we run the risk of running out of money. >> Correct. Which would never be a good thing.
>> Yeah, it's not a good thing. Any other members of the council wish? Jim, do you have any questions? Well, I I think just one thing it might be good for the mayor to share with some of the services we expanded recreation and and senior if you want to I don't know if you want to elaborate because those those contribute
to the increases in the salaries or if you want to elaborate on some of those expanded services. >> Well, sure. Um with the senior citizens, we now do the uh the the free lunches which uh three days a uh two three days
a week. three days a week. Uh and uh with that we needed to hire additional people um because it's they're very strict with they have to be trained um you know they have to do paperwork. So um we we hired one
additional two additional people for that part-time. Um that's going very well by the way. Uh the residents are we got we get about 50 residents come for lunch every day. So and with the price of everything, you
know, the suggested price is $125. Uh but if they don't have that that $125, they get it for free. So >> is that income related? Does anyone No. You make $300 million a year, you get a lunch for a buck 25. >> Yeah, they can do it. It's it has to do
with meals on wheels, >> you know. It's uh it's it could it's federal money that that's used. So, but you have to apply. It's it's a it's a lot involved. And then on the recreation side, we're the splash pad.
>> So, uh any other the any other things from the recreation side? >> No, just the staffing for the for that's really the new one. Staffing for the splash pad >> that should be done shortly. Should be done by the end of the month. >> End of end of this month. >> End of this month. Yeah.
>> Okay. All right. Very good. >> Made a lot of progress. >> Okay. Um the Saddle Brook Police Department, uh Mayor, did you we had asked uh there were some Take care, Mr. Wilcox. Have a good have a good day.
>> Thank you. Thank you for your service. >> Okay. Take care. >> Um gentlemen, you want to come up here? Uh I know that we had some issues and residents from Lyster A come here a number of occasions uh regarding some issues that they had with regard to
parking and uh we reached out to our police department to see uh what if anything uh they could come up with that might alleviate the situation. So General Buchek, >> thank you. uh Lieutenant Buchek from the
Support Services Bureau, the S Police Department. Along with me is uh Captain Jeppi Calfano and we are here to talk about the uh parking on Lyster Avenue. So what we had come up with if the township decides to
pass an ordinance restricting parking would be a hang tag permit for any residents on Lyster Avenue. The parking zones that would be restricted would be based on past ordinance and any
restrictions whether it's single side both sides or time restrictions would be based on that ordinance. However, assuming it is passed uh residents of LER Avenue would be applying for an application at our recommendation annually.
This would allow us to maintain uh up-to-date records with any vehicles that should be parked there. The residents would be required to provide a valid driver's license that would show a LER Avenue address, vehicle registration, and if necessary, a proof
of residency as the permits would be limited to vehicles registered to the residents. Visitor passes would be allotted to households that require for reasons such as uh contractors, caregivers, overnight
guests, which could also be hang tag style. We would recommend that the annual registration has a colorcoordinated hang tag for the year so it can help with enforcement and to ensure that they are properly being registered year to year. And every
permit would be numbered uh similar to the fashion of like a handicap placard where it would have a serial number on it. So it would be associated with a specific license plate that would be registered with the police department. And we feel that by taking these steps,
we would be able to help resolve the issue that was brought to for several meetings now regarding the parking on Lyster Avenue if it is adopted by the mayor and council to do so. So, um, what is the chances since we're
only having when is our meeting in July? >> The 16th of July. So, we're having a work session and then immediately go into the uh the uh the regular meeting session. So if any ordinance is going to have to be passed, it would be passed at
the uh >> well be introduced in July >> intro in but in terms of the introduction is it viable and reasonable to get this all done in an ordinance form
for uh introduction for a first reading at the July meeting. >> Yeah. >> And get all the all the details. I don't know how many details need to be in the actual ordinance itself, but I mean in theory we could have that, but in terms of the uh the specific details of of
what they're going to do, maybe legal department and the police have to get together to figure out the what the parameters are going to be and uh have it ready for introduction for a first reading in July. Is that doable? >> Yes,
>> doable. Just email me the details. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> Lieutenant, I could assist with the communications so we could connect next week. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other question? >> Any questions for
the officers? >> So, so Mark, what what if somebody got a new car? They would they would have to come in, I guess, and to the police department and get a new >> Yes, sir. >> a new door, hanger, whatever. >> Yes, sir. Uh, so the plan would be to
have the hang tag would be associated with the license plate so we can ensure that they're being appropriately used with the vehicles that are registered to them. So if someone were to get a new vehicle over the course of the year, then they would have to simply complete a new application, submit it to the police department, and then we would issue a new hang tag for that vehicle.
Okay. >> And and that's why part of the reason for the annual renewal would be so we could keep everything current with the owners of the vehicles. So we have that database built and if anyone does get vehicles and they happen to not do that over the course of the year and they
want to reup for a new hang tag for the next year then we would work with that renewal process. >> Do you suggest any cost for that? I mean for the resident to do they have to purchase it in other words? Does it mean I don't >> So so we did see in our research that
it's not uncommon for there to be fees associated with uh parking permit programs. So that would be again up to you know the mayor and council if that's something that uh wants to be budgeted or if there's going to be a cost associated with it. But we had we did
see that when we uh did our research regarding other towns doing their >> How much of a cost is there with the hang tags? It couldn't be that much, right? I mean and it's a short street. I can't imagine there's that many >> besides the administrative the time in the administration of doing all that.
Let's set that aside. But in terms of the physical production of those tags, did you get a any kind of price on that? >> I don't have a price quote for the physical tag yet. U everything that we saw was it was really an administrative fee that would be issued out. Uh varying
ranges. uh some based on just household, some based on per vehicle or per placard issued, but there was nothing that we saw from uh surrounding towns that have parking programs that would say the hang tag alone costs this much money. So, uh
I can prepare for, you know, the cost for an amount of hang tags that we think would be appropriate for the street. I understand there's not a lot of homes on the street, so we can uh get a price for the hang tags for the year and prepare it for the July meeting. >> Yeah, I I I think that the the
administrative side of it, that's something that the town would probably eat. It's the >> doing out the money to actually get the tags to the residents uh that they most likely would be required to uh to to pay for. >> I I personally don't think there should
be a charge. No, just >> there's 18 houses on there. Even if you have three vehicles per house, >> you I can't How much can the tan cost? Two bucks each. >> Probably a few dollars each. I I can't see it being a big expense. I don't
think it would be even a double digit expense for a single hang tag. It probably depends how many we're purchasing at a time, but we could probably save by if we purchase a couple years worth at a time, maybe there would be a savings for getting a bulk quantity. >> All right. All right. Well, if you can
get some numbers and then we'll talk about it at the work session and then uh you know most likely introduce it uh for adoption uh for f on first reading. >> Yes, sir. Absolutely. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Next is uh I'll entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> Second. >> Second. >> Motion by Ms. Mer, second by M. Sanchez. All in favor? >> I. >> Any against? Seeing none. Meeting is now open to the public.
