Okay. Good evening. Welcome to the fifth meeting of the year. This today is March 23rd, 2023. Dawn, can you please read the publication? >> In compliance with chapter 231 of public law of 1975. Notice of this meeting to be held at the Criminal Justice
Building, 61 Main Street, South River, has been published in the Home News Tribune on January 7th, 2026. Post on the municipal bulletin board, the burough website, the front door of the criminal justice building at 61 Main Street, South River. >> Roll call. >> Mayor Gindy
>> here. >> Councilwoman Dilva >> here. Councilman Donado >> here. >> Councilman Dazian >> here. >> Councilman Gianopoulos >> here. >> Councilman Kensky >> here. >> Council President Damis >> here. Please stand for a salute to the flag and a moment of silence.
I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. He's not here. All right, we're going to
go into proclamations and presentations. Uh we have two today. Uh first one, which is the water meter replacement. Uh Felipe is not here. So we're going to go into the V-Rail pres presentation. As you all know, uh last past two years, South River has had uh VR uh represent
most of the businesses in town along with uh their uh light industrial. So today I invited Dante Bell, the uh founder of VR Real to give us a presentation on what it's all about. >> Can you please come up to the mic?
>> Thank you, Mayor Gendy. Um I have a handout for everybody. Um this is uh exciting for me. You know, I'm from grew up here in South is special to me. >> Thank you. And um
we are we're excited to be powering several uh municipalities throughout the state of New Jersey. Um but the special one is South River. Uh as Mayor Gendy stated, uh this is a uh intelligence platform for South River to be able to
understand the businesses and the ecosystem that you have. the current situation that's going on. As you know, a lot's going on with AI and Amazon and Door Dash and all those things. But what South River now has is the ability to
have its own intelligence. So when someone searches for pizza, you know, they search for pizza. If someone searches for an iron, you know, they search for an iron. You have intelligence now because when they search Google Chpt, Plexity, South gets
none of that data. So we're trying to provide South River with its own intelligence so it can begin to do research planning and then be able to execute in the brochure with your phones. If you scan the QR code, you see
that you have a ecosystem. How many businesses do you think there are in South River? Anybody want to take a shot? >> 120. >> 120. We now we brought back 380 businesses
in South River. And the exciting part about that is our technology breaks it all down for you. So now you know how many businesses you have. In addition to knowing how many businesses you have, you also know what type of business types you have. So we give you all of
that. That's part of the research component that we've been talking about. And with that, if you go to any of those listings, you will see that the businesses now have a profile that allows them to add their photos, their videos. Um, as you see, if you go into
any of the listings, we bring back the hours of operation, and we also allow what we call participation tracking, and we know that South River does events and great events. Now, with the Vau technology, city technology, you can track participation. So, if you did a
bar crawl or if you did a festival or any type of event, you can actually have persons click and scan a QR code to show that they went into that place of business. And now you're able to track how successful and who participated in the event. Right now, you may be doing a
great event, but you may not have any analytics to prove what happened during that event or what modifications you want to make for that event for next year or other businesses that you may want to have invited to that event. So this gives you a place of intelligence
to be able to go and have access to any of that information. In addition to that, um, part of the invention that we have is analytics, right? So, Mayor Gendy and the council and the board, you can always go in and
log in and see what's happening, what people are looking for, where are their gaps, you know, people are searching for this, maybe we need to get a laundry mat or we need to get something else in the city in in the burl that has those things. So, it's very exciting. Um, we
are in the in the midst of always updating technology, but we're very excited about where we are and especially for me being for South Rivers to work with This is what we call the one of the greatest things that's changing the internet and you're going to be able to say it came from Dante
Bell from South River and that's what we're doing. We're we're changing the game. Uh I think in the May edition you're going to see it in the New Jersey League of Municipalities. They're doing an article on us. Mayor Genny's featured in there and we're we're showing how we
are trend setting. We are providing now municipalities with their own intelligence, the ability to have their own reporting, the ability to power their businesses. For every dollar that's spent within South River at a local business, 68 cent stays in town if
it's at a local business. So that's a big number. And so we're trying to drive economics. We're trying to drive participation. And that's what we're doing with the city >> council. Have any discussions? Any questions? >> No, I'd just like to say thank you.
Thank you for having us. It is as like a a little jewel in your little crown or your crown. >> Absolutely. The the key is to drive local participation because we all know what's going on with the war and with the federal government and grants being
cut. You know, this is the time to say if grants are being cut on a federal level, what are we going to do on a local level and the then the key element for the local level to drive any economics to South River through South for what?
