Councilman Garrick >> here. >> Councilman Armando >> here. >> Councilwoman Sanchez >> here. >> Councilwoman Majer >> here. >> Council President Snow >> here. Also in attendance are Mayor White, Mr. Spatino, township attorney, Mr. Klein the township engineer, and Mr.
Holmes the township administrator. Please rise to salute the flag. I pledge aliance to the flag of the standice. Notice of this meeting has been sent to
all the council members of all legal newspapers in accordance with the provisions of the open public meeting act chapter 231 public order 1975. Public is hereby advised that any statements made during the meeting of the township council of the council for
Saddle Brook may not be privileged or protected and that persons or entities who take issue with such comments are or are offended by same may and have in the past sought legal redress through the court. 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 Saddlebrook website, saddlebrook nj. us.
In addition, the New Jersey Secretary of State will be establishing a legal notice hyperlink page allowing members of the public to find hyperlinks for every municipality. On or about March 1st, a hyperlink to the Secretary of State's web page will be published on
the municipal web page as soon as the same is available. >> Entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> Motion second by Mr. Durk and second by Mr. Akamando. All in favor? >> I. No objections. The meeting is now open to the public. Anyone wants to
address the council? The mayor, please come forward. >> Good evening everybody. Um, first I want to start off that I don't know if you guys are aware of Harttown newspaper. It's a published in Maywood Maywood and
he covers Maywood Park in Saddlewood. So, he's just got a new editor and who I befriended and uh she's she's dying to get input from saddle book any organization you know I in UNICO I've
put things in it's in like that so I'm thinking like the green team or where you have any event up she's looking to put it in so it's no charge and it it helps us okay now my
question at hand. Saddle book has reached saturation point. You can't you can't argue that. Now I just written a paper. They want to put another convenience store on Market Street. How many convenience stores does
Saddle Book need? They're all over the place. Gas stations have them. Blah blah blah blah blah. And there seems to be no plan to uh to to um excuse me, I can't think of the
word. Um >> not restrict, but have guidelines about how many you can have. Look how many uh marijuana stores we wound up with. Look, you know, now we got this and where does it end? Uh, I I really think there has
to be do something to be done about the overdevelopment because that's what we are in now, overdevelopment. And I'd like to see if you guys have a plan for the future. I know you all planned something in your own private lives, you know, for your retirement,
for your kids' college fund, blah blah blah blah. Where what's the plan for Saddle Book in the future? That's what I'd like to know. You don't have to answer me tonight, but the next time I come, >> I just have two questions. Do you have a contact for the our town for anyone
watching this? >> I will I will I will forward it on to J. >> I know we have it. I'm just saying for the people out in the public tonight. >> No, I don't have it. >> You don't have it with you? >> Yeah, but she she's very veryos uh hospital to us. You know, she wants she
wants a letters you can put in anything. >> And and second thing, where where is the convenience store located? That's >> the new one is going to they want to convert the gas station across from Washington school. They want to they want to convert the shut down the mechanic shop and put a convenience
store there. That was just in a paper. And uh >> come on, we got 7-Eleven not even a block away. You know, >> they'd have to they'd have to go before the zoning board uh for that. >> Yeah, it says that. But I mean, >> it still has to be Yeah, you still have to have some type of limitations. Thank
you for your >> Is there an application? Yes. >> And it's a it's before the zoning board or a plane board? >> Zoning. >> Zoning board. So, it's a use variance. It's it's not permitted in that zone. So, obviously uh a use variance is harder to obtain than your regular both
variance. Uh so, they'd have to have five affirmative votes. Uh so, uh that's going to be noticed and everyone can go there and and voice whatever opinion, yay or nay. Um and then the the board will uh end up voting for voting for it
or against it. Um anybody else? Good evening. Thomas Vanl 128 Lincoln Saddle Brook. Um I just want to first start off by talking a little about the 250th anniversary because I know just hearing a lot of people asking about like what's Saddleberg doing and
>> yeah all that. >> But I do want to share that My church, First Reformed Church in of Saddlebrook, is working on planning a dedication service and a bell ringing on it would be right on the 4th of July. The service would start at 1:30 p.m. at the church.
That's the plan. And then at following the service at 2:50 p.m. Eastern time, we're going to join um many churches and schools and buildings with bells around the nation to ring the bell at 2:50 p.m. Um there's an organization, a nonprofit
called National Bell Festival that's kind of orchestrating this, putting this together, telling uh people across the country to ring their bells all at the same time. It was this was something this bell ringing was actually done by first reformed church 50 years ago 1976.
So the nation's bsentennial um a member by the name of Norman Nichols rang the bell along with with uh churches in around the country. So it's my hope that we get like St. Phillips we get um Sacred Heart Rochelle Park and hopefully
uh the holy apostles church. I'm just naming a few of the Korean martyrs. Um also hopefully the board of education building. the formerly Koolage school still has its bell inside. So, I'm hoping that we can get somebody from the school to go in there and ring the bell
at that time as well. Um, and also want to invite everybody to come to the service. It's going to be it's going to be a beautiful uh a meaningful worship and you know, just giving thanks to God and giving thanks to our country. Okay, that's that. July 4th, 1:30. Um, mayor's
youth group, we have we we participated with the green team on the Earth Day cleanup at Tsentennial Park that was held on May 2nd. Um, the youth group is going to march in the may in the Memorial Day parade. One of the parents is gracious enough to use their truck
and we're going to decorate it, make it look nice, and they're going to be all uh in the parade. So, we're praying and praying every day that the rain holds up and that doesn't that the pouring rain is over within the morning. and that we give a meaningful parade. Um, so that's that. Um, community
partnership. Just want to also quickly mention that we're having the sensory friendly craft night next Wednesday, May 27th. It's from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in in the multi-purpose room in the rec center. And it's sensory friendly because the rec center is going to be closed that night. There's going to be no noise. It's going to be nice and
quiet. So for all people have sensory issues, it's just going to be a great night for everybody to come out. Um, we had we have 30 people registered for the event. We closed the registration at we the registration's now closed. We limited the registration to 30 people and we got 30 people. We have plenty of
volunteers expected to be on here and helping out. So, I just want to thank everybody who's really helped make that all possible. With that with that said, thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. And that bell ringing is is a very cool idea. So, um,
that's that's going to sound great. >> And and just make sure since we're going to have another televised meeting before the July 4th, just make sure if you can come back. I mean, you're here every meeting, but just make sure that you mention it again. Okay. >> Sir,
>> Jerry Taylor at 318 Sheepus. Just two updates if we could, you don't have to answer now. in reference to 580 Midland, if there's any u uh any update on that, what they're going to be putting in there. And also, as far as the marijuana
shops that are in the town, is the town getting the benefits from the taxes that they're supposedly giving to us. Is that profitable for us? if we could just find out about that, some kind of an update is because we hear, you know, all these
shops are opening up, but we don't hear the part about the money coming into the town as it was presented when it first was done. Thank you very much. >> I I could answer both of those uh questions. >> Sure. 580 Midland. We don't know what's
going to go in yet because that's the owner's he's got a I guess a choice and so far the owner hasn't acted upon the approval that was given either or so that's up in the air at this point. Right now it's vacant property I think.