>> John Manzo, 179 Market Street. I'm going to forgo my usual questions. I just want to talk about Pete, who was a close personal friend of mine at work and at when he was at home. Wonderful guy. And
the town has definitely without a doubt have to do something to honor this man. This his job was his life. I mean he would he worked for the town 45 years 50 years. Uh you don't find people like that. I mean in my past recollection I
could think of like Gloria Sinski and maybe Ed Kubler you know who've been township people from the beginning. So, uh, yes. Uh, that's all I want to say is, uh, Pete is one of a kind and you're
never going to replace him. Thank you. Have a good night. Andrew Ji Saddle Brook. Uh just looking for a few updates uh in timelines. Uh the 60 units on Market Street uh that demolition has been done. Do you have an
ETA on when either the first story, second story and actual timeline to completion? you know, is that 6 months from now, uh 12 or 18 months from now? Uh also the fifth street park project in the first district. Uh if we can get an
update on that, if that'll be done sometime uh this fall or next year. Um and also just a question uh for the 1.6 million purchase price. I think 300k is in this year's budget. So uh it'll be the remaining 1.3 will be in next year's
budget as uh either miscellaneous revenues or other revenues. So just wanted to get uh that clarity. Uh and also interested uh based upon a current budget uh of any new hires uh the town is planning. Uh I know uh the business
administrator discussed either retirees or even considering people going from full-time to part-time, but just any projected new hires across any of the departments. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And we'll do any answering, I guess,
after everyone's done. I think it's Unlike the budget hearing which was specific to each individual, we'll try and handle all the questions afterwards. >> All right. First, I'd like to thank the police department for bringing that up and getting it done for us and the
council and the mayor. So, uh, two questions. One is all them signs on our block. We have 13 houses on the block. There's 15 or 16 signs. I said it before, I thought it was a poke in our eye because we complained
about the parking. Uh, it actually got better and in the last three weeks it's gotten worse again. So, I don't know why. Uh, the other thing I want to bring up is you said only for lights to residents. The two houses on the end of the block
on Erie, the one house is 80 Erie, but the front of their house is on Lyster. So they need to be included in that. >> Is that where they park? >> Excuse me. >> Well, you can't park on Erie because
that's where the sign is and everybody blows the horn and drives around all the other people to get out onto Midland Avenue. The other house on Erie on the corner of Lyster, they have one of them little short driveways. They can't park out there either because people are
constantly going around all the people that won't go when it says you could turn on red. All right. So, you got to take that in consideration for them two houses. And the other thing is the sign. So, them signs going to go 10 to two. >> Yeah.
>> I'm sorry, not but did you catch that? >> Okay. So, just see how you need to incorporate that in whatever you send me. >> And and what's going to be your time limit for resident parking only? Is it going to be 24 hours? Is it going to be
9 to 9? 9 to 8 at night >> because they don't park there at night. >> It's all during the day. >> You Nick, you you've been the most vocal person on Lyster about this and you you live there. You live you live that
situation. What is your suggestion? >> I would think a time limit like maybe like now it's 10 to two. So you're going to do away with them, right? So you put a sign in the beginning of the block, maybe in the middle of the blocks for resident parking only. We don't need 15 signs there.
>> Uh, >> I would still leave it, you know, Monday to Friday. Why have it on the weekends? Because on the weekends, there's no traffic from them down there unless the guy wants to start, you know, being paying and doing it on purpose because
they are a 7 day a week, 24-hour a day business. I think the reason that we you know what finish your I don't want to take away from your time so finish what you have to say and then I'll comment because I don't want >> to signs and maybe the time and them two
houses >> I appreciate everything that everybody did. >> So >> all my neighbors complain I don't see a neighbor here. >> You know >> they figured you do a good enough job. >> Well I won't answer their questions tomorrow either. I I I think what we did
the 10 to two was to make sure that it basically bothered them that they wouldn't do it. So this way they would come there, they'd have to leave. Uh we've done that uh in the past, I think on the number streets, the low number streets.
>> Yeah. But that that ordinance was there from 19 Pete put that ordinance in. He got that in back in 1985. >> The 10 to two. All right. because we had the school there. After that school left, everybody that's been in that building have been wonderful. We had
Marcal there for years. Never a problem. They used the back road. We had the company that made the little baskets. They used the back road. >> Just this guy and why I have you here. That's why the sewage thing went up $300,000 because of that same factory.
>> We I'll address that. Um but uh why don't you uh come up with something? I'm talking to the police now. Um in terms of what you think the the best thing the bottom line is that we want this to be for residents only whether it's um you
know they're not parking there at 2:00 in the morning. That's not the issue. The issue is to you know so maybe from 900 in the morning to 9 at night or 8 to 8 or 8 to 12. you know, we'll we'll come up with something based on what you've you know, your determination after your
investigation. >> They never park there Saturdays and Sundays. >> All right. >> It's always Monday to Friday. >> Easy enough. Thank you. >> Got it. >> Kind of crazy. >> Steve Maraconda, uh 24 Harrison Avenue.
Um I just wanted to make announcement about the Saddlebrook Green Team meeting. Our environmental committee is occurring next Wednesday, June 24th, uh 7:30 PM at the Satderbrook Senior Center. Uh we recently just won a grant that we're going to use towards our um
community garden at the library and an adopt the tree program. So if anyone's interested in finding out more, feel free to attend our meeting which again sat green team meeting next Wednesday, June 24th, 7:30 p.m. at the Saddle Brook Senior Center. Thank you.
Omar Rodriguez, candidate for mayor. Um, if I were to be elected or sitting up there in a elected position, I would have named a park or a street a street after Pilico. He was a true friend and he deserved that and more. um during the
budget. How could it be that our fire department sacrificing their lives? They just have $257,000 budget. $87,000 is for their uniform allowance. Then you look into the
finance department that is just a handful of people and they got a budget of close to half a million dollars. If I were to be elected, in order to manage the budget, I would establish salary caps to the highest pay employees. Just
in particular, there is one employee with all the health benefits. If we divided by the 32 hours a week that they work, he's making $150 an hour. We're not a rich town.
Something need to change. Moving up. Um, I wonder the 60,000 uh well the 60 units on Market Street that it was sold by the town for $26,000 a unit
where those kids are going to attend the school and Smith school Franklin school have the municipality has any communication with the board of education. What happened with Russell Lane 60 units? Russell Lane is by Milan Avenue
by the nursery next to Mason in the back 60 units. Those kids are going to go to loan school. Are they going to be able to afford that amount of kids coming into the school? And I keep on bringing Marcus Street because it's up to now that I have it on my mind when I hear
those meetings and they telling me that 120 cars that I'm going to come into Marcus tree and this is on the record, not that I'm making it up. 120 cars are going to help to alleviate the traffic on Market Street. That is a laugh. That is the same laugh that I
have when you guys lie about Coldwell Avenue that uh low-inccome housing was going to come there and it's going to produce ratables for the town. Guess what? The units are there and they are just paying $16,000.
