Call this meeting to order. >> Councilman Garrick >> here. >> Councilman Okaman. C. Councilman Okamo will be a few minutes late. Counciloman Sanchez >> here. >> Council. Council President Simuka >> here.
>> Please rise to the salon to the flag and please remain standing in memory of Mary Gartland, mother of library trustee Jill Garrick and mother-in-law of Councilman David Garrick. James Maer, son of Councilwoman Florence Maer, and zoning board member oh and zoning board member Jim Mer. and Dina Rose Calfano, mother
of our C police captain Jeppi Calfano to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisibley and justice for Notice of this meeting has been sent to
all council members and to all legal newspapers in accordance with the provisions of the open public meetings act chapter 231 public order 1975. The public is hereby advised that any statements made during the meeting of the township council of the township of Saddlebrook may not be privileged or
protected and that persons or entities who take issue with such comments or are offended by saying may have in the past or legal redress do the courts. Any member of the public who addresses the council speaks for themselves and not for the council. Uh starting this year
in uh 2026 uh the state of New Jersey has changed the laws concerning legal advertisements. So 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 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 available. >> First order of business will be a presentation. Mayor, I'll let you take
over. Good evening everyone. As many of you might know, February is Black History Month. So, it's a month to recognize the accomplishments of black Americans. And uh this year we're going to myself and
the council are going to recognize individuals in our emergency services departments here in the township of these individuals are considered examples of
courage and leadership. So we have I believe three individuals here tonight with us and I'd like to call them up at this time. Uh, we have Eric Holman
from the Saddlebook Volunteer Ambulance Corp., Travis Suabi, also from the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and police officer Christopher Ree from the Saddam Police Department. I think Officer Ree is working tonight.
>> He's on his way. >> He's on his way. Okay. he might be on a call. So hopefully we can get him off of that. But uh so I'm going to read the first part of the proclamation and then I'm going to
I'm going to each individual is going to I'm going to read their portion so I don't have to read the whole thing over and over again. So the first part says, "Whereas commemorating a century of black history, this year, the township is recognizing individuals
in our emergency services departments. Individuals who through example of courage and leadership have given black Americans and people of all backgrounds the confidence and faith to pursue their dreams. So we'll start out with uh Mr. Holman.
So whereas Eric Holman began his career with the Saddlebrook Volunteer Ambulance Corps on September 14th, 2017 and currently serves as vice president. Eric is a certified emergency medical
responder, emergency medical dispatcher, and a certified technical rescue technician. The township of Saddlebrook values dedicated volunteers and recognizes ERIC for safeguarding the health and well-being of our residents.
And whereas we shine a light on black emergency service workers promoting diversity and understanding, unity is important. We see not the differences, instead the contributions of black Americans. We are proud to have Eric Holman on the
Saddleberrook Voluntary Ambulance Corps and we commend his unwavering devotion. So now therefore, on this the 19th day of February 2026, I, Robert D. White, the mayor of the township of Saddlebrook, in celebration of Black History Month, honor and recognize Eric
Holman for his dedicated service within our community. Thank you. Thank you, mayor, for the kind words. Uh, it's funny looking back now, but it's true. When I first started, I was entering a world I knew nothing about. And I was just someone
who took a recommendation to heart and dedicated to see and decided to see if I could make a difference. As I learned over the years, life is really about that, stepping into the unknown so you can grow and become a better person. But
the work quickly became about a vision. A vision of helping those in need and making Saddlebrook a better, safer place for everyone. Being recognized tonight as an African-American first responder is deeply meaningful to me. I hope that by standing here, I can be a bridge for
others. I want the next generation to see that you don't have to have all the answers on day one. You just need the heart to show up and the drive to serve your neighbors. To all my colleagues who serve alongside me and to my family who supports me
behind the scenes, this recogn this recognition belongs to you. I am proud to serve this town and I look forward to many more years of giving back to the community and the core especially who has given me so much. Thank you.
Okay, next we have uh Saddlebook Volunteer Ambulance Corps member Travis Suabi. Whereas Travis Suabi began his career with the Saddlebook Volunteer Ambulance Corps on April 7th, 2020 and is currently serving as a second
lieutenant. Travis is a certified EMT, certified technical rescue technician, and certified in infectious disease management. The township of Saddlebrook values dedicated volunteers and recognizes Travis for safeguarding the health and well-being of our residents.