Um and the second thing is yes, we are getting revenue from any marijuana shop that's opened. I think we've had one that's been opened. the other uh did that other one did uh the other one on 46 on 46 east I'm sorry
46 west so far there's only one but we have been getting the uh I think it's 2% of of their their revenue >> now wasn't there a second one on 46 not the pool place but up further up the road
>> by Sammy's rims that hasn't opened yet hasn't been for it hasn't formally opened yet they've went through the process but I believe The only one we have open right now is just the one on the >> the old pool. >> Staples. Staples. >> Staples. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Correct. Okay. And we are getting we are getting
revenue and the revenue did pick up. There was a guess minor transfer in ownership whatever and maybe due to marketing or whatever but uh the uh we did see an uptick in in the revenue. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Through the chair. Uh and in addition
there is a yearly application fee that they must submit as well. any of these. >> There's a yearly renewal fee for those applications they must submit as well in in addition to the required taxes. >> Good evening, Al Manini, 260 South Lanza Court. Um, first I'd like to thank Mayor
White for setting up a meeting after the March council meeting uh to meet with so I could meet with Chiefs of the Toll and Lieutenant Buchek in regards to Walmart. I did appreciate him taking the time to do that out of his schedule. Um, basically I think it was a fairly
productive meeting and uh I think after talking to uh Lieutenant Butch that um kind of basically told me that uh not to stop complaining which I hate to do but I haven't. As a matter of fact, the book I keep here is by my nightstand. So I
will tell you in the uh month of April I called the police department five times because of noise after 10:00 at Walmart. Um, when I left here at the March meeting, I kind of asked um Mr. Simluca
if he had any updates on the status over there, if anything was going to be done. But I do have some questions. Um, I I know a while ago we submitted at a meeting that uh we would like to see fines, punitive fines against Walmart
when they do violate that every time the police have to come over. But I don't think that was ever instituted at all. Um, so I'd like to know the status on that. And uh, I think the situation over there once they open up the new part of
their um, store over there where Maldell's used to be is probably just going to be more compounding as far as truck traffic because they probably have another two to three loading docks going in. Uh, the construction noise is one thing. I mean, they're not doing anything out of the ordinary except for
one morning I had to call building inspector um because of what they were doing, but other than that, you know, they keep it pretty much under the hours of construction. Um the other thing,
you know, it's it's to the point where it's not just trucks idling. Okay. I think everybody needs to have an understanding. What's just as irritating is after the trucks leave is when you have people that work inside Walmart that go out with pallet
jacks into a trailer and they start unloading at 11 and 11:30 at night. That noise is just as bad as a tractor trailer idling there. So, I would like to know, you know, what's going to go on
coming up in the near future when they expand because I think, you know, it's like a sequel. You know, sequels are always worse than the original movie. And I think it's just going to get worse. So, if you have any updates you could share, I'd appreciate that. >> With the exception of Godfather, too,
which was better than The Godfather. Um, I'll defer to the mayor. He's more more in tune with exactly what's been going on. I believe he w he he was part of the the meeting um with the Walmart people. >> I I was aware of the meeting and I
helped uh set it up. But we do have Lieutenant Back here. I mean, I I don't want to put him on the spot, but I'm going to cuz he's from the police department. I think he's well aware of everything going on there. So, uh I don't know if Mark, you want to come up and and just give an update.
Hi everybody. How you doing? Um, so Captain Calfano actually ended up after that meeting uh met with the security from Walmart and they advised that they always have someone on staff in the parking lot and they were made aware of
the issues and they were to report to us if there were going to be any issues ongoing so that we can try to address them as they come up. And as I told you in the meeting, the best way for us to know what's happening and be able to maintain it is for you to continue the call. So I appreciate that you came here
tonight to express that again. Um I would say that when we when I go back now tomorrow, I'd like to review uh the activity from the last month or so because you said you've been calling, right? >> Yes. and see where we're at and then I
would seek the administrative approval at that point to if necessary uh take action regarding the noise ordinance. But that would again have to be reviewed above me. But for the time being, I'm happy to collect the information from you and if we have to uh meet again or
if I have to give you a call uh at some point, we can kind of discuss what we could do going forward. Uh, I'm sure that's not the answer that you want right now because I don't have the answer prepared for you, but I'm more than happy to take the information from you at the moment and see what we could do for you going forward because I do
understand your concern. >> Okay. >> Lieutenant, just through the chair, just so just so you know, the ordinance that we wrote regarding noise allows the police to write the summons. Doesn't have to be the resident. >> Yes. No, I understand. Okay. As I when I said administrative approval, that is
something that we would put up through our chain of command. That's not something that we necessarily anticipate an officer responding to the incident to write the ordinance right there on the spot. That's something that would be reviewed at a higher level. So, uh, generally we would be taking any information and if something becomes a
consistent concern, which this appears to be, then we would take that action on the next level. Do you know if are we notifying Walmart when there is a complaint like Mr. Manini said this the power jack. I mean that to me is 11:00 unloading. I know
it's inside the building but still if it's that loud and >> disturbing. My understanding was I I was not part of the meeting uh with Walmart. So I'm I'm not exactly sure who was met with at that time but I do know from speaking with uh Captain Calano that he did meet with the security manager and
speak about the security in the parking lot that is done regularly. They have someone 247 there uh in a personal vehicle the on the parent personal vehicle. So, it's not something that you would immediately see when you enter the parking lot, but our understanding was that they monitor the parking lot and
that is their purpose for being there. So, if they see anything going on like that they're to be reporting it to us. Uh, so that that did go above my level that meeting. That's not something >> to me. I mean, I would be in favor of issue the summon is and and let it go to
court and let the judge decide what what's you know what the uh if if it if it is in violation and you know if if uh and then at least give them a warning. You know what I mean? I I I think because unless the management at Walmart
knows nothing's going to be done. You I know the security is there but that security is for the whole mall. It's not just for Walmart. So, you know, is that message getting to to Walmart? That's the question >> really. Yeah. And I think if you write
the summons, they they have to they'll it's a I believe it's a mandatory court appearance. >> Yeah. No, I I completely understand and I can relay that information back up to >> the other thing, the way that the ordinance is written, it's almost impossible to refute uh the police
officer's testimony because the police officer just has to be at a certain location from the I forget exactly, you know, whether it's the next door neighbors, whatever. And you and if you can hear it from that distance, it's a violation. So, how is somebody going to refute that unless they're standing next
to you and say, "Oh, I don't hear anything." So once you write that violation, more than likely, uh it's going to be very difficult to raise a defense to it. >> Yeah. No, I completely understand and that's information I will relay up the chain of command. Uh just things like
that with noise ordinance violations like that, that's something that is reviewed at an administrative level. So that's the process that we currently have in place. Just just through the chair, I believe when we were speaking of this after 10
p.m. they were to unload the the trailers to the front doors to eliminate the noise for the residents as if I'm not mistaken. >> I remember I remember speaking about that. I don't know if that I don't think that's in the ordinance, but >> No, no, that I think that he did tell
>> again it was to your point, mayor, that if you write a violation for the noise and that's the only way to avoid getting the violation, they're going to do it because they're not going to want to have to deal going to court and paying a violation for noise, you know, a couple times a month.