That is another lie. So the lies got to stop. We need to focus into the future. There is a lot of things that the town can do it, but we need a leader to move forward and to bring it to the next step because we have zero on shared services.
Then why do we fire the senior citizen bus driver? How much money is contributing to the budget? How much in savings? Actually, it's a lot of seniors
that are claiming for the senior bus service. So, please pull your hearts to work. >> That's laughable. Thank you very much. Have a good night. Faith Monastery, uh, 25 Dan away. Um, I was particularly concerned to hear about
the senior bus being discontinued, particularly because it had a significant impact on me and my family. Last July, my mom was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which is a rare form of shingles that left her unable to drive. Um, our household is very small.
Well, it's just me, my mom, my dad, and my dad and I struggled to keep up and take my mom to like 10 or 12 doctors that she had to see because it's a rare disease. Um, my dad works full-time. I was working part-time and working
towards my degree over the summer. Um, and the senior bus provided an answer to our questions and was a huge relief for our household. Um, it allowed my mom to make her doctor's appointments that allowed her to improve her condition to
improve and to keep the household running because she could go to Shopright on the weekly Shopright trips. Um, life can be complicated, messy, unpredictable. My story is just one of many. I'm sure a lot of people in the town have benefited from the senior bus.
Um, and people can become disabled overnight and Saddle Brook Senior Bus serves to help those people who struggle to keep up with the health changes in their life. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Just one second. I I believe the county has a bus service. So, if you want to give me your information, I'll
I'll look into it and see if we could make something happen. >> The county does have a bus service, but their hours are extremely restricted. Um, it's only from like 10 to 2, I think. Um, I don't know the
exact details of that, but the county does have a bus service, but it's restricted and already overloaded. New Jersey, uh, Bergen County is a big county and it's got a lot of residents. It's already overloaded and having town senior buses takes a load off the county
bus. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Jerry Taylor, 318 Sheepus. Uh, change of subject now that on our side of town, uh, Andrew, the paving's mostly done. Is the speed bumps going back on Fairland
Parkway? >> Yes. >> And with that being said, what do I have to do or what do the residents of Shephus Avenue have to do to put a speed bump down by my house? Because for me to back out of the driveway, it's clear and
I'll have somebody come barreling around at like 20 30 miles an hour making the right turn, you know, as a cut through through Shephus. >> The problem with speed bumps is that um not the problem the idea of the speed bumps is to reduce excessive speed. We
have that on Shepus. We have one because at some point Shep becomes a roadway. But >> we're not going to put a speed bump. I I'm going to off >> Captain Califhat here and he could uh explain it if you want. But you're I
think three houses in from Midland. It's not going to be a speed bump 100 for 50 feet in front of your house to stop people to make a right turn. It would cause more problems. They make a right turn and immediately have to stop to get there. I I understand your
concern. >> I I I don't have an answer for that, but people come around corners and they they come around fast. And unfortunately, um I I don't I don't even think that they're violating the law. It's not like I can say, "Hey, cops, go there and do
something." Because they can go around and go 25 miles an hour >> making a right turn to Shepherds. Yeah, >> they they could do that. Unfortunately, uh, for people backing out, it could be a problem. So, you're going to have to be very vigilant on that. I know it's
just one of the danger. Different people live in different areas and different parts of the block and uh, unfortunately, you're going to have to I wish I had an answer for you, Jerry, but but I don't. >> Fair Parkway. >> Fail Parkways, Bob. >> It's going back. >> They're They're going back.
>> It's going back. >> They're going back. And the ones that were taken off uh, that need to be repainted will be repainted. Yeah. >> Well, they say that they they line the whole street. It looks perfect, you know. >> Yeah. >> It's nice. It's nice to drive down it without a speed bump, you know. They're like, "Oh, you know,
>> well, that's the whole reason that >> Oh, yeah. We have that. We um I believe there's a different contractor for the speed bumps." Or am I wrong? >> It's a different process, but as far as I know, it's the same contract. I'm not Sometimes we had one one company do the
paving and another company come in and do it. And that's why sometimes it took a month to get it, but they'll be there. Yes, >> it's PSEG's responsibility to put them back. There's one on Fair Lawn. There's one on Wilson, I believe, President. Um,
they may hire a different contractor to do it. I don't know, but I'll find out. >> Okay. >> And I'll find when they're going to do it. >> The chair. Hey, Jerry, if I'm not mistaken, you have a right turn only to get on Shepherd, right? There's a right turn lane. >> Yeah. Yeah. So maybe you could put a sign up there letting people know listen
to slow down. >> Okay. >> Something. I don't know. That's >> Well, a lot of times and that's where the your truckers, the guys that are waiting to get in, they'll park along that right turn area, per se, waiting to, you know, to get across. There's a
ton of traffic nowadays because you never know with PSNG what's going to be closed, what's not going to be closed, you know, that type thing. But yeah, because you got people making the right turn. And the only reason I asked my neighbor, the older gentleman next to us, happened to be pulling out just as
somebody came across and and basically broadside him, you know, sitting there. He thought it was open and then the person comes across and, you know, that's why. So, you know, speed and again, speed bump at, you know, 100t in that ain't going to work. No. Yeah. I say >> I wish I wish I wish
>> maybe, you know, wish I had a better answer for you. >> Yeah. >> Through the through the chair, just so you know, too, I just want to be transparent. There was plans to put another speed hump on Chapas. Right now there's one on Chapest near M between Maple and Spruce. >> Yeah.
>> But Yeah. Yeah. And uh what had happened was a resident over there was very very upset when they found out it was going to >> go in front of their house and they threatened to sue and it was so it was and we've had some issues with with that
in the past. So um we try tried to look for another location. We didn't and uh and some of the residents in that that general vicinity where we wanted to put it, they they're dead set against having it in front of their house. It makes noise. >> Yeah. >> Vibration, things like that. So,
>> absolutely. But yeah, thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Denise Monastery, 25 Dan away. Good evening, mayor, council, and residents. Today, thousands gathered in New York City for a ticker tape parade
celebrating the Knicks. Moments like this show how communities come together to recognize what they value. And tonight, I'm asking a simple question. What do we as a township value? Last summer, I was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome and my family suddenly
overnight had to navigate medical appointments, grocery shopping, and daily responsibilities in a very different way. One day I was independent and the next day I wasn't. Through that experience, I gained a much deeper
appreciation for how essential community transportation and support are. As my daughter mentioned, one of the things our family really came to understand the importance of was the Saddlebrook Senior Bus. The Thursday morning shopping trip was more than a ride. It was a routine,
a connection, and a support system. Residents looked out for one another, offered encouragement, and created a sense of belonging that supported healing in ways that are difficult to measure but impossible to overlook. Anyone whose life has changed
unexpectedly can appreciate this. Whether it is their own journey or the journey of someone they love, we understand how quickly independence can change and how important support systems become. That is why transportation is more about getting from point A to point
B. It is about independence, community safety, and the ability to stay connected and remain active in your own township. At the state level, New Jersey has made aging in place a priority through their 2026 2029 state plan on
aging that was passed last June. The plan recognizes transportation as an essential part of aging in place and that access and reliability are important parts of helping those older adults remain independent and connected. More importantly, there is a great
emphasis on the plan in awareness and outreach because a service people do not know about becomes a service that essentially does not exist. At the local level, Saddle Brook sits at a very interesting demographic intersection.
