like to call this meeting to order. Welcome to the Saddle Brook Township Council 2026 reorganization meeting and a happy healthy new year to all. Please rise for the sweet to the flag. One nation under God, indivisible.
The public is hereby advised that any statements made during the meeting of the township council of the township of Sbrook may not be privileged or protected and that persons or entities who take issue with such comments may have in the past or regular redress through the courts. Any member of the
public who addresses the council speaks for themselves and not for the council. At this time, I will call the role of the 2026 township council. Councilman Derek here. >> Council here. Councilwoman Sanchez >> here. >> Councilwoman Mer, Councilwoman Meril,
unable to be here this evening. Councilman Simaluka. >> First order of business is the opening of nominations for council president. I' I'd like to nominate Councilman Andrew Simaluca. All in favor? I
>> I hear no other nominations. I will now read the resolution for appointment to the council president. be resolved by the township council of the township of Santa Brook, county of Bergen, state of New Jersey, that Councilman Andrew M. Samaruka is hereby
appointed council president effective January 1st, 2026 for a term to expire on December 31st, 2026. The council president is to serve without additional compensation. Do I have a motion? >> Motion second.
>> Council Garage. >> Yes. Council Marando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez, >> yes. >> Council Muka, >> Congratulations, Council President. >> Thank you. >> Mayor Swear, you now.
What tie? That was a good one. >> Okay, this is the oath of office town of Zwood County of Bergen, state of New Jersey. So repeat after me. I >> I >> do solemnly swearly >> swear >> that I will support
>> I will support >> the Constitution >> of the United States United States >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same and >> allegiance to the same >> and to the government established
>> to the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and will perform my duties I will perform my duties >> as council president >> council president >> for the township of Saddleberg >> faithfully >> faithfully
>> and partially >> and justly >> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. Congratulate something. Okay. Uh, first order of business will be comments. We're going to keep it going the same way we've been doing it.
Um, we're going to start at that end of the day and go to Mr. Garrick and then come back to me uh to uh wrap it up. So, first mayor. Thank you, Council President. Just want to go over a few things. They don't have too much tonight, but most importantly, I want to
go over some goals for 2026. Um, first off, uh, we're going to work with the committee. We have a committee to erect a 9/11 monument uh, for the 25th anniversary of, uh, the attack on
the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Um, and, uh, we're going to put it here out in the parking lot of the municipal complex. So, we're already well on our way. Uh we have a monument that's uh that's being uh there's plans that are
being made. Uh we're using um Patterson monument. And uh I want to thank the committee members, especially Roco Rafrano uh and Frank Cassetta. They were the ones that really started this whole thing. So, we're well on our way and we should uh celebrate next year. This
year, mistake. this year uh September 11th when we have our our memorial service. So uh also uh we want to complete the splash pad at Veterans Field. That's one of many uh park uh improvements that we're doing uh along
with May Street, uh Kern Street and Fifth Street Parks. Um, I'm going to assign uh Councilwoman Sanchez if she's willing uh to oversee these projects uh to be sort of a liaison um to the council and myself uh you know
to coordinate uh these these projects. So um to see that they're you know that they that they work out good. You're going to Sar you'd be working with uh our engineer Bob and uh Pete and Jimmy on this. So, you're going to be putting in a little more work if you want to do
it, but we we appreciate it if you would. Um, also, we want to renew our our commitment uh for the addition to the fire department, engine company number one, which was put on hold last year. So, that's something that we're
we're going to uh plan on on doing figuring out the budget and how we're going to proceed with that. Um, we need do need upgrades and repairs to our sewer pump stations. Um, especially
right now, um, Midland Avenue one is is in need of repair. Uh, so [snorts] we're going to hopefully get that done. Um, we want to get all the roads restored and paved, the ones that public service, uh, where they did gas mans and dug up the
roads and did trenches. So, um, we're also going to try to get some other roads done utilizing state and federal grant money. Uh, so we're offsetting the cost to the taxpayer. Um, we also want to look to obtain grant funds to clean up and clear Coberg
Brook, which is for those that don't know, that's the brook that runs alongside uh Route 80 um by the sound barrier behind uh some houses on Roshel Parkway and also on South Lewing. So, we're hoping to uh that that's in need
of being uh dessed and and cleaned up. [clears throat] We also want to continue with our green team activities and flood mitigation. Um I want to thank all of our volunteers from the green team, from the community