>> You know what? I I think there's kind of disconnect because what goes on inside the loading dock, you know, I don't care if they pull the firearm. That doesn't bother me. What happens is
the noise from going into a trailer and jacking up to me. Now, that's no different than if they went out in the parking lot and they started moving after 10:00 at night.
and I think part of the noise. Okay. It says in there you put in I think it's 15 that simple stretch in plain English.
>> All right. Thank you. I just had one comment on that. Mr. Manini's not suggestion, but what he said was about uh finding them every time you go there. I don't think that that would be legal. However, when they do go there, if they
do find a violation, in my opinion, one should be written. Uh they've had warnings. Forget about warnings. We're way past that. This is going on for years. So, they've had years of complaints and meetings and things of that nature. So uh if a violation occurs under the ordinance and a a summon in my
opinion should be written and that's the way not just you know whenever they go there because some people call for for no reason not you but I'm saying there could be that somebody could abuse the system by just every time a police goes there oh check it off it's 100 bucks or
200 bucks whatever it is but if there's a a valid issue there and a something is a summon is issued they go to important. They they fight it out. Um, but we've got to keep keep up the enforcement. And I agree, noise is noise, no matter if
it's coming from inside a trailer or inside the place or we're outside when somebody's just uh outside doing things. So, the fact that it might be covered by a tractor, I'm sorry, by the trailer to me doesn't make it shouldn't make any
difference. That's just my two cents. >> Thank you. >> That's understood. and I'll make sure the information is relayed through my chain of command so it gets to where it needs to go. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And Todd, I think you're right, but I think that happened at the planning board meeting when they came before the
planning board. I believe that's when it was discussed >> because it's the same situation as the UPS jacks inside the trailers was what's making the noise for the residents. It wasn't the trailers backing in and out. That was your same aspect. >> If that was discussed at the planning
board, they may have made it a condition of the approval. So maybe Tony needs to get a copy of that resolution. >> Yes. >> Do do they close at 10:00? I mean, I can't imagine a tractor. What's a tractor trailer? If they're going to own a tractor trailer, how can it go up through the front?
>> Well, because you workers, they were there. >> Oh, your night crew guys. Thank you. So, like when >> No, but I'm saying but but if they're going to unload tractor trailers, I'm not saying it should if if after 10 o'clock I can't imagine I can't imagine them going in through the front. I mean,
tractor trailers back up to a loading dock generally, right? >> Surely they have a high >> I don't know how they do their work company. I hope they have a high. >> Yeah. So, I I don't know how that that works, but but again, uh we should uh look at the planning board uh resolution
of approval and just see if that's in there and then contact and then we just we will notify the uh the uh zoning officer about that. >> Hi, Mr. Rodriguez. Omar Rodriguez
Satbrook, candidate for mayor. I just want to give you a heads up what's going on up there. It's a company installing lights and it's raining. God forbid that they don't fall off. They don't have protective gear and up and down the ladder. I cross your fingers there. Um,
mayor, last month I challenge you to fight healthy debates of an hour each. Bob Cougler and I haven't heard back from you that will be well it's a service to the town and to the voters and residents. It's a lot of issues that we cannot discuss it in
three minutes. >> Mr. Rodriguez, let me stop you. I'm going to talk now. I I like to >> I have the I got the floor. >> You can give him another >> Excuse me. I have the floor, mayor, if you don't mind. >> Okay, fine. That's all you want. >> If you want to argue, we after after the meeting, we can stay for an hour, half hour each. Um all we need to discuss is
just the issues is we at the end of the day we're not enemies. We're neighbors. We just got differences of opinion. You are for more taxes, less services. I am for less taxes and more services. And I can prove it to you in a debate. So
that's what it will be important for us to manage a healthy debate with no attacks. Um actually if I get elected mayor my first day in office I will eliminate the water
service fee charge because that's the new way of taxation and having been no explanation how those monies are being used in this year. The budget just got introduced with a 10% increase.
You you guys take $3 million from the surplus. There was a charge from the sewer, $350,000. The pe the public got the right to know why and what is the solutions. We can discuss that in the meeting.
Then more important another topic I told you to choose the five topics but one of the topics that should be on on the table should be development, overdevelopment and lowincome housing. A lot of people don't know where Russell Lane is. How
many units are being built there? 50, 60 units. What happened with the building on Py Avenue? Is it going to be also low-income housing? I don't know. We don't know. But at the last meeting, the pay attorney seems like he was defending the developer that is building on Market
Street instead of defending the taxpayers. He make a big explanation and it made me seem like something is wrong with that picture. So I went up and look at them the numbers and we sold one 1.5 acres
for $1.6 million with 60 units approved at home. Please divide $1.6 million between uh by 60 is $26,000 and they saying that it's not that the traffic that they're going to bring is going to Alibier. that traffic on Market
Street is on the record and didn't make it that that there's going to be no more school kids. That is going to be no much traffic >> because they're going to stay home. >> Finish that, please. >> How do they know that? Thank you very much. Okay. >> Thank you very much.
>> Just through the chair. I just want to address the one the other items I may No, no. What I was going to say What I was going to say, Mr. Rodriguez, this is for you because Okay. Well,
>> to the to the to the to the public, >> what's his specific plan if you don't want to listen? >> Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez, what I was going to say, okay, >> Mr. Rodriguez, your time is up. >> Okay, good night. What I was going to
say to Mr. Rodriguez is that I'm not opposed to having uh candidates night or meet the candidates or something like that. Um, but I don't what I don't like is it doesn't belong here. The this is a town
council meeting. This is this is not an election, you know, for election business. It's for town business. election business should be done through as he did say Bob Cougler's the municipal chair of the Republican party
and uh you know I will get in touch with with Bob and and we'll try to make something happen or Dave Garrick who's the municipal chair of the Democratic party will we we we'll we'll get it done but I'm not going to go back and forth here with when it has nothing to do with
town business you know he he wants to he wants to try to campaign here. That's what he's that's what he's here for. So that that's all I have to say about that. >> Also through the chair only because I notices recorded and you don't want the public getting wrong information. So
just to correct what he stated about the Market Street uh sale of the old municipal property, you know, it's telling half the story. Yes, the actual purchase price was $1.6 million. However,
they are also providing uh forever 40 underground secure parking spaces for the police department, which the cost of construction is estimated between$1 million and $1.2 million. So,
when you talk about what did the bur the township receive, you have to factor that in as well. And then of course the fact that for ever the town doesn't have to pay for any maintenance of those 40
parking spaces or pay any rent for them. So that was also included. Also what was included is the triangle part of the property is going to be dedicated to open space. So that's also was part of the
compensation that was paid for the redevelopment of that site. Uh, also they agreed and I and I've heard people come to the meeting and compliment the relocation and the uh of the police monument, but also improving
the site where the police monument was located. That was also part of the compensation that was paid to the municipality. And they are also going to put and pay at their all sole cost and expense a digital sign uh for the
township's sole use. uh and they're going to install and pay for the cost of that as well. So when someone says that the town only received 1.6 million, that's an untrue statement and the
compensation to the municipality was significantly more than that. And one final note which was also considered is that the tax ratable for that property is estimated to be at the at presently I mean rents go up it's based upon the
revenue that's going to be generated to the property owner but presently is estimated to be 300 to $330,000 a year and there is no pilot. It is very rare for developments and municipalities these days to approve any type of density without having a pilot. there is
no pilot with respect to that project. And lastly, that was put out for bid, so to speak, on two occasions, as well as notification to different developers who the township thought would may be interested in developing the site. This
developer was the only one who came forward with a somewhat reasonable density compared to other developers who wanted to put over 120 units at the site. and in addition to that was willing to pay and do all these improvements that I just spoke about as
part of the transaction. So what is a property worth? It's worth which no one's willing to pay for it. If someone offered us $5.8 million for the property, we probably would have sold it to them, but no one came forward
came forward with that. Um >> the other Well, when you get up there, wait hold on. Okay. >> Um, let me just I just lost my whole train of thought on that one. >> Sorry. >> Yeah, John, you screwed me up.