Nearly 20% of Saddleberg's residents currently are set are 65% or older, which is a percentage higher than Bergen County, the state of New Jersey, or the national level. And looking ahead, approximately 30% of residents are
between the ages of 45 and 64. So you have a significant amount of the population currently on the court and a number of residents warming the bench, so to speak. A strong team prepares for the season ahead and the community is just the same. Planning for an aging
population means preparing before needs become urgent. And to better understand the available alter alternatives, I did reach out to the Bergen County Transportation today actually and was told after waiting over 20 minutes on hold was told that the next shopping day
was June 29th and that I was limited to four four bags. I'm sorry that I'm over going over the minute. I appreciate that the Bergen County provides this service. I really really do. But my point is that availability and accessibility are two very different things. And with that in
mind, council, I respectfully ask, how is the township ensuring that the transportation and support needs of senior residents and individuals with disabilities are being met? How are residents and families being informed about available services? And how is the
township evaluating whether current options with the county provide the same level of connection, safety, and independence that residents need? And how does transportation fit into Saddle Brook's long-term plan for helping residents age in place? With approximately 2,800 residents aged 65
and older and roughly 3,600 residents approaching that stage of life, thousands of Saddle Brook neighbors are connected to this very conversation. If a ticker tape parade is one way a community shows what it values, I return to my original question. How do we
demonstrate that value in Saddlebrook? And truly, council and mayor, I appreciate all that you do for our town. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> John. John, weren't you here before? >> What? >> Weren't Weren't you up here? >> I can't talk twice. >> No, >> different subject.
>> No, you gotta roll them all into one three minute uh package. >> Things change. >> You're gonna You're gonna learn next time. You're gonna learn from for the July meeting. You got to wrap everything up. Anybody else uh want to address the council? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to
close the meeting. >> Motion to close the meeting to the public. >> By Mr. Gerick. >> Second by Mr. Akamando. >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Akamando. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Meeting is now closed to the public. Um I'm just going to before we turn it over to mayor, I just had a
couple of questions actually. Um, I just wanted to get some updates. Uh, we we have a new feature in our council meetings that's going to be business administrator updates, which I'm sure you're dying. You're so happy about that, right? >> Yeah.
>> Uh, but first, our engineer uh the Fifth Street uh resident had asked about the Fifth Street. Uh, if you could just give us a brief update on our engineering projects and how they're going. So, Fifth Street, that'll I'm looking at
fall construction for that one. Um, and >> what what will the construction just for people that aren't here, what what is going to be done there? >> There will be a basketball court, um, one basketball court, about five parking spaces, and a paved entrance into into
the uh into the area into the small parking lot. >> And is there is there currently a playground area in there? >> There is currently a playground area there. It's going to remain as is. We're not going to touch it, demolish it, or improve it for now.
>> Correct. >> It's functionable. >> Um, it looks pretty beat up and ready to be replaced, but it looks >> that's that's on the uh something on the horizon. Um, if I can just defer any any other Splash
Park >> Splash Park is moving along nicely. Um they are pretty far into the utilities that are needed to operate it. Um they are planning to pour the concrete ba uh
base and surface for the splash park tomorrow morning. Um afterwards they will start to piece together the uh the pieces into the uh um appropriate spots on the pl splash
park and as well as surround the uh park with a sidewalk walkway some benches looks the end of the month for completion if all goes well.
Uh other projects have been completed. We've mentioned the um pickle ball courts and tennis courts at May Hill are all done being used. The current playground has been replaced and is being used. Um I think that's it as far as parks for now.
>> Okay. Thank you. And uh Mr. Business Administrator, I was just going to throw a question at you. I know that uh we had talked about uh the senior bus being discontinued. Um but that didn't just come out of thin air. What were the reasons behind it and
uh economically and physically was what was the condition of the bus? What was monetarily? What's what were the issues? >> Yeah. Um issues per se, I wouldn't say there was issues. I mean obviously you you you come up with an aging bus. Uh so just
with any type of fleet, you did have the cost associated to upkeep to maintain that. Um the we were monitoring the volume of the call log in comparison to what the county was providing. We felt
that the county was provided a stronger better service. Understood some of the customer service aspect might not might not might not be as good. Um but there's some a lot of aspects that are much better like um for us locally um for liability purposes
when we went shopping you know previously the driver would assist with carrying the bags for liability purpose we stopped that uh and >> was that on uh on the recommendation of our joint insurance fund or >> yes
um but reviewing the call logs um the ride logs rather we did first switch from full-time to part-time. Um, so that was about a 50 almost $60,000 salary that we um that you know we reduced. We worked with the employee um to come up
with a a um a revised part-time schedule while still continuing to monitor the the volume of the rides >> and um Okay, so volume was down, the bus was aging, there was repairs. Yeah, I mean your standard repairs um you know
the the ramp the handicap ramp um was needed to be repaired. It wasn't we someone needed to use it and it wasn't even functional. We didn't realize until they needed to use it. So that you know you're talking general repairs and you know probably have to been replaced soon
and those are six figure type vehicle six figure you know over 100,000 to replace >> based on the resident's uh issues that she's had with the county. uh are you able to contact I guess uh somebody at the county in that
>> area somebody I don't know if in charge of that bus program or somebody a leazison or something like that to advise of the issues that we're having and maybe you could have a better uh chance of of getting someone on the phone as opposed to a citizen I know sometimes uh government uh takes a while
to do anything but if you could reach out and see if there could be >> any u information if we could get the young lad these uh >> absolutely >> uh information in terms of uh getting back to her specifically and maybe even announce at the next meeting what what
you you found out from them in regards to um what they offer and when they offer it. >> Mhm. No problem. >> How they offer it. >> Yeah, we'll do >> through to through the chair. I'll personally reach out to them. uh you
know one Jimmy mentioned it briefly but there are the the majority of uh Saddleberg residents are using the county now vast majority compared to I mean there was the call volume was
minimal here in Saddle they also have an aid on every bus along with a bus driver so if a resident need assistance getting on and off the bus they're there to help. We didn't have that. >> We had one 75year-old or 80 year old
person >> driving the bus, right? >> I mean, >> yeah. Yeah. I don't know what his age is, but >> Okay. >> Not really. You can contact us afterwards. That's just way more running
the meeting. If you can contact the mayor or contact Mr. Holy afterwards with any issues that you have. >> Someone that's accurate. So, >> Sure. Sure. we contact after one thing I want to say too is that I know >> that from the from talking to the senior
director there was on the bus itself they only allowed one package. I don't know if that's that's what I was told that there was actually on the bus. It may still be
there because we still have the bus. We haven't done anything with it yet. But um there was a notice there, one package only. >> Okay. >> All right. But definitely make contact with either the mayor's office or the business administrator's office and they
can give you as much time as you need. >> Okay. >> Um Okay. Uh mayor, your uh comments, updates. >> Well, just there was a question about the uh sale about how much was in this year's.