partnership committee, um the mayor's youth group that all help out. Uh, also one other thing too is that we're looking into is we want to join this New Jersey uh, community solar program, which is a program that the state um,
[snorts] the state approved. And what basically what it is is homeowners and renters receive solar credits uh, on their PSEG bills. Um, so that's something that we have to join. We're looking into it and
uh I think we there's a waiting period though because what but they're they're building Pete knows quite a bit about it. >> They're building additional solar units. You don't put this on your roof. This is a community solar project. So at this point they're waiting for more companies
to come online and more residents will be eligible. >> Thank thank you Pete. Um also the Saddook Volunteer Fire Department. I want to thank them for their Santa ride that they do every year. They do a great job with that and the residents really
look forward to it and they did a another amazing job this year. I want to congratulate our newly appointed uh Chief Herman Wenszel and Assistant Chief Gary Gilfoy. I also want to thank our outgoing fire chief Dave Milniki and all
those that were promoted. Uh we had a the installation dinner uh on on Saturday night, last Saturday night at the Tides. It was a great event. And so I want to thank all all the all the me new members, all the people that
volunteer for the fire department. They do a great job. I also want to mention that the town hall and the DPW are closed on January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Day. section one pickup in the north end will be Friday,
January the 23rd. Um, also President's Day, uh, with the with town hall and the DBW is off on President's Day, which is February 16th. Monday is February 16th. So, they'll pick up section one on Friday, February 20th. Uh today we had
uh a senior holiday party was held at the VFW from 12 noon to 3 pm. I want to thank Karen Dminino, our director. Uh also Rose Patchek, uh Paula Bernstein, Christine Januario, my secretary, and Sandy Goodwin for their assistance with
that. Uh it was a very well attended event and the seniors had a great time. Uh lastly, the 2016 recycling schedule is on the website saddlebrookenj.gov. Thank you, >> Mr.
>> All right, that was I too would like to congratulate Chief Herman Wenszel aka my Jimmy. >> All right, and Deputy Chief uh Gilfoy. Um we went to the insulation dinner on Saturday and
I didn't I wasn't aware we were going to get dinner in a show. It was it was it was awesome. He did a great job. bag pipers were second to none. Excellent. Um, I want to thank Dave for his year as council president. Did a great job.
Represented us well. Um, Andrew, congratulations. Good luck this year. Um, I would also like to congratulate my brother Mike on the school board. He's getting sworn in tonight for his fifth term. Um, and happy new year to
everyone. Happy prosperous new year. healthy as well. And uh thank you. >> Thank you. And Miss Sanchez. >> So this is a little redundant, but um you know, congratulations Chief Wel and Assistant Chief Gilfoy. Um congrats to
new all the newly appointed officers of the fire department. And thank you to all the outgoing officers. Um thank you Councilman Garrick for this wonderful past year. You did a great job. Um Congratulations,
Council President Simaluca. I'm looking forward to what 2026 has in store. Excited. Um, and I hope everyone has a happy and safe, healthy new year. >> Thank you. And Mr. Girk,
>> uh, good evening everyone. Uh, congratulations, Councilman Simaluca. Um, it was an honor to serve as council president last year. Uh, I want to thank the mayor um for your support and all of my wonderful council colleagues here. I also want to mention Pete Leico, the guy
behind the scenes uh working hard all the time and uh Jimmy Hamzy as well as our professionals. Uh we have a wonderful uh town here and our first responders are second to none. Our police, our fire, our ambulance core, um
our DPW is outstanding. Uh we have a great town here. Um, people are really trying to get in this town. Everything that goes up for sale go sells very very quickly. Um, that says a lot about our our town and we always come together to support each other. Um, so I appreciate
all your support. Chief, congratulations. What a party the other night. It was nice. Uh, congratulations. Anything that you need, you know, I'm always there for you and and a fire department. Um, happy and healthy uh, new year. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Garrick. And uh in appreciation of your service for the past year as council president, we have a presentation. It's presented to council president David Garrick 2025 in recognition of your leadership and service from the township of
Saddlebrook. It's a if I could open it. Cigars. No [laughter] gave. I know what the thing is that you hit it. >> Thank you. >> What's that thing called? Let's get a picture. Anybody know? >> No one knows what Google.
>> Thank you. [applause] >> It's my fourth goround as council president. My 17th year as a councilman for this fine town. I appreciate the support. Um I look forward to u getting
these meetings going and uh council president does have a lot more um duties uh and could not do it without the support of the rest of the council.
Obviously Pete Leiddo who knows more he's forgotten more than I'll ever know about government. Jimmy Holsy, our business administrator, who now is up, are you up to $500,000 right now? >> I think that's a little low.