>> Um, you know what? I'll get back to it. I I'll I'll think about uh I'll think about it. I just wanted through the chair again. I just want to correct something else that Mr. Rodriguez said uh about 10% that the budget's going up 10%. That's that's an out and out lie. I
mean, you know what? I I wish he stayed because this is where, you know, he he doesn't want to listen to the rebuttal and he tells he gets up here, he tells a bunch of lies. That's why, you know, if we ever did debate, you know, I would be
I would be telling him he's a liar the whole time because he just says whatever he wants to say. And you know, I I give him credit in this in one sense that some it seems believable, but he's a liar. That's it. He's a chronic liar. >> Mayor Next meeting meeting it'll be 12%. The
taxes went up >> and it'll be 14. By the time the election comes it'll be 28%. >> What one thing that needs to be considered is this. >> He's running for mayor. You are running for mayor. Neither of you have been chosen by your respective parties to represent that party. We haven't had a
primary yet. So for all we know there's writing candidates and you won't be the candidate for mayor and he won't be the candidate for the mayor on the other side. So all this talk about debates. wait till the first week of June before people are officially nominated by their
respective parties to represent their parties in the mayoral election. So, he's putting the cart before the horse. Um, John, you you spoke before, but you were very very brief. I'm going to break a little protocol and just you we'll give you a little a little bit.
>> Okay. You say that we're getting 40 parking places and they're worth a over a million dollars >> for us to construct. >> Okay. So, that's $25,000 of parking place. Seriously, if this guy didn't want to
give us any parking places at all, where were you going to park the police station? Where you going to park the police cars? You know, it it's it's just >> we wouldn't have made the deal if he wasn't willing. >> We weren't under any obligation to accept his offer. That was part of the negotiations. >> Yeah. You didn't have anybody else
coming up, >> right? >> This this was the only this was the only choice that came up to you. >> It could have it could have, you know, technically it could have stayed vacant. We felt that this was a reasonable offer under all the circumstances. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Anyone else wish to address the council of the mayor?
Seeing no takers, I will uh entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Motion by Miss Maser, second by Mr. Akamando. All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Uh, chair, I can address the question about limiting uses if you want. >> The the question that gentleman raised
earlier about the ability to limit uses. >> Oh, certainly. Certainly. You're talking about the Market Street. Uh, >> right. The convenience store. So, the town does have a plan. It's the mayor's plan as to with the types of developments that should be permitted in the different zones. You're right about
the cannabis. the states passed special legislation which allowed municipalities to limit the number of licenses they issue. But with respect to other uh types of businesses, the municipal land use law, which controls zoning, only
allows a town to determine the type of use. You can't limit the number of the uses. So, for example, if you have a retail zone, which this community does, you can limit it to retail, but you can't say if someone wants to put six clothing stores on the same block, you
can't say, "No, we only want three." The law doesn't allow you to do that. So, you can't limit the number. You can limit the use. And as the uh council president stated, this is not a the issue that you brought up or this uh business, it's not a permitted use in
the zone, which requires a use variance because the master plan doesn't allow that type of use in the zone. And it's up to the zoning board to determine whether or not they're going to grant the variance. I have to say, just my own opinion, what they have in their favor
is that gas stations are not considered desirable. So, anytime you can eliminate a gas station, uh, it it benefits the applicant to be able to say that, but that doesn't mean they have to approve it. >> I understand the gas station.
>> Oh, okay. >> I got it. >> Okay. >> Uh, I think what they're doing is is almost like the the tiger marts that they have. They might be just adding a convenience part of that like like a lot of places u have.
through the chair if I could just add one one comment or one item to that. The master plan is being updated and reviewed this year. So um at the time if anyone from the public um you know obviously they'll be able to provide input as they as our uh Collier's engineering on behalf of the township will go through that process with the uh
I believe it's the zoning board. >> The the planning board >> sorry the planning board. >> So actually you you should you'll get a notice at that hearing. you should not it will be in the newspaper not an individual notice but you should go to that meeting if you have an interest of the type of developments that are permitted because that will be a public
hearing and you'll be able to ask questions as well >> and I'd just like to comment u so we had mentioned the cannabis places that are opening or one is open another one is open another two possibly are opening um
what we heard for months upon months was that this cannabis shop in the old Staples was going to be the bane of Saddlebrook. Uh it was going to be um foul smelling. Our children are going to walk past it
even though it's off of 46. They would somehow walk past it and be inundated with the vapors and they would get high. there was going to be amazing amount of traffic coming in and out of that facility that there was going to um
besides the smoke there was going to be plenty of uh violent crime or crime that the police were going to be called there all of the time and I I know I'm putting Lieutenant BHK on the spot but has there been any increase in crime
after the uh the opening of the cannabis shop. Nothing. I mean, there's always going to be some complaints, but you know, it certainly was was brought out that this place was going to Saddlebrook was going to hell in a hand basket because there was going to be a cannabis shop. It just
didn't turn out that way. Uh, and my personal opinion, and I know I'm going to get some slack for this, uh, some some smack for this, I should say, is that I don't believe that the new development on Market Street is
going to significantly and adversely affect the traffic. Will it have some impact? I believe so. I don't think it can, but we have much greater um developments like on Market Street. If you're I'm sorry, Mark Street on
Midland Avenue. And if you drive past the old Bob skis right by the 46 overpass, I don't I take that way to the train station every morning. I take it away from coming back every every afternoon.
And I don't remember ever being delayed by one second even by cars coming out of that development or going into that development. Will there be some impact? I'm not crazy. I'm sure there will be. But I think just like the cannabis, I
think there's an in initial overreaction to change and new development. Would we like our entire town to be covered in in green fields and you know people I hear people all the time in the old days? Well, it's not the old days. I mean,
every town is like this. We're not we're not immune to progress and sometimes progress doesn't look pretty. Uh but I I really don't to the people there that are highly against it. I understand. I I just give it some time. I I don't think
it's going to be as bad as as everyone thinks that it's going to be. All right. So, we have um let's see. We have a consent agenda. >> No comments. No comments. We're not doing comments first.
>> We usually do comments first. Yeah, >> we don't have any ordinances yet. >> That confused me. We have no ordinances uh to go over this week. >> So certainly uh mayor, you usually start, so we'll give it to you. >> Thank you, council president. I just
want to mention that the budget was introduced at the May 7th uh council meeting. Uh the budget hearing will be on June 18th. At that council meeting, our auditor, Steve Wilcox, will be here to explain and to take any questions.