>> Yeah, I could address some of those if you if you wish, Mr. President. >> Did I bypass you as your uh >> No, I mean there's some of the questions I could I could assist. >> I gave you the business administrator section and then I just >> Well, it's not necessarily my report, but we could respond to some of those questions. >> Al so you could respond while you're
doing it. New hires if there if there have been new hires and >> outside of what we listed, we don't plan on any any other new hires. potential new hires might be if we have retirements in the police department or DPW. >> Well, replacements. Yeah. >> Replacements.
>> Yeah. Um do you want me to >> uh regarding the old town hall? >> It's your show, >> sir. Uh again, just responding to some of those questions. Regarding the old town hall, um we don't have a you know, that's at the the the uh developers schedule. Um he tends to move fast. he
is paying his full property taxes, so I'm sure he's going to move quickly. But of course, that goes along with our proper inspections, the local inspections, and whatever else is required. Um the from the sale of the property, we're using currently this
year about $251,000 from the proceeds of the sale. We anticipate through my conversation with the auditor that it will be similar or the same each year to to safely implement into the budget to offset uh taxes. Uh that's his recommendation. It's a fair
recommendation. That was his initial recommendation which uh you know obviously we supported and we agree with um F Street Park was addressed uh new hires and um another question from another resident. Just wanted to provide clarity
about um Sheffler, Mike's amazing in the sewer fees. Um I just want to be very clear that how it works with Payic Valley with with a permit user that large. We probably have about somewhere about eight or so total into town. Um so
what happens is that that uh that we get build from Pake Valley, but we pass along those fees. So when they came about I don't know exactly the time frame but PG valley direct bills Mike's amazing initially until they could get understand their consumption and usage
once they have an idea over however many whatever the time period is a year or two years they remove the direct bill to Mike's amazing then it just gets implemented in the town's bill but when it gets implemented in town's bill which is the first year this is happening for Mike's amazing we pass along 100% of
those fees to to the to that to that user. So, um that $650,000 increase from Pake Valley, uh about half is attributed to to Mike's Amazing, which again is being 100% passed along to them. So, I just wanted to provide clarity and be
very clear about about that permit use with through them with Pake Valley. >> Uh that's it for now. I'll be uh I appreciate the uh the opportunity at the meetings and I'll have I'll have uh comprehensive reports going forward. >> Okay. Thank you. And uh Mr. Mayor,
>> thank you. I just want to start before I forget uh addressing the the individual that was uh running for mayor um mentioning about that we have zero shared services, but then in the same breath he's saying he's complaining that
uh we got rid of the bus. But you know the by by doing that we save money and honestly it's a better service. You know, it the only thing I've heard the only negative I heard is that you have to you have to ask in advance. You know,
it can't be one of them things where you say, you know, every you know, I want to be picked up every Tuesday, you know, at at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Um, but you know, and it doesn't cost the town or the resident anything. Comes out of your county taxes. And, uh, they've
it's a great service. They got over 100 buses. Like I said, every bus has an aid there. It's uh much safer and uh and I've heard nothing but good about it until uh until tonight. But um
we'll uh we'll address that with with the resident because uh you know, she's she's obviously upset that uh that we eliminated the service. But I I think overall it's it's something that's going to save save a lot of money and it's going to uh
end up being uh a better thing for the town overall. So uh I talk about the budget. I want to thank business administrator Jimmy Holmes, CFO Vince Bono, and Steve Walcott, our auditor, and as well as our council members. I think uh we we got a
good budget. It's a reasonable increase. Under the circumstances, $187 on the average house is uh is compared to some of the other towns is uh is is pretty good. Um and that's without cutting any personnel services or
programs like uh Mr. Holmesy said, you know, where we can when there's a retirement or uh if we can go from full-time to part-time, we do it. We saved a little money there, but
not we not at the risk of services to uh programs. Uh this year we are doing the estimated taxes again. So we've been doing that the past couple of years. Uh ordinances uh as I mentioned when Mr. Wilcox was here, we're the ordinance
second reading uh on the not to exceed the budget appropriations and establishing a bank cap is on. Um we also have uh that's the second reading. We also have a zoning amendment that's on for a first reading as well. I just want to mention recycling. We've been
getting a lot of complaints and uh we've we're not happy at all recently with our uh recycling contractor. Um so, uh for the past three or four weeks, you know, they haven't been able to finish pickup on Friday. Uh last week I
think they got maybe a quarter of the town done and they had to come back Saturday to finish. It's unacceptable. Uh we have been in contact with them. Uh our township attorney has written them a letter. So we're doing everything we can
to try to get them to do the job the right way. Do it get it all on Friday. And if not, we're going to have to start uh do doing what we can legally. I I don't really want to say too much about the legal end of it because uh
I don't want to get in any trouble. Um as Steve Maraconda said, the grant, the sustainable uh New Jersey PSEG grant, we received $2,500 for our green team. It's going to be used for a community garden at the library and a adopt a tree
program. some past events. Uh the Memorial Day parade and services were May 24th. Uh the VFW service was on the 25th was actually on Memorial Day itself. Um I want to thank the VFW parade committee,
police department, fire department, ambulance corps, uh for their participation and their department services. Uh I want to congratulate Rick Een from VFW uh 3484. He was the two 2026 Grand
Marshall. It was a great choice. Uh welld deserved. I also want to thank Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, Assembly Members Lisa Swain, uh Chris Tully, and Bergen County Clerk John Hogan for marching in the parade.
That was very nice. It was really nice to meet uh the the Lieutenant Governor. Great guy, by the way. Um, we had an outdoor concert, the Benjamins on Friday, May the 29th, here in the municipal complex parking lot. I want to thank recreation director Andy Gallow
and Diane Bonner, uh, the whole department for doing a great job. Also want to thank Thomas Van Winkle for taking photographs. Uh on Monday, June the 1st, AARP swore in new officers. Uh Marie Shust is the
president, Paula Bernstein is the vice president, and Beverly Slowick is the treasurer. I want to thank outgoing president Deborah Kenriata and vice president uh Karen Dminino. They uh they they still need a recording
secretary. Mr. Simaluca, you may want to take on that position. You're you're a senior citizen, right? You're a you're an AP member. >> I am proud proud ARP member. Yes. >> You're not? >> I I'm a proud ARP member. Yes. >> They needed they need a recording secretary, so they couldn't get anybody.