Whereas, as we shine a light on black emergency service workers, promoting diversity and understanding, unity is important. We see not only differences, we see not the differences, instead the contributions of black Americans. We are
proud to have Travis Suavei of the Saddle Volunteer Ambulance Corps and we commend his unwavering devotion. So now therefore on this 19th day of February 2026, I Robert D. White, the mayor of the township of Saddlebrook, in celebration of Black History Month,
honor and recognize Travis Suabi for his dedicated service within our community. I don't know if you want to say a few words. >> Eric kind of stole the show. You'll do fine.
>> Evening. Um I'm a man of few words. I just like to thank the Saddle Brook volunteer and bless Corps for the six years I've been here that they showed me as a second family that I can try my best and do my very best for this community. I've learned so much
especially from my old captain, my old uh crew chief Bill MGO. Uh I try every single day. Tooken the class, failed. Tooken the class again, failed again. But I never stopped. Never gave up. And
here it is, me six years later. I passed. I'm an EMT. I love this town and I do everything I possibly can. My daughter's not here today, but I do it for her mainly. My mom definitely have uh been a shining light in my life
growing up and she's definitely been the beacon for me to go ahead and continue moving forward. So, I would love this town continue to be behind me and I'll definitely continue to protect you on yours. Thank you.
>> Okay, Christopher, come on up. >> Few words. >> I won't put you on a spot. Don't worry. You're welcome. So, I'm going to read this proclamation. Um, whereas police officer Christopher Ree began his career with the Saddlebook
Police Department on March the 6th, 2023. And Officer Ree is certified in crisis intervention and as a junior police academy instructor. Police Officer Ree helps maintain a safe community, faithfully serving and
protecting. As a law enforcement professional with integrity at his core, Officer Ree continually strives for excellence and personal growth within the department. Whereas, as we shine a light on black officers, promoting diversity, understanding, unity within
the police department is very important. We see not only differences, we see not the differences. That's the second time I made that mistake. We see not the differences, instead the contributions of black Americans. We are proud to have police officer Christopher Ree on our
police force and we commend his unwavering devotion. So now therefore, on this the 19th day of February, 2026, I, Robert D. White, the mayor of the township of Siberation of Black History Month, honor and recognize police officer Christopher Reese for his
dedicated service within our community. Thank you. request. >> Good evening. I would like to thank everyone for being here. I would like to thank everyone that has assisted me in my career in Saddle so far. Thank you. Batman is here
to stay. We also have some additional individuals that um unfortunately cannot be here tonight. I just want to mention their names. uh you will receive their proclamation at another date. But we have also from the police department,
police officer Naji Anderson, Lieutenant Robert Little John, also from the Saturn Police Department. Uh from the fire department, we have Khalil Thomas. And finally, from the Department of
Public Works, we have Manuel Brena. So we appreciate their efforts and thank them as well. Thank you. >> Let's get let's get a picture. We're going to break for a couple of minutes officially. So this way anyone who wants
to get pictures can get in the pictures. Sure. uh regular order of uh meeting business which will begin with a motion to open the meeting to public. We'll just give you another minute to uh if you want to stay, you're more than welcome to stay.
No, I do that. >> Yeah. Let's go. We're set up. >> I'll be there. paging Sarah Sanchez. Paging Sarah Sanchez. >> Sarah Sanchez to the deas. Want a
picture? Give me a picture. Sorry. Yeah. reconvene the meeting. Uh, I'll entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> Motion to open the meeting to the public. >> By Mr. Garrett, second by Miss Maer. All in favor?
>> I. >> Unanimous. Uh, anyone wishing to address the, uh, council, please come up, state your name and address if you'd like. Town that you live in. >> All right. Good evening. Thomas Van Winkle, 128 Lincoln Avenue, Saddlebrook.
To begin, um, I want to, uh, congratulate all the honores, uh, tonight for Black History Month. All our first responders who were honored was it was wonderful, and I want to I'm truly grateful for all the first responders to keep Saddleberg safe. So, I do want to
thank them and congratulate them. Um, next thing, Mayor Truth Group is going to have its next meeting, February 28th at 10:30 a.m. in this room. So, anybody in grades 4 through 12 who lives in Saddlebrook, hopefully they'll come out and attend this meeting. Um, also want
to remind you all up here too and remind everybody that the community partnership meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room in the rec center here in this complex. Um, we're working hard to, you know, just continue to to make Sabre a
wonderful place to live. Um, one thing we're pushing now, it's we're doing it starting very early, but we're going to be participating again in the Bergen County Out of Darkness Walk, which is organized every year as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention. And it's very important. I believe it's very important to support to do all we can do for mental health to support mental health. So, I got the team started. It was actually the first team to sign up so far for the burn county out of darkness walk. And I encourage everyone up here and everyone
watching to donate to the Staff Community Partnership team and and or to join our team. The walk will be held on Saturday, October 3rd. The check-in time is 9:00 a.m. The walk begins at 10:00 a.m. It will be at the um Over Pet Park
by the amphitheater in Richville Park. So hopefully you guys all donate andor join our team. And I also invite everyone to attend our community partnership meetings next Thursday at 6:30m, which is the fourth Thursday here
in the rec center. And that should be it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Thomas. >> Steve Maraconda, 24 Harrison Avenue, Saddlebrook Green Team. Uh just want to give some updates about, you know, our what we're doing with the green team.