So, I urge residents that want to hear about the budget to come to that June 18th meeting. Uh parks, uh the Mayill Street parks, uh tennis court and pickle ball courts are complete. Uh just in time for the nice weather, they're being
used a lot. Every time I go past there, uh my way home from here around four or five o'clock, there's it's packed. So, that's good to see. Um the Kern Street Park is complete as well. uh and uh that being used uh the county Bergen County
finished Vander Field behind Koolage School. Uh he did the infield um in in artificial turf and the outfield was uh was with was natural sod grass. Um the high school baseball team played their
first game on the field. Uh the first game ever to be played was on Saturday, May the 9th. Um, and they won the game, too. So, um, construction is in progress for the splash pad at Veterans Field.
Councilwoman Sanchez is going to give an update, uh, during her comments with assistance from her town engineer. Uh, a a grant award. Uh, the green team received $2,000 from Sustainable New Jersey grant uh, by the public service
gas and electric Foundation. I want to thank Steve Maraconda who's the uh the chairperson of the green team and also Councilwoman Sanchez. She's the vice chair of that committee. They worked hard on that grant along with our grant writer. Uh the veterans baron uh
veterans banners. A little tongue twister there, but Gates Flag has been putting installing the banners this week. Uh I think they're just about finished. It should finish up tomorrow. Uh with this year's sponsorships, uh we now have over 200
banners and uh we have Mike Nehe from the American Legion in the audience. And uh if it's if it's okay, I'd like him not now, but to come up may maybe when we open it up to the public again. I know it's agenda items only, but I I am bringing it up here. >> It's a late meeting.
>> Okay. So, um Mike, we'll uh we'll address that. Uh PSENG uh is doing the road paving from all the gas mains that they replaced. Uh it's ongoing. They finished the north end. Uh was haze done today? I don't know what the
>> today. It's I've got an airport. It's like a an airport tarmac uh in front of me which is nice. >> So they got Wilson, South Broadway, Failon Parkway. Most of the three streets that were that needed to get done. Evans, Herbert, and Hayes. Uh many of the streets in the south part of town
are milled and and ready to be paved. Part of Fifth Street, Outwater Lane, Capitol Street, President Street, uh to name a few. I apologize for the inconvenience. I I have been getting some complaints uh with the road closures and and uh you know sometimes
uh it's difficult to get around and the police are doing the best they can as far as detouring and uh they're out of the car answering questions but uh you know it's they're doing a lot of work all at once and and you know what in one way it's good in another way it's bad.
Um you know it's better to get the pain over with all at once rather than spreading it out over too long. So, um, so I I just I apologize for that, but they do the roads do look nice. The, um, public service, uh, gas and electric,
they use, uh, Tilcon, which is one of the best companies. They do, they do fantastic work. A little plug for them for Tilcon. Um, regarding we're talking about the uh the new development, I am setting up a
meeting uh with the town and Bergen County Engineering Office. I spoke to county uh business administrator Tom Dutch and he's going to facilitate a meeting with town representatives and the county engineering to discuss that intersection of Essex Maine and uh
Rochelle A. And that's the that's the area that gives us all the problems especially uh yeah we're looking hopefully widen it uh and you know reduce the backup the traffic that's going uh east during rush hour. So um I
do want to say something about about that intersection and in general just the traffic going east and west. Fortunately for us in town, we have a lot of major highways that go east and west. If you go up north where where I
live, um, a lot of residents that, you know, want to go east, they're going to take Route 4. You know, they got to go Failen Parkway and it's right there, very close to the to the border. So, you know, they'll they'll take Route 4 goes east and west. You got Route 80 runs
east and west and you got Route 46 that runs east and west and you got Market Street that runs east and west. So I I I imagine a lot of people, you know, it it becomes a problem if there's a if there's an issue on 46. If there's, you know, there's an accident or something, then people are going to start use
Market Street. It's not a good situation, but it has been like that for years and years. I was I was when I became a police officer in 1982, it was it was the same. So, it's not going to make it any better, but I I don't think
it's going to make it too much worse. And I also think maybe we could do something there. You know, somebody I mean, it sounds like a it sound it sounded like a cockami idea to me, but somebody brought up to me that, you know, if you look at that
intersection, if you're coming from Saddlebrook and you're going east at that intersection, if you look to the left, that there's a big long sidewalk, you know, it's wide. I should say a wide sidewalk. Looks like six to eight feet there. >> And this person, you know, just said,
you know what? Why don't you put, you know, eliminate that sidewalk and make that road, but somehow build and they could do anything I guess today, right? build like a walkway over over Rochelle have on that because it's on that side
so that somebody can get to that other side there without you know using the sidewalk and that would give you that 68 ft would give you enough to widen it you know rather than because that if you don't do something like that they got to you're dealing with the with the bridge
with the with the river underneath you're dealing with up above the the bridge uh you know the uh Route 80 overpass. It's It's a It's very complicated there and that's why I think nothing's been done all these years. But hopefully we could sit down and maybe
somebody can come up with a good idea to alleviate some of that traffic there. >> Who's involved in that meeting? Mayor >> um county engineering >> and you? Well, you know, I haven't set it up yet, but you know, I I think yourself and you know, >> if I can make it, but I think we should
invite >> Scott Luna, mayor of uh Mayor Odai and the mayors of Roshaw Park and Maywood. It's all four intersections that are being affected. Now, it just so happens that Maywood, the Maywood side, >> uh is that Maywood or Loi on that?
>> No, that's Loi. It's still LOI >> and and Rochill Park. To the right is Loi if you're going east straight. saying, >> but where that where that gas station is on that? >> Oh, straight in straight is >> where that gas station is located. >> That's
>> okay. So, you need Scott would be um >> Yeah. >> But on the on going west into Rochelle Avenue or or or market on the west side of that uh that road going going west is that I think that might be Maywood.
>> Rochelle Park. >> That's still Rochelle Park. >> That's Rochelle Park. >> Get Rochelle Park. We'll get Rochel Park and Loi involved. Who whoever is We'll look at a map or something like that and find out whoever is involved because it affects affects all of our towns. >> I just wanted to speak to them to to say look it's it's you know it's an issue
and we've been it's been a long time. Let's you know we've talked before that you know we got to meet let's do it. I mean something maybe productive could come out of it. >> They could look at the minutes from the meeting that they had 14 years ago because I was there. Um
and uh you know nothing came of it because they did a study about the study and then they studied that. So I mean enough studying. Let's get some work done. >> Right. Absolutely. Um the next thing I have is the 250th anniversary. Um at the
last meeting I I showed everybody but maybe you've seen them around town. We have signs that we uh for sale and the proceeds are going to the VFW and the American Legion. Um so We we don't have too many left. We probably have 30 out of a hundred. So, uh they're going
pretty fast. Uh and you can get them at the rec center here during normal business hours. Um we do have a banner. I don't know if people have have seen it across Market Street by mail. Uh looks nice. And we're looking into for for the
our fireworks display on on July 3rd to maybe do a little bit more a bigger a longer display uh for the 4th of July. And Thomas brought it up. He mentioned about the First Reformed Church is planning to do a national bell ringing
event. Um and it's in the early stages of planning now. So, so, uh, if anybody has any other ideas because I do have people asking me, you know, what are you doing? What are you doing? What are you doing? And, and you know, I I any ideas, welcome. You know what? Maybe we can come up with
a with a I mean, your ideas, that's a great idea. And Thomas, I think he was the one that thought of it. So um also talking about Thomas the community partnership newsletter uh which Thomas
created uh it's uh he started it in uh last month but this month I in June will be the printed version. It's the same newsletter that it's a similar same company doesn't cost the town any money. They advertise uh they do advertising as
the senior newsletter. So, we'll put the printed version at different locations where it's visible and and people could see it. So, um I also want to congratulate our SLEO ones, special law enforcement officer ones. They're
graduating tonight um from the police academy. Um so, we'll have more help. I have >> four two. >> We have some drop out maybe. was already certified.