>> Um yeah, I'll I'll take that under consideration. Thank you. Thank you for offering. >> On Wednesday, June the 10th, the police department hosted the lead graduation party. Lead is law enforcement against drugs at the municipal complex at the allpurpose room. the weather was bad.
So, they usually have it out by Veterans Field, but they had it inside this year. Some upcoming events, June, tomorrow is Junth, Friday, uh June the 19th. Town offices in DBW is closed. The fishing derby is going to be this Saturday, June
21st at Saddle River County Park, um by the lake, 900 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The fireworks is Friday, July the 3 at Sadd River County Park when it gets dark. Uh the town is working with First Reformed Church of Saddlebrook on a
Fourth of July dedication and bell ringing ceremony for Saturday, July the 4th at the church at 5 Acriman Avenue. Uh the dedication starts at 1:30 p.m. and the national bell ringing at 2:50 p.m.
Um the recreation department is having a summer youth camp in the for the month of July. Interested parents should contact the rec director Andy Gallow. The police department is also doing the junior police academy at the end of August. So, anybody interested contacts
out of our police department for more information. Congratulations to all the graduates uh out there from preschool to college. And happy Father's Day to everyone this this Sunday the 21st. Thank you. >> Mr. Akamando.
>> Yes. All right. So Joe and Pete, two great guys, if you know them, you can lean on either one of them for any questions, any concerns. They always had your back. They're going to be sorely missed. And uh I just my condolences to their families. Um what did I want to
say? Happy Father's Day to all the fathers. Happy Father's Day to all the mothers that fathers don't show up. Um, >> I had something else I forgot, but I'll uh you might have to come back to me.
>> Thank you, Council President. Um, first and foremost, my prayers and sympathy to Joe Schlap's family. Uh, he certainly was a dedicated individual and he would he's definitely going to be missed. Um, as far as Pete, if you were fortunate to
be part of his exclusive club to be called his friend, you know what I'm feeling. Um, up until probably about 10 days ago, he uh wanted me to take him here to the council meeting. Uh, I've known Pete for
probably 40 years. He's never been angry with me, but he certainly was angry that day because I couldn't make it happen. He actually went as far as to call my daughter and ask for her to take him. >> So I'm on that list. I was on that list.
But um I also like to um shout out to Joey Cedase who he went above and beyond care for be he's great friend, great individual, a great caring man and uh I need to shout out to him. Um, on a on a
more higher note, um, I guess I'd like to, um, congratulate all our preschoolers from preschool to grad school, uh, 2026. Great future ahead of you. Thank you. >> And um
>> I'd like to also commend the mayor um our business administrator, all our uh department heads or uh professionals for putting together a fiscally responsible budget. No one likes a t tax hike,
that's for sure. But um you know to keep our town going and services that we pro provide, it's a necessity. And uh happy Father's Day to everyone. Thanks, >> Mr. G.
>> Uh good evening everyone. Um my sincere condolences to the Schul family and to the Leico family. Um two great men. Um I met Pete back when I was a freshman at Pramis Catholic um 41 years ago. Um just
an outstanding person as well as uh Joe. Uh we lost two um wonderful people in in Saddlebrook here. Um people that want to pay their respects. I know tomorrow from 3 to 8 at Cougler Funeral Home on Fifth
Street. Um uh he will be laid out there. Um there'll be a funeral mass on Saturday morning at 9:30. Uh and then burial immediately at uh to follow at St. Nicholas and Loi. Uh for anybody that
would like to pay their respects. um to the Leico family. Um in regards to the budget, um I'm going to um just say uh for the sake of transparency, um you know, we it
was a difficult budget. Everybody knows that was $187. Um and some people may say, "Oh, well, that's not too bad." Um $187, divide that by 12. That's only on the municipal side. Now, the school tax is is
additional. County tax is additional. Um, and I I know the school budget, that meeting was uh live streamed. It's $399 for the school. It's about $75 for the county. I hate to, you know, rain on
everybody's parade. People may be home, sitting home. It's live stream saying $187. Wow, that's not bad. Yeah, that's the ma municipal side. Okay. Um, so I think the school was hit a little bit with the uh health benefits because
they they have the state health benefits. We didn't experience that so much. Um, health benefits did go up, but not to that magnitude. It was like 35% increase. Um, so I just for the sake of transparency, when people get their
bills, they got to understand there's three parts to it. Actually, a fourth part, a very small sliver for the library. Um but people have to be cognizant of that. Okay. And that's how it's calculated. But we only control about 38% of the budget here. Schools
the majority of the budget just so everybody's aware. Uh congratulation to all the graduates. Uh my nephew just graduated from pharmacy school at University of Florida. My niece just got her master's degree at NYU. So, congratulations to
them as well as all the preschool, grade school, high school, college as well. Uh, happy 4th of July, happy summer, and a happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Thank you, >> Miss Sanchez.
>> Um, so, as the mayor stated before, um, congratulations to all the graduates. Um, happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there and, uh, my condolences to the families of Joseph Sh and Peter Leo. Um,
I met Pete around when I started the ambulance corps and I would talk to him briefly in passing and, um, I really got to know him when I joined the council and I'm so happy that I did get to know him. He um
he was always a pleasure to talk to and um I feel like I learned a lot from him. Um he was always patient with me and willing to answer all my questions no matter how silly they were. And um he really was a great man and I'm I'm going
to miss him. >> Thank you. Um first of all in regard to the budget uh we talked about the the amount of money u that went into this year's budget from the sale of the property. So, in speaking to the business administrator and the order and
the mayor, uh, it was determined that the best way, the best financially stable way of doing this was to put of that price $250,000 a year toward the budget instead of just adding it just
all at one point. Um, and that gives us some some more financial stability over the years. Um, a couple of things. uh fun stuff is that uh stuff to do during
the summer. It looks like pretty much every Friday during the summer at Vansolin Park in Pamis, there will be an outdoor movie. Every Tuesday at Riverside County Park in North Arlington, there will be a concert.
every Thursday. Pretty much every Thursday uh at Overpek uh Park there will be a concert and um yes. So you got uh and Wednesdays there's movies at Pascrook County Park in Westwood. So
there's stuff to do pretty much every day of the week uh from our county. U tomorrow is Junth. Um and for those who don't know in uh even though the de the emancipation
proclamation was um was given on January 1st of 1863. It took two and a half years uh before all of the vestages of slavery were were gone when they rode into Galveston,
Texas and uh basically declared that the 250,000 $250,000 existing slaves there were uh were now free. So it it took a long time and and that is where you get the June 19th.