>> Oh, okay. Yes. A very, very wealthy business administrator. So, we don't have to take out bonds anymore. We just go to his Venmo account and just take it. Uh, again, being redundant over again. Uh, congratulations to Herman Wenszel, his
wife Christina. Um it was a great party the other night and also uh Deputy Chief Gilfoy uh outgoing Chief uh Dave Milki. Sorry about the Packers, Dave, but those guys, the the the men and ladies
of the volunteer uh fire department and the volunteer ambulance corps, that's the backbone of this town. uh they serve without any compensation and they're out at all hours. It's it's it's a very
tough job and especially the um the hierarchy the uh you know the the elected officers. So good luck to you Herman. Uh, I'm sure you'll do a great job and I'm sure I will see you in Jimmy Holmesy's office bringing him cigars, candy, flowers, whatever it needs
because I think there'll be a big ask at some point this year. Uh, also congratulations to everyone who's serving on boards. We've got two board members, too, and a former board member here. Um they also give up their time
selflessly and um no compensation other than knowing that they're doing a good job for the township of Saddlebrook. Nancy Murray is here. She was reappointed. John is uh uh the once a future chairman
of the zoning board and Johnny Manzo who has been on various boards for as long as I've lived in town. I think um they are again uh unsung heroes in my in my eyes. Uh
this is uh this year is interesting. It's uh the 25th anniversary of the horrible attack uh on the trade center and other places on uh September 11th. Uh so it's 25th anniversary of that and
we we'll be having back you know in September looking forward we'll be having a ceremony and like the mayor said we're trying to get up this uh kind of a uh memorial um for that event to honor the men and women who perished and and the men and women
who helped and a lot of them ended up also uh perishing. It's also the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776. So, it's interesting. We got 25th
Federal World Trade Center in 250 years. Um, I don't know. I I guess I'm old because I remember the 200th anniversary. And I never thought, to be honest with you, that I was going to be here on the 250th uh anniversary because I was doing a lot
of stupid things when I was 16 years old. So, I made it. So, happy birthday, America. And we'll be doing more more stuff as it goes along. This is an election year, so sometimes it gets kind of silly. They always talk about silly
season. Uh I am going to as council president going to continue the threeminut rule. Uh I'm going to ask the participants in the audience and on the deis to only
speak when it's your turn to speak. Um it's tough because you have some people they have legitimate questions, answers, whatever. um after they've chosen to spoke and they've given up their you know they've had their three minutes and
they they act you know they speak out of turn and it's really not the place and I'm going to ask the council and mayor and everyone up on the deis to refrain from responding because then it just gets into it just makes a mess. Um we
have a you know we have a decorum in order and I'm going to hope that uh we can maintain that during the year. So, uh, just put your thoughts into a concise. If you have to write it down, just do it. Uh, I'll let you finish your
thoughts. If it's three minutes, uh, we're not going to pull the mic from you. But if you start on something else, um, that's that's where I'm going to stop it. Um, and I believe I can't read my own writing.
You know what? Hang on a second. And I still can't read my own writing, so I guess it wasn't that important. All right. Um, at this point, I'm done with the comments. The mayor's given the comments. I reiterate a lot of what the mayor said. One of the reasons that I
stayed on and said that this was going to be my last term is because I want to see a lot of things finished, mainly uh recreation and some infrastructure changes. So hopefully in the next this year we're going to start and uh hopefully by the time my term ends in
2028 we'll have accomplished that for the children, the seniors, all the residents of the town because you you deserve it. We're going to go on to resolutions and we're going to have uh uh all in favor nay or yay on these. We're not
going to take a roll call on every one of the uh resolutions. First resolution is appointing Councilman David Garrick as the council planning board representative for a one-year term. Motion motion motion. Motion to approve.
>> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Number two, >> the appointment of the registered municipal accountant will cox and company. >> Motion to approve. Motion. Second.
>> All in favor? I >> resolution for bond council the appointment of Rogen McCarthy. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> resolution designating legal newspapers
the record and our town from Maywood. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> resolution for official depositories for the township Columbia Bank 381 Market Street
Spencer Bank 140 Market Street. >> Motion anybody? >> Motion >> second. >> All in favor? >> I resolution to approval of signatures on checks. that the signatures on the checks will be the township treasurer
signed by the mayor and counter signed by the township clerk except payroll may be signed by the treasure or mayor alone. Is there >> a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> a resolution concerning delinquent taxes
which uh mirrors the state uh statutes which imposes an 8% peranom on the first $1,500 of the delinquency and 18% peranom on any amount of excess of $1,500 and allows an additional penalty
of 6% against the delinquent prior to the end of the calendar year. >> Motion. >> Motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> delinquent water charges again mirrors
state statute. Uh 8% perom on the first $1,500 of delinquency and a rate of 18% perom on any amount in excess of $1,500. A >> motion. Motion. >> Second.