Oops. Jeez. Uh our next meeting is on uh at 7:30 p.m. um at February 25th at the senior center. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month right before the community partnership on Thursdays. Um and some upcoming events. We're collaborating with the library. So on
March 21st, Saturday, March 21st at 10:30 a.m. we're having plant program. feel free to join. And uh Saturday, April 18th, we'll be celebrating International Dark Sky Week uh with an astronomy program. Probably going to set
up some telescopes and talk about the night sky. And uh we should be having an Earth Day event, too, on May 22nd. Thank you very much. >> Steve, can I ask you a question? Do you do anything in conjunction with the high school? You mentioned astronomy. I don't know if they have any kind of club or something like that.
>> We're going to reach out to the high school for the environmental club and the astronomy club. Yeah. >> Beautiful. And I got it. >> To the chair just one more minutes. Just can you talk a little bit about the uh the library the the seed program that you did last last Saturday? >> Oh yes. So yeah, our first collaborative
program with the library green team and the library are doing a bunch of collaborative events to uh inspire environmental awareness in our community. Um, a couple weeks ago we did our first of those events which was a a winter seed sewing program where we
basically um we had an educator from Ruckers uh talk about how planting seeds in the winter and storing them in like full jars lead and then leaving them out in the cold makes it easier for them to bloom in the spring. So we did a big program had some pretty good turnout at
the library. So, we're looking to do many more of those programs with the library and get the the school involved, the mayor's youth group just to we might have a community garden eventually at the library. We just applied for a grant for that. So, yeah, if you want to get involved with the Saddlebook Green Team, we're meeting the fourth Wednesday of
every month, 7:30 p.m. at the senior center. >> Thank you very much. Good evening. Jerry Taylor, 318 Chevus. Um, I'm sure this has probably been asked a thousand times, but I haven't seen it on TV. I get the with the water
department with the service fee that everybody's being charged $25. What is What does that cover? What what service does that cover for me since I'm being charged $25 and my service has still been the same as what I what it's
only >> you want to want to take it Jimmy? >> Yeah that's >> yeah um this service fee will allow us to do major infrastructure upgrades. Uh we're planning this year for water main breaks, sewer um water upgrades for pipes, and um just general
infrastructure upgrades. This year we're planning hopefully to be able to be a physical um uh position to be able to do a $2 to3 million upgrade uh project for this year, this upcoming capital year. So that's that's what those funds are
for for major construction be able to to bond and afford to complete those. Now will this continue like between now until the end of time services or not council but it could only be
revisited at recommendation of some year fiscally that's something I I and my second question is I see a resolution tonight uh for a tax appeal refund 148,000.
Where's those funds coming from to pay for this tax appeal? >> I'll defer to Jimmy. >> Um, typically we have set aside um uh allocation of funds for uh appeals, tax appeals.
That's always out for abundant out my tax skyro to cover that to not you know have any major tax increases. All right. Thank you very much to address the the council. Then I'll move the public
by major second by Mr. Derek. All in favor? >> I would be comments. We generally start with the mayor. >> The mayor. >> Thank you, council. Right. I do have another proclamation that I want to read
uh in recognition of American heart health, heart month. Um whereas heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, effective communication with your doctor is vital. Know your blood pressure
numbers, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels. Most importantly, discuss symptoms of heart disease and learn about the steps you can take to help prevent heart issues. Whereas we know that smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of
physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and pre-diabetes are factors that can contribute to heart disease. Whereas a thorough Whereas through technology, technological advancements, and decades of scientific research, we have learned
a tremendous amount about the causes of heart disease and the actions you can take to help keep your heart healthy. Whereas minor changes taken at any time such as committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise can make a significant
difference. Now therefore on this 19th day of February 2026, I Robert D. White, the mayor of the township of Saturn, wish to recognize February as heart health month. Remember those who have lost their lives to heart disease and raise awareness of early warning signs
and the symptoms. Um, I just want to also say too, I'm not going to mention the name, but uh I read on uh on Facebook a town resident who underwent uh surgery, heart surgery today um to
repair two uh major arteries. Uh his sister posted something that uh he came out of the fine. He's doing doing well and recovering. So, thank God. um relatively young man in his 60s and thank God he got the warning and he went
to the doctor and he's he's going to be okay. So that's one thing about there's so much technological advances with the heart. I mean there are people out there that that you know have uh you know a heart um transplant and are doing fine.