That's where the Junth celebration or uh observation comes in. Um it is Pride Month and again uh some people have said why is why do they get a month and we only get a day? Well,
uh, in 1999, Bill Clinton decided that, uh, June would be Pride Month. And it all stemmed, not all of it, but basically, uh, 1969. Um, in June of 1969, there was a riot in Greenwich Village, Stonewall, um, in,
which was a mafia run, uh, bar that was frequented, uh, by gays of all sorts. And um uh the police raided it without giving warning. The mafia generally would pay off the police
uh in order to uh to get them to come in, do their raid, and then they would, you know, an hour later they'd be open for business. But this time it didn't work and there was riots that went on for three or four days. That basically the what generally acknowledged as basically the start uh
one of the starts of the gay rights movement. So, that is where the the pride month comes from. Um, congratulations to the Knicks. Uh, I went on the train to Hoboken today and everybody was in blue and orange and I
just hope in my lifetime that we will have a blue and orange celebration for the New York Mets, but I'm not sure about that. Um, we lost Joe Schul just for those who know he actually passed before our last
meeting, but in respect to the family's wishes, we did not acknowledge that at our last meeting. That was not some an oversight. That was a direct um consideration of of the family's wishes. Uh, always enjoyed Joe. He had a just a
dry uh sense of humor and he was always to me a very pleasure to to uh be with uh Pete Leo. Um amazing man, amazing person to uh be with uh on the council.
U my story with Pete, my first time I ever had anything to do with him is when I moved into town 84 or something like that. At some point after that, my wife says, "Hey, you know, I saw some advertisement in the paper. They're going to have an independent club
meeting." So, she says, "Well, you're independent. You know, you're not registered either way." Like, "Okay, I'll go." And it just turned out to be the We Hate Pete Leico Club. And basically, they did everything in in the
world to not get Pete Leico elected. And I thought Pete Leico was a demon. I mean, the way they made it seem and I'd never met the man. So, I finally met him and I'm expecting the first time I meet him to expect this ogre and he was like
the nicest guy I ever met. And I I told him about it and he goes, "Well, that's politics. It's okay." He he never took anything personally. And like I said at the last meeting, I think um when we gave him a proclamation when he was here, um no matter what side you're on,
you're Republican or Democrat, independent, whatever you were, he treated you the same. Uh when it was a majority, one side, Pete was there and never cared what what political party you were from. Uh he just treated everyone with dignity and respect and
and uh you know, uh he will be he will be sorely missed. He's he's an icon and and I join in the mayor and and some of the and all the members of the council I believe uh when I say that uh we should be doing something in his honor and in this council meeting since he was so
associated with the council room not so much this room but a council room whenever you saw a council meeting or came to a council meeting there was Pete and people pointing fingers and yelling and everything like that and he just was the the voice of common reason um and he
kept everything on an even keel. So, Mr. Bell, you've got big shoes to fill >> and I wish you luck in that >> this weekend, Father's Day. Um happy Father's Day to everyone. Um and one of
the joys of being a father, if you have a son, is watching your son become a good father. And I'm blessed that that happened with me. So, um we will go into ordinances at this point. Uh ordinance.
See, >> pardon me. >> This is number two. >> Which is the one you gave me? >> Calendar year. >> Okay. Uh motion to order for uh ordinance of second reading. This is uh
the cap bank. >> You want sure? Yes. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Akamando. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation
limits and to establish a cap bank NJSA4A colon 4-4514. >> Motion Motion to open the public. Motion. >> Motion Miss uh Maers, second by Mr. Akmando. All in favor? >> I.
>> Any against? No. M uh the meeting is now open to the public to discuss or to comment on this ordinance. This ordinance only. Seeing no takers, I will entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public on this ordinance. >> Motion to close. >> Motion to close. Mr. Garrick.
>> Second. >> Second by Miss Sanchez. All in favor? I >> I >> be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that the ordinance entitled calendar year 2026 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget
appropriation limits and to establish the cap bank NJSA484-45.14 does now pass on second and final reading and that the township clerk be directed to advertise ordinance or title thereof in the press together with the notice of the date of passage and of
said ordinance according to law. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion second. >> Miss Mer second. Who? Second. Mr. Garrick. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Namando. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Simalup. >> Yes. Uh the next ordinance is for first reading but I believe we have a motion to table. Mr. Akamando.
>> Yes. For the graffiti. Yes. >> This is the the the next graffiti one. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Further discussion about it because it seems like all these property maintenance things we get involved with. It's either you do the same across the board. You don't do it at all. So we got to we have
to be a little more strict with some of these ordinance because we can't pick and choose who we want to go after and who we don't want to go after. So for that, I'd like to table this and discuss it further. >> Okay. There's a motion on the table to table it. This is ordinance 1804-26. Is there Well, there doesn't need to be
a second. >> Yes. >> Need a second. >> Needs a second. Second. >> Second. >> Second. Miss Sanchez. Uh, roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Um, out of respect for Councilman Okamando, I will vote yes to table it.
>> Councilman Okamando. >> Yes. Councilwoman Sanchez, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Ma, >> yes. >> Council President Simlu, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> So, ordinance has been um tabled and
then we will have a discussion of this uh in greater detail uh at the uh July 16th is it? >> Yes. >> July 16th uh work session. >> Okay. The next ordinance uh is uh first
reading is motion to give the first reading on the ordinance 180 >> 1805-26. >> Motion >> motion. >> Motion Sanchez. >> Second. >> Second. Mr. Garrick. All in favor? >> I
uh now therefore be All right. You want? Yeah. Now therefore be it resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 206 of the code of the township of Saddlebrook entitled zoning
to4 passed on first reading be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on July 16th 2026 at 5:30 p.m. or assumed 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. >> Then that ordinance has to be referred
to the planning board before we adopt it. >> Pardon me. That ordinance has to be referred to the service for adoption. >> Okay. But we're voting on the first reading, right? >> Yes. Okay. Is there a motion to uh approve upon first reading? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Miss Mason. Second by Miss
Sanchez. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamanda. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Saluca. >> Yes. And pursuant to our legal council's
u legal not opinion that's the law it's going to go to the planning board for their review discussion review and discussion. Okay. What do we have next? We have um we have a consent agenda.
>> Yeah. The paperwork is all messed up. So >> yeah consent agenda. want to read it. >> Yep. 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 the
council members so requested, in which case the 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. >> Okay.
>> Which items are not on the consent agenda? Which items have been >> uh resolution number three is being tabled and resolution number 11 is uh going to be voted on separately because uh >> Councilwoman Mer needs to recuse
herself. the uh the boat order resolutions here other than three and 11. Is there a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Motion, Mr. Akamando. >> Second. >> Second, Miss Mer. All in favor? >> I resolutions have now been passed. We
want to uh do we need a Mrs. Mino, do we need an actual motion to table three? Resolution three. >> Yes. Motion to table uh resolution number three >> motion second Mr. Garrick second Mr.