>> Oh, okay. All right. That was close. Um, events coming up. The VFW or events that we had the VFW installation dinner was Saturday, May the 9th. Uh, Mr.
Sumaluca was there and Mr. Garrick. I want to congratulate all the newly installed officers of the VFW, the auxiliary, and the riders. We had our police memorial service last Friday, May the 15th. I want to thank everyone who attended. Chief Satollo and the police
department did a a really nice job. I also want to thank retired Chief Bob Cougler and resident Kim Carroll for their assistance. Also, rec Director Andy Gallow for setting up the sound system. And finally, I want to thank uh Thomas Van Winkle for taking photos and
Raphael Gonzalez uh for videotaping the service. Um the monument was moved as as uh Mr. Scino said uh from where it was at the old uh town hall uh and he did a really did a a magnificent job. It looks
beautiful. Uh when you see it with the pavers it really uh it it did a great job. Also um last night the Marriott had its 60th anniversary. It was held at the hotel between 4 and 6. It was a very
nice uh affair there. Marriott's been around 60 years. So there was a there was a they had a lot of old articles and there was a a lot of people from town that remember when it was built they went, you know, they actually went. I mean there was like three or four people
that I was I was surprised that they showed up. Um upcoming events, the Memorial Day parade and services are Sunday, May the 24th. Uh hopefully we'll get it in. The grand marshal this year is Rick Een uh of the VFW of for local
post 3484. Um uh VFW service on Memorial Day, Monday, May the 25th is at 11 a.m. at the uh Veteran Circle there on May Street. Um town hall and DBW will be closed for
Memorial Day. Uh lastly, I have the concert. The Benjamins are Friday, June the 5th at 7:30 p.m. uh here in the parking lot. Um so this just be a good show. I hear they're a very popular man.
Thank you, >> Mr. I apologize. Well, we've been hearing for the past, I don't know, two, three months about the uh the water bill that the town is profiting from. Not the water bill, but the water fee the town is profiting from and apparently put in
our pockets. Um, but what people don't understand, it's for infrastructure, it's for overtime, it's for cost of the materials. And we all know no pipe breaks during regular hours. It's always on overtime hours. Um so for 25 there
were six make sure I do this right six um water mane breaks that were repaired by the town just the overtime not counting regular pay was over 24,000. We had six more repairs that were private
contractor did which was 63,000. That's not including materials. That's just the o the overage pay not regular pay. Um that was just for 25 26. So and the materials were roughly 27,000. So that
puts us over the apparent $100,000 that the town is profiting from for the fees and water. So that does help with taxes, that helps with fees, that helps with overage and outside vendors. As far as
26 goes, we have five emergency repairs so far. Three repairs by TP TPW, two by a private contractor, which was DPW cost so far was 16,000. Private contractor was a little over 21,000 and material so
far around 10,000. We're only just a little over a quarter of the year and we already met half the cost. So to say that we're profiting from $100,000 is what was brought up in fees, water fees to help the infrastructure and overtime
costs and outside vendor cost. It's got to get paid regardless. So it's either a $20 fee a month or whatever the fee is or we pay the big bill at the end of the year. Either way, it's got to get paid. So but to say that we're profiting from it again, it's a lie. We're not
profiting from it. my pockets aren't even bigger. Nobody else's pockets getting any bigger up here. So, that's just all I wanted to say on on on that. It is our infrastructure is very old. So, a lot of repairs are going to start happening soon. Um, and
>> there was another one today on >> So, so I don't have that one. So, I don't know what the cost was for that. >> So, before you start pointing fingers and people start pointing fingers and saying how we're stealing and we're profiting, we're not profiting from nothing. Um, so I just wanted to put
that out there and um I think that was all I had to say as of right now. >> Major, >> I have really no comments right now. >> Uh, I just want to bring up uh something that was mentioned here tonight by one
of the speakers and it was services. Um, the library is running tremendous programs that's improved so much over the last few years. um recreation. Our parks are looking incredible. Um seniors, we just instituted a lunch
program for senior citizens in the town. Our DPW does an outstanding job. I don't even have to mention our first responders, the fire department, the ambulance corps, our police department. Which leads me to
going online and seeing the price of houses here in Saddlebrook and thinking houses a few years ago that were here are now here. People want to come into this town. I get calls all the time. Do you want to sell your house? And I'm
sure many of you get the same calls. So, we're doing a lot of good things here. Can we do things better? Absolutely. And we're here to listen. We're here to try to make the town better. Are there some improvements that could be made? Certainly. Everybody has
those. But we have a great town here. The prices of homes reflect that. Knockdowns are 525,000 for a knockdown. People are investing in the town. Drive down any streets here. People are putting money into their homes. People
are adding levels to their homes because they believe in the town and they like the town. They love the town. So, I think there's a lot of wonderful things happening here, right? Uh, on a different note, looking forward to seeing everybody at the Memorial Day parade. All right. Be well, everyone.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Garrick. Miss Sanch. >> Okay. So, I just wanted to say that um this week is EMS week. It's May 17 to the 23rd. So, I just wanted to take a minute to thank all the EMTs,
paramedics, first responders, and really all the emergency medical personnel out there. Um, thank you for your service. And, um, I know that the mayor mentioned the splash pad. Um, if you've construction has started, if you've been to Veterans Field, you could see that
the house has been taken down. Um, I'm just going to ask that the township engineer speak more on the specifics of the splash pad. or after you're done. >> Oh, no. That that's basically it.
>> Bob, could you uh give us an update on how, when, where, and why of the splash pad? >> Uh, so as mentioned, um the house is down. The contractor is starting to form out the uh the pad itself. I did bring with me some renderings. If anybody
wants to see uh these were passed out before I can pass out a few of these. You can get an idea um of uh of what it'll look like. This the pad itself is is based on what what is designed and what it's going to look
like. Um, >> was there any >> was there any consideration put into um like a a roof or not a roof but some some kind of uh covering uh either to
the pad itself or to um a spot where parents can watch their children. >> So we have four benches >> during heat. We have four benches around uh two on one side, two on the other side for parents to sit. And we're
looking into some shade structures for those benches. Uh you wouldn't put one over the splash pad itself, but the benches so that parents can um stay a little cooler. We're we're looking into those.