So, we had a we had a woman in town who passed away, but she was she had a she had a heart transplant and she lived for another 30 years. And uh she was not very nice woman in town. Um so, you
know, the the thing is to catch it early. If you can catch it early, there's so many things that can be done to help. So, um, some other things I have is, uh, I want to thank the fire department, the
ambulance corps, the police department, and the department of public works for the great job that they did during the snow the snowstorm, which was uh, Sunday, January 25th. We still have the snow here. Finally, some of it's melting, but uh, they did a really good
job uh, on that on that night during that storm. So, I thank all of you for that. Um, I'm sure the council does as well. I want also want to thank on that in that same vein, I want to thank the residents for their cooperation clearing sidewalks and fire hydrants and removing
their vehicles off the roads. Um, we did pretty pretty well with that. That storm was anticipated. So, um, there were several summones that were issued, but, uh, it was a lot better than than in the past. I think the fact that they knew
ahead of time that this storm was coming was was a big relief. I want to mention the Ramadan celebration that we had here at the facility on Saturday, February 7th. Um, that was a very nice event.
I also want to mention uh a solar energy letter that will be mailed to residents shortly explaining a solar savings uh on electric bills. And if I may, I'm going to I'm going to read part of this letter that went out uh because it explains
quite a bit. Um what this is is it's uh a protection from rising electrical cost without requiring solar panels on your home. Um, you can enroll in this local solar project uh by Solar Landscape. Solar
Landscape is the name of the company and they are endorsed by public service as well as the uh the state of New Jersey, the utility authority. So, some key program highlights. Uh, residents remain public service customers and receive a
31% discount on solar credits applied to their PSEG bill. The discount rate is guaranteed and locked in for 20 years. Nothing to install, no fees, cancel at any time without penalty.
So, uh, also it it starts out eligible to low to moderate income households, and they can expect to see bill discounts in mid this year, 2026, with all other households following in 2027.
Bill credits begin after a customer's assigned project is energized. Enrollment is first come, first served and community solar savings can be combined with other state and federal energy assistance programs. Information sessions, this is important, will be
held soon. Representate representatives will be available to answer customers and assist you in your enrollment. To be notified will you will be notified of these events or to be notified of these events. There's a number to call. every
every resident is going to receive this letter. We are pleased to make the benefits of solar energy accessible to all Saddle Brook residents and look forward to the savings this program delivers. Uh many other towns have done this and uh it's uh a fantastic program
and big savings. So I hope residents will take advantage of that. We also have New Jersey Motor Vehicle, the mobile unit will be coming to the municipal complex uh parking lot the first week of March. They were here a
few months back one day, but they're going to be here the whole week. You must make an appointment uh more uh to for more information, visit our website at saddleberenj. us. So there's uh also on it's on social
media. It's already already quite a few people have made appointments. It was put on social media last week. Um, chicken bingo is March the 13th. Ticket information. For ticket information, call the senior center 20118454594.
Um, the senior lunch program starts in March at the senior center 8 Caldwell Avenue. Um, also, uh, I just want to wish our new governor, uh, Mikey Cheryl a successful term and thank for former
governor Phil Murphy for his support of Saddlebrook, uh, you know, whether regardless of what you thought of the governor, he was good to Saddlebrook as far as we received quite a quite a bit of money through New Jersey Transit, uh, New New Jersey Department of
Transportation, I should say, um, their grant program for the fixed roads. So, we appreciated that. Lastly, I just want to uh wish uh Captain Doug Haberman a happy retirement. Uh as of March 1st,
he'll be officially retired. Thank you, >> Mr. >> Well, I've been lucky enough to follow the mayor for 12 years, and it doesn't get easy to say anything. Um I was here late. I apologize. Um I just want to thank everyone for coming. everyone
who's watching, people will get up and speak. It It's speaks volumes because it lets other people know what's going on in town and keeps them aware of what they need to look out for and pay attention to. >> Um, we weren't here for Valentine, so I wish
all the the wives, girlfriends, daughters happy Valentine's Day. And I think that's and of course, Doug will wish you all the best in retirement. any any cop that gets to the the end of that tunnel
is a great thing and I hope hopefully one day I'll be there. So, best of luck. >> Thank you, Miss Major. >> Um, I'd like to uh congratulate all the honores tonight and thank them for their dedication and service to our community.