Echamando um all in favor >> I >> any against none and now we have uh number 11 which is payment of certain bills >> motion to approve >> motion Mr. Garrick second Mr. Akamando. Roll call.
>> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Council President Soluca. >> Yes. >> Uh old business that we haven't discussed before.
>> Yeah. I I just have something. >> Sure. >> I didn't I didn't uh speak about Joe and then be wanted to >> just want to quickly say about Joe, Mr. Simaluca. Yeah. We we spoke about him at the last meeting, but we really didn't
want to go into too much detail because of the family. Um, but Joe was a real straight shooter. Uh, great guy. Um, old school. He he told it like he felt it. And I
always I always felt like I got an honest answer from him. And uh, and you know what? Even if we disagreed, he was always a gentleman about it. He didn't uh he he didn't dislike you just because you had a different opinion than him,
but uh he was uh a fantastic uh mechanic. He could take a a car engine. Even up up until a few months ago, he was taking engines out and replacing them. And I think he probably could have done it blindfolded, but uh I was
speaking to his wife and she was telling me that he she never got a new appliance in her house the whole time they were married cuz he would he would fix it. He would always be able to fix anything. So, um but the fire department had a really beautiful send off for him and
that was uh much appreciated. So, and I know the family I know was his wife was uh was very happy and proud that uh that they did that. Um, regarding Pete, uh, what do he say about Mr. Saddlebrook? That's what he was affectionately known
as, Mr. Saddlebrook, and for all his decades of service to the community and he was respected by everyone that I knew. And, uh, he really did play a vital role in the development of the town. um you know for 55 years he he was
somehow involved with the town and uh you know he he really is a huge part of the town's history and you know our identity uh he was always friendly to people. I remember in the old building you walked in, you had a you know his door was always open and he was
constantly in there with with people talking and uh you know some people might say oh well you know what's he doing? He's not doing his job he's talking but you know he was always the first in and the last out and he many times even when we even when the employees have Fridays off he would come
in he would come in anyway you know I say at least three or four hours everybody else was off and he never put in for that. Um and uh you know he's always he was always there to help people, always there to lend a you know lend his ear to them. Uh he had so much
institutional knowledge. Um and uh you know he could always he always would be able to find the answers when no one else could. Uh he had a great memory. I mean he and he didn't need a cell phone.
He remembered everybody's birthday, you know, every dates of meetings. Uh he had had so many stories too about contentious meetings back from the 70s and 80s and he remembered every little
detail of it. Um he was a great mentor to me and uh he could read the pulse of the community better than anyone that I ever ever knew. Um, and I'm going to miss our long talks and, you know, his brotherly advice. Um, and my world as
the mayor really is is not not going to be the same and never never going to be able to fill that void. Uh, but more than anything, you know, Pete was my friend. He was a great friend of mine and it's going to be very different and very sad moving
forward and, uh, I'm going to miss him a lot. So, uh, God bless you, Pete. Thank you. >> Anyone else before we uh open up to the public >> through the chair? Yes, sir. >> Sorry. >> Okay.
>> Um just one other thing about uh Pete. Pete was affectionately called Penny Pinching Pete. And in all honesty, without Penny Pinching Pete, this building wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be sitting here.
So, I remember being on the council back then and Pete suggesting that we purchase this property and I'm like, Pete, did you just hit your head? You know, how much is this going to cost? He's like, no, we got to do this. And for many years, um, and people that grew
up here, no, with the thermometer out in front of the municipal building and they were going to do a recreation center and they were going to raise money and so forth, uh, for the kids, we were able to actually accomplish that. And that's one one wonderful one of many wonderful things that the mayor and uh so a lot of
the people on the council have been able to accomplish but people may not know that but without Pete given the go-ahad and the nod to do that I don't think this place would would would be here. So um just an incredible person truly.
Thank you. >> U entertain a motion to the meeting to the >> through the chair Mr. Sorry, just one last item. Um, just for the sake of the clerk's office just to be uh so we could advertise the next two meetings properly. Uh, because those are we're
combining. So, we just want to confirm that they are combined in the start time. >> 5:30. Um, or you want to do you want to do 5:00 just in case we've and then do seven or seven or when we finish the first
meeting. I mean, it can't be if we do 7:00 for a regular meeting. We can't open it. We can't do it before then. But >> I think they should have the notice say >> Yeah. 5:30 work session immediately followed by a regular meeting. So this way if you end early, you don't have to
wait till 7. >> Okay. I I didn't know. >> I saw early. That's something I could count. >> I I didn't know if you had to uh give a specific time for the regular meeting. >> No. Well, because it's you're advertising the meeting as you are giving a date and time and you're saying that the other meeting will immediately
follow the work session. I mean, you could continue doing the other way, but it's not wrong to do it the way I just said >> might be two hours. >> Yeah, I think uh well, you know what? Since we don't have to wait, if we finish early, we finish early of the uh work session, I would say start at 5
just to give us enough time if we need it. Um, and then if we finish at 6:30, then we start the regular meeting at 6:30. >> So, we'll advertise it for five, >> I would say. >> And then and then the regular meeting to to proceed >> July. Is that a little early, but
>> is that too early or >> I'm okay with it. >> Okay. >> My my only thing is by having the regular meeting right after some, you know, some members of the public don't want to come to the work session. They might want to just come to the regular meeting. Well, that's why I
I I said that I I thought that we had to, but apparently Mr. Cino Mr. Cino is saying that we don't that I mistaken. Um >> No, but that doesn't mean you can't. Just means you don't have to. >> Right. >> So, if you want to continue to advertise it to the mayor's point to
>> I I think we should just for the sake of confusion just keep it the same if we could. 5:30 and 7. Just do that. >> Fine. Okay. Just so nobody gets probably going to work out because it should be done 5:30 and 7 it is. >> Thank you.
>> Okay, we're good. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Okay. Um motion to open the meeting to the public on agenda items. >> Motion. >> Mr. Ecom. Mr. Garrick with a second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I. Anybody opposed? No. Meeting is now open to the public on agenda items and
agenda items only. >> Seeing no one. >> Motion to close. Motion to close. Mr. Garrick with a motion to close. Second by Mr. Akamando. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Well, the only thing we have left is final
comments and then a motion to adjourn. Anybody with uh anybody who's not talked out. >> All right. We're good. Um, I just want to say that if you noticed that everybody here is trying to as much as
possible to wear uh the Saddle Brook colors of of blue and gold as uh kind of an honor and recognition of Mr. Saddlebrook. So, we got Saddle Brook colors on as much as possible uh for Pete Leico. God bless you, Pete. Um, motion to adjourn the meeting.
>> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second, >> Derek. Second. All in favor? >> I I see you at the 4th of July. 3rd of July fireworks.