>> That answer your question? >> Yeah. Okay, we're good with that. Okay. Um, first thing was uh the police memorial. Like you said, it was on uh last Friday. Um, the most recent uh person that was installed on there, how
long ago did he pass? Is it >> Rob Berlicki? End of 2025. >> 25. >> It's amazing when you when you just look at it and I don't know the people that the first bunch of people there, but more and more the older you get and the
longer you live in town, you see people that you I didn't grow up in town, but I've been here since 1984. Uh, so more than 40 years. And you when you get to know these people and you see their names on the memorial, it's it's it's quite sad and it's quite inspiring
also that the the town did this years and years ago. And uh Bob Kougar did a good job of explaining how uh the memorial came about, who was in uh instrumental in in doing it uh and how
they've uh kept it up all these years. So kudos to them. And I have to give a shout out. And it's it's it's not that I'm shilling for the developer. Believe me, I'm not. But the developer did a great job. uh he didn't just move the
monument there. He built a platform and he made an entire area that was just, you know, grass uh into a a beautiful uh a beautiful place for uh for the service to be held. It it really
looks great. So, I know that when we're traveling on Market Street, we're just trying to get to or from someplace and a lot of times we don't take the time to look around really. Oh, yeah. That's the police station. But next time you're around there, just take a look and see
uh how nice nicely constructed it was. And he did that at at no cost. Um I think the only thing he had to do was just move it. And he said, "No, this is let me let me raise it up a little bit. Let me put in lights and you know what? We're not going to take let me let me
put in some more pavers." All at his own cost. So uh thanks a big thanks to to him. It did come out very very nice. The memorial services I think the mayor had mentioned uh 9:00 is going to be the the
American Legion uh memorial. Uh that's at welcome road. 10:00 is the fire department which is held at the intersection of Cambridge and Saddle River Road. 11:00 is the ambulance corps uh which is right
here. 12:00 is the township's own um and 1:00 is the Korean uh war the Korean memorial which is on Skilman and Weller and Fair Parkway and then the parade begins shortly thereafter. Uh we did ask
questions but people were saying if it rains is the parade going on yes it is. Uh we did get that in no uncertain terms from VFW. It's going on rain or shine. So uh be prepared bring an umbrella. enjoy the parade. Um, last thing is I
mayor, did you mention anything about the paving uh the work being done on floor lane? >> No. >> Okay. So, this is another doom or gloom doom and gloom. The world is falling. um uh you know the sky is falling, the
world is ending that they were doing work on four lane and as we know for lane has long school and it was the hit of the internet how we're horrible people because how can we do this during school well
I'm going to defer to Jimmy about the the effort that was made between the township the board of ed in conjunction with PSEG to try and make this as seamless as possible. Now, we have to remember a lot of people say, "Well, why
can't they do it in August and July?" Because you know what? They're not working there in July and August. They're working now in town. They don't just go to Hayworth and start doing work there and they say, "Oh, we got to go back to Saddlebrook." They take care of Saddlebrook and they move on. This crew
that they have is dedicated to Saddle, dedicated to doing work in Saddlebrook now. So, they've got to get their work done as soon as possible. But Jimmy, if I could just defer to you on on what you did and thanks to you. Uh, a lot of thanks goes to you for trying to coordinate the effort.
>> Yeah. No, thank you. And also uh next to me uh Bob Klein, the township engineer, because first and foremost when when we do any of these projects and coordinating with with the utility company, kind of the first question that gets asked is pretty much schools, houses of worship, EMS, any type of
emergency responding type um locations that will be impacted. That's the first question. Then we go from there basically trying to work with the appropriate dates. And uh for this specific U location, uh Mr. Mr. Klein did reach out to me and said now's the appropriate time to bring in the school
for discussion. I reached out to the business administrator at the school, Mr. Karate. And um and then from there we scheduled with um and he arranged I said you know we leave it open to whoever on appropriate from the school end to be um in attendance with the meeting with ourselves along with our
public works superintendent and um and uh um the utility companies themselves. they had their team and so on that call was the superintendent, the business administrator and also the principal of the school and uh from there we coordinated they talked about dates they
went through all the concerns uh Mr. Klein was on there. So, um, beyond those high level how we coordinate with them, um, you know, he could share any of the technical aspects, any any anything further, but that's that's how we coordinated. We didn't just do it on our own accord and just send them a notice
on their door to say it's starting on or about this date. We they were handinand with us. And the biggest thing was um coordinate when school was letting in and letting out in the morning and then letting out in the afternoon to avoid
conflicting issues between construction and parents trying to drop off and pick up their kids. So they they came up with a plan to avoid uh those types of problems as best they could. Um, in addition, there's, you know, as far as doing it over the
summer, they're they're they're they're still going to be doing some work over the summer as well. So, it's kind of hard to, you know, complete all that work within that one period uh in and around this
area. Anyway, >> see, it's my understanding that they're doing the milling and paving, which is the most, you know, the largest part of the of the project in the summer. I think what they're doing now is they're
doing test holes and and I think that scared the heck out of people. >> They did Yeah, they did test holes at first to determine where to put the new gas man. Now they're going to be doing the new gas man. Um
then they come back and they replace all the service lines to all the houses afterwards. That's what you might be seeing going on in the summer. >> So so it is a big it is a big project and it's goes in a number of stages. The test holes, uh putting the lines in,
>> milling and then eventually paving. So >> and when that's all finished when when do you expect that? Let's say 408 for the people that were uh complaining uh about 40 lane and the impact on on the kids. Do you know when that's going to be done >> as far as milling and paving or just
Well, milling and paving we're going to do as part of a DOT grant. But in order to avoid interfering with them, it may have to be sometime next year. Um, but the >> Jesus Christ, >> this project that they're doing right
now, similar to what they have been doing, will involve more milling and paving of those same roads in that area, which I would anticipate to be by next spring. And additionally, the school has
relocated their summer programs um to coordinate with the with the time frame uh of this project. So, uh, they're doing everything within their power to to, you know, conveniently relocate and to to lessen the impact. >> So, just for those people out there
that, um, may think that we just do things and don't care about the results and don't care about the children, we certainly do. Um, another thing that I mentioned last month and maybe the month after about the um, crossing guards and
the dangerous job that they have and, you know, show a little respect. Um, I've heard very a lot of stories, but recently there was a woman who just blocked somebody's driveway and somebody said, "Hey, you got to move your car."
And they said something to the effect of, "You know, what are you going to do about it?" and then they brought their kid in and Buch is on is on my radar tonight. So once again, I'm going to say that it is
an enforcement issue and I think that once somebody gets hit with a uh blocking the driveway ticket, uh they they may call the mayor and they may call me and they may call Mr. Garrick or Sanchez or whoever uh you know, a council member that they know saying, "No, I can't believe that I got a ticket
here. I'm just dropping off my kid for two minutes. Yeah, but maybe in those two minutes somebody wanted to get out of their driveway or get into their driveway and they couldn't because of you. And your two minutes is never two minutes. Two minutes. I mean, I can tell you that from experience. So, uh,
enforcement is big. There are people that are parking right next to the stop sign. It's a it's it's a hazard. And just because you got to get the kids to school, you know, come 10 minutes early, do something. And it's not like I never had kids. I had three kids. So I'm used
to this and I live around the block from that school. So I know that people just, you know, I know you're in a hurry, but you know, you have to respect others. You have to and number one, you have to respect the law. And the law is you can't park wherever the heck you want.