Uh, may God continue to keep you u safe and God bless you. Um, I'd like to offer my condolences to uh Dave and Jel and their family and also uh Captain Califano and your family. Um, as and
also on behalf of myself, >> sorry, my family. Sorry. As the mayor said, it's heart month and uh I was fortunate four years ago to have open heart surgery and it it was
successful. We used to laugh about how um family of plumbers I got these leaky valves and uh I was successful. Unfortunately, my son wasn't. And on behalf of my family and friends, my
family, um I' I'd like to thank everyone for your love, comfort, and support during this difficult time. Certainly has been appreciated and heartfelt. Sorry. Sorry. >> I apologize. >> Thank you. Apologize.
Thank you, uh, Miss Sanchez. Um, I wanted to congratulate all the uh, first responders and officers that were honored here tonight as well. Um, thank you for all that you do. Thank you
for this service, your service to this town. um our community. Um you guys do a great job. Um I um I attended the winter seed sewing
workshop on February 7th. It was sponsored by the Saddlebrook Library and the green team. It was a really nice event. We had a really good turnout. Um, and I I strongly encourage anyone who is interested to come out to future events.
Um, you I really learned a lot. Um, it's very informative. So, if you enjoy that, please please come out. Um, a big thank you to Steve Maraconda
for all he's done with the green team and for working with our grant writer. um because we are now applying for a $2,000 grant through the green team to fund our native plant community pollinator garden and adopt a tree a
native tree program. Um so thank you so much for that. Um as Steve mentioned, the next green team meeting is February 25th at 7:30 at the senior center. So if you can make it, please come. And again, as he said,
the native plant program um will be held at the library on sat um Saturday, March 21st at 10:30. The ambulance core fish and chips will be April 3rd. It's every Good Friday. So, I hope you know if you're
available, you can come and attend that. That's also a great event. Um, and uh, congratulations to Doug Haberman. I wish you well and I hope you enjoy retirement. Uh, lastly,
my condolences as well to the Califano family and um, Councilman Garrett and his wife and their family and um, Councilwoman Maser and her family. I'm truly sorry for your
losses. Thank you, m Mr. Garrick. >> Uh, good evening everyone. Um, congratulations to all the first responders that were recognized this evening and thank you to all that serve on the police department, fire department, ambulance corps. Thanks for the sacrifice that you make on a daily
basis. Uh, my sincere condolences to the Maser family on the loss of James and the Califano family and the loss of Rose. Uh, and I just want to say thank you to everybody that reached out um to myself and my wife uh on the passing of
my mother-in-law uh Mary Lou Gartland. Um she died at 69 of pancreatic cancer. Um courageous fight for two years. Um and she had a a beautiful family by her side
the whole way. But thank you. Okay. Thank you. Um firstly obviously thank you to the first responders. Without you uh this town would be nothing basically.