>> All businesses, right? That's our way of keeping the money circulating within South River. So that's what we're trying to provide a basis, a framework to be able to do that in the most innovative way. >> I have one question. So for a local business, do they manage their own
platform on here? So if you click on the business, what it shows and hours of operation, if it's a menu or an offering or a sale, whatever that is, do they manage their own content? >> Yes, every business u manages their own content. We at uh our company, we do
what we call verification calls. So every business gets gets called and we verify their office hours of operation. We verify all their contact information, website, Instagram, you know, any social media, all those are relevant links and they can upload their own photos, their
own videos and we provide them customer support to do that as well. So, we support them with that. When they receive their their verification call and they go through, we send them a verification email. In that verification email includes their login for that that
account. It includes also the ability for signing up for customer service to show them and walk them through how to update their profile. >> Thank you. I'm just taking a note here. That's all. >> If so, you're saying there's uh 300 and
some businesses in town. Now, did you did your company put them on this page or do they have to call you and say, "Hey, can you put me on this page?" >> Oh, that would get fun. Okay. So what my company is a we're AI powered
technology. What we did was we combed Google and we called we scraped we crawled Google and any business that was on Google that had a listing with a South River address and we categorized those through Google.
So our our business profiles match Google perfect. So that's how we accompany all the 380 businesses and the largest category is services. Services has over 300 businesses in
South the landscapers, the plumbers, the electricians. These are the businesses that you may not normally see because they're not in a storefront in front of you, but those are the ones that are driving the economy. The lawyers, the you know these are the key the doctors. These are key elements or or or services
entities that are driving the economics in South River. And so to your point, they all get a profile. They all get promoted. They get free visibility. We're going to in integrate this into the website. So if you go to springfieldbid.com as an example, you want to write that down. Springfield bid.com. You'll see an
example of an integration that is in the website. Mayor Gendy, we will be integrating this into South River's website. So someone says, "Well, how do I find a directory?" Go to the website. Go to South website and click on the marketplace or click on directory and that's how you get to it. You can also
have access to our VO technology. May Guini knows about this. Well, we provide this technology. So the way it works is this card is my business card. So every business can also receive this. If you touch the phone with it, you'll see that
it brings up a profile. of me. That's my business card. And in four seconds, you see that it begins to play a story in a video. And so with this, each business has the ability to
tell their story using NFC technology. And this is another visual element of access that the businesses can have access to to use. And that's another layer of integration that we can provide. We're bring We're making South River
high tech high-tech on the cutting edge into tomorrow's future. >> Tomorrow's future. >> Council, anything else for uh Mr. Dante? >> Nice job. >> Thank you, sir. >> Very nice work. Looking forward to working with you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. Uh we are going to go into agenda session. Uh we have three second readings and we have one first reading. Uh the first three readings um John can
you uh please uh chime on explain it to us. >> So uh ordinance number 2026-5. That's an ordinance amending the code of the bureau of South River chapter 289 article 2 section 289-5 titled removal of snow and ice to prohibit the
placement deposit or dumping of any material object snow ice debris or other substance in the public right of way. This ordinance does exactly what its title indicate indicates it does. it will now make it a violation of the
burough code to place any snow or ice in the in the right ofways. So, if you can imagine, when people are clearing off their driveways, clearing off sidewalks, we obviously don't want them dumping that snow or any other material back
into a roadway uh that was plowed or recently plowed or is uh going to be plowed. So um that that is uh the substance of 2026-5. 2026-6 is an ordinance of the Burough of South
River County and Middle Sex State of New Jersey repealing and replacing chapter 22 article 4 sections 22-18 through 22-18.12 of the Burough Code to establish separate environmental commission/green
team and shade tree advisory board. This ordinance uh takes what is currently one entity in the burrow and creates two separate entities. So right now we have a combined environmental commission green team and and shade tree advisory
board under uh New Jersey statutes under state law. Um there's a very specific construction and makeup of entities called environmental commissions and then entities called uh shade tree commissions. So now all of the
responsibilities for the environmental commission and the green team will be under uh that entity called the environmental commission that'll be consistent with state law and the same goes for the shade tree commission. It was previously all under one now it's going to be under two consistent uh with state law and then the makeup of those