You know, follow the law or else there will be consequences. And I'm I'm asking that there be extra enforcement. If somebody gets a ticket and they say, "Oh, I can't believe it." come back to me and you explain to me why you think that you could you're above the law and you can just do whatever you want. It's
not right. Uh and that's it for me and I think we go into um right we go to we did the comments now we're going to consent agenda. All items listed with an asterisk are
considered routine and non-controversial by the town of Council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a council member so requests it, in which case the item will be removed from the 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. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Mr. Akamando. Second by Miss Sanchez. We'll take a roll call. >> Councilman Garrett. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamanda. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Simul. >> Yes.
>> Believe we have u minutes of the meeting that are not part of the consent agenda. uh the March 19th, 2026 public meeting. Is a motion to approve that um >> motion. Mr. >> Derek, second by Ms. Maer. Uh roll call.
>> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okamanda. Abstain. Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mazer. >> Yes. >> Council President Simula.
>> Yes. We have We have I'll entertain a motion to approve the April 16th, 2026 public meeting minutes. >> Motion >> second by M. Mer. Second by Mr. Garrick. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrett. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Okamando. >> Abstain. Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Suca. >> Yes. Lastly, we entertain a motion to uh approve the the resolution authorizing
the payment of bills. >> Motion. >> Motion. Mr. Garrick. >> Second. >> Second. Miss Sanchez, you beat your Todd. Um, roll call, please. >> Councilman Garrick. Yes. >> Councilman Okamanda. Yes. >> I I should have said Councilwoman Mer is
recusing herself from participating in this bill. Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> And Council President Simula. >> Yes. Uh old business or new business that we have not discussed as of yet? Anyone
have anything? Because that kind of goes comments are after reopening the minutes to the meeting to the public. Anybody uh with old business, new business that we haven't spoken about yet. Anything? Okay. Uh entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public for agenda items only. Motion
>> second. >> Motion by Miss Mason, second by Mr. Akamando. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I. >> No objections. Meeting uh meeting is now open to the public and for agenda items. >> This is the trifecta for Mr. Mano here.
>> I just want to clarify when I said that you know the saturation point in the town. All right. Let let me just speak on something I'm very familiar with is the sewers. All right. They were designed in 1963.
Now, when they designed them, I am positive they had no idea at the growth that Saddle Brook has taken with hotels and businesses and every at the time 90% of the houses were little Cape Cods, two
bedrooms, one bath. Since that time you draft through Saddlebrook, everybody's added a level. With that level, they probably added another bathroom. So, all right. Now, you updated uh the the pump
stations, but still everything in town, everything that's built comes to May Street Pump Station. There's one line going out of May Street Pump Station. I believe it's, my memory is right, it's 24 in. There's three pumps in Mayill
Street pump station. Only two can work at a time. They're made to rotate. So no matter how many pumps you put in there or how you update them, it still has to go out of a 24 inch line. You can't put 10 pounds of sewage in a 5B
bag. Can't be done. So that's what I'm saying when you have to consider the uh the saturation point. Now, if you drive on the streets, I'll use Miller Street for an example. You go there at night, you you're lucky
if you're going to get a fire truck down there. Cars parked on both sides of the roads. That's because people converted their houses. At the time in ' 63, there was one there was one car that then it turned into a twocar family. Now, you
got kids and they all drive. Each house has three, at least three cars, four cars, and they got to park in the street. That's what I mean by saturation point. I'm not saying that somebody shouldn't open a business. I mean, everybody has a right to earn a living,
but it should be dictated that we have just so many. I read in the paper all the time, towns are fighting, no, we only want two marijuana things in our store, in our town. I'm just using that as an example. Or we only want this in our in our town. We want that. That
never seems to happen here. I'm thinking for the future. I I it's it's only going to get worse. It's not going to get better. And I don't want to just seem like I'm bragging on you guys all the time because if you did nothing else but build it, take this building and made it
a town hall, you did more than most councils have done in in in 30 years. So I I see you do you do a lot. You're replacing water manes on the other side of town. Preventive maintenance. Perfect. But still there's a saturation
point and you have to deal with that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That was awesome timing on your part. >> Mr. Nhei. >> Good evening everybody.
>> Mr. Mayor, Steam Council, thank you for allowing me the uh opportunity to speak about uh the banners and I thought it was funny. I got here a little late and there was a discussion about cannabis and the only high I'm talking about is
the banners. So, uh anyway, we had a successful run this year. It's our fourth time. We do have 200 plus banners uh and a couple or a few duplications or duplicate banners. Um I think it was
succinct that uh the banner program as I call it uh it commensurates with uh 250 years of this country's birthday or coming about. And what's cool about it
to my thinking is all the veterans that have gone up and uh I may have repeat myself but they're all from humble bluecollar stock for the most part and they represent the town and the essence of Saddlebrook
and um there are some successes within these people who had served our country. I mentioned before that we have at least three mayors that I know of and at least one gentleman. He's not up, but he was a
a World War I vet. Uh also, I think former fire chief and f and chief of police a 100 years ago. So, uh the town of Saddlebrook has produced some good, healthy, wholesome people that represent
this community well. And by having their their images displayed on the major thorough affairs within the town, I think it only enhances our town and our image um so well that I think we're running out of room, Mr. Mayor. So um
we've traversed the major thorough affairs here. Saddle River Road, Market Street, Fairlorn Parkway, even leading up to Cambridge A going into Saddle River uh Saddle River Road. I'm not sure what's left. We try to item uh we try to
optimize every uh poll that we can. Uh some polls, Mr. Mayor, may be obscured by the heavy foliage. It's just a common stance, but uh that can be taken care of. But uh again, we've come to uh the final, not the final, but the finish of
this uh seasons of banners. And um and I'm really proud to meet people who are so proud of their fathers, grandfathers, sons. Uh I get all these different calls and emails. Some of them, you know, they
could be pains in the butt, I suppose, but at the end of the day, it's a beautiful thing to be on the receiving end of something so good for our town of Saddlebrook. And I thought, you know, people should know about this program. They should be proud of it and again it
represents the true essence of Saddlebrook as a humble town worthy of mention to all towns around ourselves. So I just want to say thank you very much and Mr. Mayor we'll be talking a little bit more about it. Okay. Thank you everybody. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks Mike. >> Thank you very >> mayor. I just got one question with the um construction of the new town hall. Will the it's the uh announcement booth or whatever they call it. Um the review
Thank you, Thomas. The review stand. Will that be where where will that be located? >> It's going to be next to the police station. >> Okay. Because they're going to the the developer is going to make a little area, push the fence back a little bit, and put it there.
>> Okay. to the basically where uh you know where that sign board is that's pointing to the parking across the street, >> you know, the uh visitor parking, right? >> It's going to be like right there. They're going to take the sign down for the >> for the you know, that day and
>> put it there. Okay, guys. Uh >> yeah. Any uh final comments from anyone before we close the meeting? >> We're good. Okay. Thank you, everyone. Have a great Memorial Day and we'll see you at the parade.
>> How about we do a motion to close? Right. That was pre premature explanation there. >> Motion by Miss Maer, second by Mr. Garrick. All in favor? Any >> against? No. Thank you. That falls off.