>> All in favor? I >> I >> resolution establishing the regular meeting dates of the township council for the year 2026. And >> just for the public, I the it's going to be first uh Thursday first Thursday of
every month, third for the work session, third Thursday of every month for our regular session except for one month I believe >> November. No, for November, we're going to have everything on the second Thursday. We're going to start with our special session and uh go right into the
uh the regular session and that'll be here. It sounds like it's a long time away, but that'll be here before you know, right? I'll entertain a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? Right. >> Hi. >> Appointment of zoning board member
four-year term. Nancy Murray. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I appointed zoning board member for your term. James De Maser. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I I
>> appointment zoning board member for your term Karen Noble. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I appointment of second alternate two-year term. Gino Leona. Is there a motion? >> Motion second.
>> Motion second. All in favor? I I appointment of fourth alternate to your term, Norman Schmeltz. >> Motion >> second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> I want to didn't mention Mr. Schmeltz. He's
been in Saddlebrook for for a number of years. Before that, he was the mayor of Burgerfield. So, thank you for coming to Saddlebrook and uh again volunteering your time to to help out the town. We really appreciate it.
Public agency compliance officer known as Paco Peter Lodico. >> Motion second. >> All in favor? I >> adoption of council resolutions to carry over until 2026 from the 2025 calendar year. >> Is there a motion?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion second. All in favor? Hi. >> Authorize payment of bills as offline checks as we close out the year. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion and second. All in favor? >> I
>> resolution adopting a temporary budget for the year 2026. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I Authorizing the tax collector to cancellation of funds or delinquencies of fees less than
$10. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion. Second. All in favor? >> I resolution authorizing petty cash for the year 2026. Is there a motion? >> Motion. Second. >> Motion on second. All in favor?
>> I. >> Resolution supporting the Bergen County Chiefs Association mutual aid plan and rapid deployment force. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion. Second. All in favor? >> I.
Resolution authorizing participation in the Defense Logistics Agency Law Enforcement Support Office 1033 program to enable the Saddle Brook Police Department to request and acquire access Department of Defense equipment. >> Motion second.
>> Motion second. All in favor? >> I. That last one uh gives us the opportunity to get government issued um vehicles and equipment at uh zero cost. That's it's a great thing.
Next is authorizing the contract a renewal of the contract for Triads Advisory Services uh for affordable housing. >> Motion second. >> Motion second. All in favor? I thank >> we have resolution appointing Thomas
reappointing Thomas Van Winkl as the uh township official photographer for the township of Sanber. >> Before we get to to the motions I'm just going to ask the clerk, can you actually read that one? >> Sure. Whereas Thomas Van Winkle has
diligently and faithfully taken on the responsibility of taking photographs at all township events and functions. And whereas Thomas through his pictures recorded township events and has shared them on various township social media sites. Whereas Thomas has become an
indispensable and dedicated individual who we could count on to be at every township event. Now therefore be resolved by the mayor and council of the township of Saddlebrook that Thomas Van Winkl Saddlebrook, New Jersey is hereby appointed the official photographer for the township of Saddlebrook and be
further resolved that on behalf of the residents of Saddlebrook Township, we thank Thomas for his contributions. >> Motion [applause] motion and second. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you, Thomas.
And we have a resolution uh authorizing Remington and Vernick to do the 2026 environmental services at engine company number two at a cost not to exceed $81,000. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor?
>> I. >> Next we have the mayor's appointment. These are receive and file because of our form of government. You >> want to read all of them? >> Yep. We have the appointment of the township planner, Kier's engineering.
Uh, mayor's appointment, planning board member, class 2, Anthony Ambrosio. Appointment of fire sub code official Mike Sites. Appointment of electrical subcode inspector Isaiah. Appointment of plumbing subcode inspector Brian Sierrano.
Appointment licensed sewer operator Jesse B. Diamore. Appointment of planning board member first alternate Moro Camperelli. Appointment of township treasurer Vincent Bono. Appointment of township grant writer Bruno Associates.