Um and congratulations to those that were uh honored tonight with the proclamations my heartfelt condolences to the three families. Um our we are a family up here. So, uh, when
something happens to one of us or part of our family, it's it deeply affects us. So, to Dave, my condolences. Jeppi is back there. My condolences. And obviously, Flo, uh, which moves into, as
the mayor had said, it is heart health month. That's why you may notice that everyone's wearing some kind of red. Uh, it is for heart health month. I say this every year. My dad died at 39 of heart disease. Um, James, I believe, is 54, had a heart issue and and finally
succumbed to it. Um, get checked. Don't be afraid to go to the doctor. If you feel anything, go. Even if you don't, if you're at a certain age, go and get yourself tested, maybe a stress test,
unlike my insurance company who denied my stress test. Um, so, so try and get there. Um uh one of the things that we do here is attend events. We appreciate the invites. Uh so recently we went to the
fire department uh annual dinner which was a great time. Congratulations uh to Herman Wel on his induction as the chief. Um and Gary Giloy as the assistant chief. Uh we also attended the
recreation cheerleader dinner and the spirit leader dinner and the wrestling dinner and I believe in next week we're going to the ambulance court dinner. So uh bunch of stuff that we do. It's fun to to do these things and it's we we
attend uh with uh with with a lot of appreciation for being invited, but it's part of our our duties as elected officials to attend these things and then we we do it willingly and gleefully. Uh Doug Haberman, good
friend. Um he's going to uh have his final walk out and anyone wants to go. It's on February 27th at 1 p.m. at the police station. And then Captain Katigan will be following uh several months later. So, we're losing two of our
senior officers. Um and we wish them well. I'm sure we're going to see Doug, if not in person, online for sure. So, without a doubt. Um my wife had told me that uh and I
apologize for not getting the names but I believe the last name is Pilates um with the with the Olympics going on right now coincides with that uh town resident and she won a medal at the Special Olympics in ice skating. So
congratulations to her and her family. I'm sure that took a lot of work on her part and a lot of dedication on her part and a lot of work also on on the parents and the family because Special Olympics Olympics that are being televised, they
put their heart and soul into this for for you know a piece of metal, but it goes further than that. It just shows how much they love the sport and they give it and they give it their all. And certainly she did. Today on the uh agenda we have uh
something with blue acres. Um our engineer is preparing uh plans to demolish several buildings which we had purchased a number of years ago and this goes back. So finally we're we're getting to that final stage. Uh it is to
give us a little more open well a lot more open space uh to help with flood mitigation. So, these will not be u paved areas. They're not going to be used for anything other than hopefully absorbing any kind of uh precipitation
and any kind of uh runoff from the river. So, we're we're finally getting there. We will not be having two separate meetings in July and August. July and August, we're going to be meeting the third uh Thursday of the month. We're
going to meet early for the special session and then following that we're going to have our regular session. A lot of people have uh vacation plans, not so much us, but the members of the public. Uh so we thought it would be best to uh have it at one in one meeting. So just
those people out there that mark their calendars. Uh we will not be having a work session on the first Thursday of July and the first Thursday of August. Both meetings will be on the third Thursday. Um,
I had asked uh Chief Zato to uh have the members of his police department uh go and do a speed study on Fifth Street. Uh, as you should be aware, Fifth Street is going to be um one of the many parks
that we are in the process of renovating and updating. Uh we're going to be putting a basketball court in there, updating the uh the playground that's already in there, some parking spaces. Um and uh because one of the criteria
for the speed humps is parks and schools. I I had asked the chief to get that done. Uh the results came back and in 10 days uh almost 42,000 vehicles passed the uh
that area on Fifth Street, which I thought was just a heck of a lot. Um the tolerance limit is 35 miles an hour. It's over 16% registered above that, but that's standard to have it as the
tolerance. However, that means that most of the people, it looks like 65% was were going between 26 and 35 and and they were going higher than that. The average speed was over the average speed was actually 30 miles per hour. So, the
average speed is 5 miles more than the posted speed limit. Uh for that reason, I am going to propose and the council is going to speak about it probably at the next work session to uh have a uh speed hump installed on Fifth Street near the
um entrance to that park, which hopefully will be utilized a lot more than it than it is now. One person we didn't speak about that passed away was Uncle Floyd. So for people my age, 65
uh and in that generation uh Uncle Floyd was like an uncle uh a funny one. Um and uh just watching him and UI and Looney Skip Rooney and those people uh it was great and I saw his show probably a
dozen times and I went up to him at one show before he was going to go on. And I said, "Listen, if you, you know, if you feel ill or something like that, you need to leave, I will do your show for you because you've been doing the same jokes for 25 years and I've memorized them." He didn't appreciate that, but he
still was funny. Um, next week is Independence Day, uh, for celebration of the independence for Dominican Republic. Um, so we do have a lot of Dominicans in this town at this
point. And, uh, right around the block from me is made in the Dominican Republic, a restaurant which we hope that people in Saddlebrook um, you know, go and attend our local businesses. Uh, I doing a little research on that, I
just assumed that Dominican got their independence from Spain, but they actually got their independence from Haiti. Haiti controlled them, you know, whatever 200 years ago. Um, and uh, they are celebrating that. So,
congratulations on that. Now, uh, it is Black History Month and, uh, we did give some presentations. Uh, an icon in, uh, the African-American community, uh, Jesse Jackson passed away this week. So,
condolences to him. um whether you agreed with what he said or not, he was a powerful figure in the civil rights movement. I just have a couple of couple of quotes to go along with uh
African-American Black History Month uh from Martin Luther King. And I think some of these quotes have a have some bearing on what the the fellows here said tonight, what
they talked about. And these quotes I I think actually fit in very well with what what they spoke and they spoke from the heart. Martin Luther King said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at
times of challenge and controversy." So everyone can do the easy stuff. It's getting through the hard stuff that that makes you a person and a good person. And u Harriet Tubman said, "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the
strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Thank you. We're going to go into ordinances. First ordinance on the agenda. First
reading. Ordinance 1795-26. An ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 106 handicap parking of the code of the township of Serbrook to provide for handicap parking space in front of 181 Colonial Avenue for first reading. >> Motion to give a first reading.