Appointment of TR of Township Health Benefits Risk Manager Trinity Benefits. Appointment of special counsel tax appeal John Bank. Appointment of township insurance consultant risk management Alamo Insurance. Appointment of township labor labor
attorney Clearary Jacobe Alfieri Jacobs. Appointment of township physician Michael Weiner. Appointment of township chiropractor Ferrar Spine and Rehabilitation. Appointment of municipal housing liaison Jimmy Hamsey. Appointment of equal opportunity
employment officer Jimmy Hamsey. Appointment of board of education leaison Councilman David Garrick. Appointment of township historian Peter Odiko. Appointment of deputy emergency management coordinators Councilman Todd
Akamando, John J. Tui, Christopher Slma. Appointment of community projects and activities committee Shannon Akamando Christine Januario. Appointment of mayor's youth group leaison Thomas Van Winkl. Appointment of the school crossing
guards as listed. Appointment of the special law enforcement officers, class one. Appointment of special law enforcement officers, class three. Appointment of police department information technology services, all covered.
Appointment of township information technology management. Uh, Micro Electronics and the appointment of the township electrical inspector, Roco Compat. Entertain a motion to receive and file. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Motion and second. Roll call, please. Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Councilman Okcomando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> And Council President Simaluca. >> Yes. >> You want to do a correspondence?
>> Do one receive. >> Okay. So, we have correspondence and applications. >> We could do correspondence one through five to receive and file. >> Motion to receive and file the correspondence. Motion >> second.
>> Motion and second. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> And we have the applications as listed. >> Motion to uh approve. >> Approve the applications. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion and second. All in favor? >> I.
>> I. >> Next. I know we uh kind of roll these together a lot of times. Any old business and or new business you want to go with? Could you could lump them together if you'd like. >> I don't think there's that much to >> Yeah. I I only have a couple things. I just want to congratulate you, Andrew,
on your fourth uh term as council >> president. >> Thank you. >> Welld deserved. And I know you're you're going to do a good job, especially in an election year. We need somebody that's going to be firm and you uh you fit the bill for sure.
>> Right. >> So, uh I want to congratulate Dave. you know, you had a great year. Um, you did well. >> Thank you. >> And, uh, thank you for your service. >> Uh, I also want to thank all the members of the zoning board and planning board
that were, um, that were appointed tonight and, uh, and reappointed. Um, again, thank you for for what you do. As, uh, Council President Simaluca said, you do a a great job with with no, you know, no compensation. So, um, we really
appreciate that and you just do a an awesome job. So, that's all I have. Thanks. >> Yeah. Before we adjourn, mayor, do you want to swear in uh the newly appointed members that are here? Sure. Okay. So, I guess uh who's here? Nancy, guess your
name was first. There we are. Okay, I guess I'll hold your >> left hand left hand on the >> Todd is the official Bible holder for today. So, >> you've been through this before, >> Nancy. Hold on. We got We got our
official Bible her. >> So, left hand goes on the Bible and right hand gets raised. >> Okay. So, this is the oath of office, council of Saddlebrook, County of Bergen, state of New Jersey. So, repeat after me. I >> I >> do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution >> the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance
>> to the same >> to the same >> and to the co the government >> and to the government >> established >> established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the author of to the people >> and will perform my duties >> and will perform my duties >> as member of the zoning board of
adjustment >> as member of zoning board of adjustment >> faithfully >> faithfully >> and partially [clears throat] >> partially >> and justly >> and justly >> to the best of my ability. >> Best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thanks for having me. >> Absolutely.
Congratulations and thank you, Nancy. Next is uh newly appointed alternate to the zoning board, Norman Schmeltz. >> Okay. >> Okay. This is the oath of office, statute of Saddlebrook, county of Bergen, state of New Jersey. So repeat
after me. I >> I Norman Schmelz >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> I will support >> the Constitution >> Constitution >> of the United States >> the United States >> and the Constitution >> the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the state of New Jersey. and that I
will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the government established >> to the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and will perform my duties
>> perform my duties >> as fourth alternate >> as fourth alternate >> zoning board of adjustment >> zoning board of adjustment >> faithfully >> faithfully >> and partially >> partially >> and justly and just >> to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> Congratulations.
>> Mayor, stay up there. We got one more after you're done with Mr. >> Dave. >> Congratulations and thank you, Mr. Schmemellz. Uh lastly on this uh >> Dave >> Dave Garrick as the uh >> council representative to the planning
board. >> Yes, that's the last one I think. >> Y okay. You ready David? >> So this is the oath of office for Saddleberg County of Bergen State of New Jersey. I >> I David Garrett >> do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution >> the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance
>> to the same >> to the same >> and to the government established >> to the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and will perform my duty duties. >> I will perform my duties >> as council representative to the
planning board. >> as council representative to the planning board. >> Faithfully, >> faithfully, >> impartially, >> impartially, >> and justly. >> and justly. >> To the best of my ability. >> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, David. And congrats.