>> Motion. Motion. Mr. Akamando. >> Second. >> Second. Mr. Garrick. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Aando. Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Simuka. >> Yes.
be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddlebrook that an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 106 handicap parking of the code of the township of Saddlebrook to provide for a handicap parking space in front of 181 Colonial Avenue here to4
passed on first reading be further considered for a final passage at a meeting to be held on March 19th 2026 at 7:00 p.m. where soon thereafter is the matter can be reached at the municipal complex 55 Mayill Street and at such
time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance according to law with the notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of a time and place when set ordinance will be further considered for final passage
to approve on first reading motion >> second Mer second by Mr. Commando. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Malcomando. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Council Ma, >> yes. >> Council President Simuka,
>> yes. First reading ordinance 1798-26 an ordinance of the township of Sandbrook deleting and replacing article 2 municipal housing liaison and article 3 affordable housing requirements of
chapter 48 affordable housing to update the township's affordable housing ordinance in accordance with the December 2025 uniform housing affordability controls December 2025 NJAC C599
regulations and the amended Fair Housing Act for first reading. >> Motion to get first reading. >> Motion, >> Mr. Garrick. >> Second. >> Second by Miss Sanchez. >> You know what? We're just going to do a uh
All in favor of giving you the first reading. >> I I Any against? Okay. >> Pass unanimously. Now therefore be resolved by the township council of the township of Sandbrook that an ordinance of the township of Serbrook deleting and replacing article 2 municipal housing
liaison and article 3 affordable housing requirements of chapter 48 affordable housing to update the township's affordable housing ordinance in accordance with the December 2025 uniform housing affordability controls
December 2025 NJAC 5 col 99 regulation ations and the amended Fair Housing Act here to for passed on first reading be further considered for a final passage at a meeting to be held on March 5th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. or sooner after the
matter can be reached at the municipal complex 55 Mayill Street and at such time and place all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance according to law with the notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of a
time and place when said ordinance will be further considered for final passage motion to pass on first reading. Motion to approve on first reading. >> Motion >> second made a second by Mr. Akamando. We'll do a roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Akamando.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Sima. >> Yes. >> Okay. Ordinance 1799-26. An ordinance of the township of Sandbrook deleting and replacing article
one mandatory set aside and development fees of chapter 48 affordable housing to update the township's development fee ordinance in accordance with the December 2025 NJAC 599 regulations and the amended fair
housing act for first reading >> motion to give first reading >> motion me second >> second by Mr. Rakamando. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any against? Seeing none, unanimous. Now therefore be resolved by the township council of the township of Saddbrook that an ordinance of the township of
Saddbrook deleting and replacing article one mandatory set aside and development fees of chapter 48 affordable housing to update the township's development fee ordinance in accordance with the December 2025 NJAC 599 regulations and
the amended fair housing act here to4 passed on first reading be further considered for final passage message that needed to be held on March 5th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. or sooner after the matter can be reached at the municipal
complex 55 Mahel Street and as such time and place said or all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance according to law with the notice of its introduction and passage on first reading and of a time and place when said ordinance will
be further considered for final passage. Motion to approve. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Garrick. Second by Miss Mer. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Marando. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Council Meer.
>> Yes. >> Council President Simluke. >> Yes. First reading. Ordinance number 1800-26. An ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 58 of the code of the township of Zanderbrook entitled animals.
I'll pass and adopt it on first reading. >> Motion to first lady. >> Motion. >> Motion by Mr. Garrick. >> Second. >> Second Mr. Aamando. All in favor? >> I >> I against. Now therefore be resolved by the
township council of the township of Saddlebrook that an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 58 of the code of the township of Saddbrook entitled animals here to for passed on first reading be further considered for a final passage at a meeting to be held on March 19th 2026
at 7:00 p.m. where soon thereafter is the matter can be reached at the municipal complex 55 May Street and at such time and place that all persons interested be given an opportunity to be heard concerning set ordinance and according to law the notice of its
introduction and passage on first reading of a time and place when where set ordinance will be further considered for final passage for the members of the public this will exempt the first responders from uh paying the fees for uh dog for animal licensing dogs and
cats, things like that. Um, is there a motion to uh approve on uh first reading? Motion by Miss May. >> Second. >> Second by Mr. Akamando. Roll call. >> Council Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Aando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez.