Mayor, were you done with old and new business? >> Yes. >> Anyone else for old and new business that you haven't already talked about? >> Anybody? We're good. >> All right. I will entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> Motion to open the meeting to public.
>> Second. >> Motion in a second. All in favor? >> I meeting is now open to the public. Uh if you'd like to uh address the council, please state your name and address. >> Good evening. Happy new year. Thomas Van
Winkle, 128 Lincoln Avenue, Saddlebrook, official Township Photographer. And I want to I want to start off by thanking the council for for that resolution. Thanks for the honor. It's an honor and a privilege to capture all the events that go on in town. It's it brings me great joy. I also want to thank Tyler
Posey who has assisted me at some of these events um especially with the tree lighting and the holiday party um with the Santa photos. So I I couldn't have done some of these events especially these bigger events without without him. So I do want to acknowledge him and thank him for his assistance as well. Um
it's also an honor too to to serve as the mayor's youth group leaison once again this year. It's actually been 10 years now believe it or not since I was first appointed mayor's youth group leaison. So, just been an honor to be a part of the mayor's youth group all this time. And that's another thing that brings me great joy. Um, going off of
the mayor's youth group, I'm going to just give a quick report on on what we've done throughout the year. Um, last year was a great year for us. We really finished off on a flourish. We had a lot of new young members, very energetic members join the mayor's youth group.
Um, they really care about our town and really volunteer volunteering their time with the town and and they really enjoy it. um they voted um in the holiday decorating contest which was held recently and I do want to acknowledge the winners starting from third place up
to first place. Um third place was 18 Spindler Terrace. Second place was Fort Cozy Glen Court and first place was 107 107 Wilson Street. And I do want to congratulate everyone who won the decorating contest and also thank
everyone for entering the decorating contest. They they all did a tremendous job decorating the houses and the mayor's youth group is going to continue. We look forward to continuing with all the community service projects throughout the year. Um especially with the big town events like Easter, the
Halloween events and the uh holiday events as well. So again, hopefully the group members are watching us and I just want to thank them publicly for all they do. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Thomas. Any other members of the public wish to address the council?
Happy new year to everybody. >> Happy new year. >> First, I want you to know that like I'm not a troublemaker here trying to start stuff and I'm not running for election or anything. Just a guy who loves this town. Got a big history here. So taken off from last month where uh I have some
some questions here where it was put forth that um 40 parking spaces worth a million dollars. If you break that down, that's $25,000 of parking space. Now,
if you go for uh the lawyer had said that there were the the developer was responsible for $214 parking spots at $25,000 a piece. That's $5,350,000. That's the value he put on the land, the
the developer. So, uh we're we're getting 100.9 uh 1.9 million for that. That's like 3,450,000 less than it's worth going by what the
developer says that 20 um 40 parking spaces are worth a million dollars. So there's something there's something that uh doesn't work out there. You know, another thing is you said, well, you had to develop this land because it was
vacant land. Well, if I if I'm not mistaken, the old police station was used for storing records and it comes comes from good authority that the police department wanted to use the old fire part, fire building part where they
to store police equipment, their signs and all other stuff to keep them out of the weather and that was rejected. So really the wh really the property wasn't technically
technically uh abandoned or or vacant. You you were paying uh uh electricity on it and heat and all other stuff. So the state really couldn't come in and say this is vacant land. It was being used. All right. Now you you give me the it's
bringing $300,000 tax revenue to the town. Fine. $300,000. What is that going to mean to the individual uh taxpayer uh citizen? I think we're not going to get a tax rebate out of
that. We're not going to get a tax refund from it. $300,000 is just a spit in the bucket. You need a fire truck, you need a garbage truck, there goes your $300,000 and we're back to where we started. So, I I don't I don't uh concur
with that. And uh that's it for tonight. I'll be back. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Samson. And thank you for your longtime service on the boards. >> My pleasure. >> Um before any anyone else want to
address the council? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Motion to close the meeting to the public. >> Second. >> Motion and second. All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Uh before we move to adjourn, is there anybody else like to address anything up
here? >> No, we're good. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion by Mr. Garrick, second by Miss Sanchez. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you everyone. Have a happy.