>> I'm going to abstain from this one because I am a first responder. >> Councilwoman Maser. >> Yes. >> Council President Simuka. >> Yes. Ordinance 1801-26. >> An ordinance amending and supplementing
chapter 87 of the code of the township of Santa Brook and title fees for first reading. >> Is there a motion? >> Motion Eric second. Mr. Akamongo roll. I'm sorry. All in favor? I >> I any >> against say no. Now therefore be resolved by the township council of the
township of Saddlebrook that an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 87 of the code of the township of Saddlebrook and title fees hereto for passed on first reading be further considered for final passage at a meeting to be held on March 19th 2026 at
7:00 p.m. or sooner after as the matter can be reached at the municipal complex, 55 Mahel Street. And at such time and place, all persons interested be given opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance according to law with the notice of its introduction and passage
on first reading have a time and place when said ordinance would further consider for final passage. >> Motion to approve on first reading. >> Second, second by Mr. Akamando. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. Councilman Armando.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez, >> I'm going to abstain from this one as well. >> Councilwoman Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Simoluca. >> Yes. >> Okay. Just uh I forgot to say it ahead of time. That would exempt our first
responders from like paying for uh permits. They they do a lot for the town and it's uh long overdue. All items listed with an asterk are considered routine and non-controversial by the township council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion on these items unless a council member or members so request it which case the item or items will be removed from the consent agenda and considered 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. uh the December 4th, 2025 meeting and the December 18th, 2025 council meeting minutes are not part of the consent agenda. >> With those um items not being part of
the agenda, is there a motion to approve? >> Motion is second by Mr. Akamando. >> Councilman Garrick, >> yes. >> Councilman Akamando, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mer, >> yes. >> Council President Simuka, >> yes. We have the minutes of the December
4, 2025 meeting. >> Motion to >> motion by Mr. Garrick. Second by Maser. Roll call. >> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Makamando. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Mer. >> Yes.
>> Council President Simula. >> Abstain. >> We have the minutes of the December 18th, 2025 council meeting. >> Motion. >> Motion by M. >> Second. Second by Mr. Garrick. Uh, roll call. >> Councilman Garrick, >> yes. >> Council Marcomando,
>> abstain. >> Councilwoman Sanchez, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Maer, >> yes. >> Council President Simuka, >> yes. >> With that part, uh, we're now on to old business and new business. A lot of times we, uh, join them together. U
anybody on the council has any, Mr. Mayor? Yeah, I just want to I want to mention u and I want to thank you for bringing up uh Palada >> because uh >> Potta. Yeah. >> It's u Angelina Palada. >> Okay. >> Um what's that?
>> She >> she won a gold medal her and her partner in figure skating pairs in at the Special Olympics. Angelina, she was she was a one of our chief for a day back going probably probably about seven,
eight years ago now. So, uh, and Dawn, the mother, she was recognized as a as a woman in history. And with that being said, next month is women in history. So, we'll be honoring some women here next month.
Thank you. Anybody else? All business, new business. And under new business, it looks like we have a famous person here under New Jersey Municipalities Magazine. The most recent addition
in the mayor's hall of fame is one Robert White. So congratulations Mayor White for your service here and is being a mayor for 10 or more years. So congrats. >> Thank you. >> Um anybody else? I'm going to open the
meeting to the public. Uh motion to open the meeting to the public for agenda items only. >> Motion >> second by Ms. Maer, second by Mr. Akamando. All in favor? Hi. >> Any against? Unanimous. Anybody else want to uh address the council on agenda items?
>> Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to close the meeting to the public for agenda. >> Motion, Mr. Mando. Second, Mr. Carrick. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any final comments? >> Uh through the chair. I just want to congratulate uh Captain Haberman on his
retirement. Um hopefully has many years of uh enjoyment being retired. Thank you. All good. Okay. I'll entertain a motion to uh adjourn the meeting. >> Motion. Second. >> Motion by Miss Mer. Second by Miss Sanchez. Roll call.
>> Councilman Garrick. >> Yes. >> Council Akamando. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mer. >> Yes. >> Council President Samuka. >> Yes. Thank you everyone. Have a great rest of the month.