entities will be uh in accordance with those statutes. Uh and then finally for second reading is also 2026-7. This is an ordinance amending the code of the bureau of South River chapter 155
titled fees at section 155.19.1 uh to require a security deposit for reservations to use Graoski Park baseball field. So uh at the beginning of the season uh different groups or leagues or or entities might want to
reserve a number of of dates to to use the field. Uh this is the astroturfed field. Uh there's you know special special maintenance and and care uh go goes into that field. So uh this security deposit will be taken at the
beginning of the season. Uh after after the season is done and the use is done. Uh there'll be an inspection period just to make sure that there's no extraordinary maintenance or repair that that's necessary. If there is some extraordinary maintenance or repair, um that security deposit will be used to
conduct uh that work and then any balance that's left over could be all of it, could be none of it uh depending on on what occurs during the use that will be returned uh to the the registrant. >> Okay. And we're going to have one first
reading uh which is going to be on um 2026-8. Uh Mark, >> basically that's amending section 10 for loading zones for ordinance 193-39 on Mark's Place. That uh section is already in there. Uh the only thing that's changing are the hours operations. If
you look at the ordinance now, there's that that section for hours is blank. So we're changing it from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And also the location, it's uh from a point of 130 ft north of the intersection of Jackson Street to a point 85 ft north thereof. Previously,
it said uh 135 north feet north of the intersection and then it said uh to a point of 110 ft. So, we're changing it to 85 ft north of the intersection. >> So, it's just giving more room for a loading zone for the business that's on
Mark's Place. All right. All right. Don, can you please read uh for second reading 2026-5? >> An ordinance amending the code of the burrow of South River, chapter 289, article 2, section 289-5, titled removal
of snow, and ice to prohibit the placement, deposit, or dumping of any material, object, snow, ice, debris, or other substance in the public right away. Motion to the full read. Public read. Motion by council president
What? Desis, >> that's right. >> Seconded by Councilman U Gina. >> Yes. >> Like to open this up to the public.
>> Like to open up to the public. Uh five minutes. Please uh state your name and address. >> Just pertaining to this ordinance, >> right? >> It's only pertaining to >> Just pertaining to the snow and ice ordinance. Motion to close public.
>> Motion by council president Danis. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Dean. >> Council discussion. >> I think it's obvious with this last year of snow that there was a lot of snow and what happens and a lot of places you
can't put it and the street is number one on the list. So the burough did its best, but an ordinance like this protects the people from having to come out and plow again and all that. So I think it's pretty fair straightforward. So >> I believe there always I believe there always was an ordinance about placing
the snow back into the right away and everything too, but this just reinforces the whole fact. >> Correct. >> I have a have question. >> Uh with this ordinance, it's great good idea to reinforce what we already have in places. I've known that we're not
supposed to be doing that for years and years and years. Um my question is people who leave their cars out in the road and then start to shovel them out after the plows have been by. Now for me that's you've given the plows you've
you've uh taken the the opportunity for the plows to plow it. Where would that snow be expected to be placed >> on their property? >> Makes makes sense. I just wanted to hear you say that >> it goes back on their property. >> Listen, the DBW does a lot when it comes
down to plowing. Uh it's not easy to come back right away. You got well over 60 miles on that road and when they're when they're going down the road and they think that they plowed it at least to give a a path and then you got a
house that's now shoveling it back into the street, it's kind of unfair to all your neighbors as well as to the commuters that's trying to get past you. So this law now is coming into effect where now they're going to be able to enforce it >> whether it's going to be the police or DPW is going to be able to, you know,
control it and let >> we have the opportunity to insert that in there uh to make sure that the people understand that when you're you leave your car in the road and the plows go by when you go when you go to remove it, you don't and they're going to have a tendency I'd probably be one of them
only I know better is to shovel it and put throw it out on the road and then you get people coming in later on when you pack this stuff down. It's like going through terrible potholes, even worse than the ones we have now. And some of the ones we have now because of the the weather are terrible with the I
know our road department has been uh going crazy trying to fill them in. I've got a list of other ones that I'm going to put together and send >> they're running rapid how difficult it We'll be talking about that about the potholes. But this is something that needs to be uh uh
enforced and moved on. First step in uh trying to keep our roads uh clear of uh debris. Council, any other discussion? >> No. >> Do I have a motion? >> Motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Motion by council president Desanis.
Council uh seconded by Councilman Damian. >> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Dazian, >> yes. >> Councilman Gian Copas, >> yes. >> Councilman Gchensky, >> yes.
>> Council President Dannis, >> yes. >> All right. Dawn, 2026-6. An ordinance of the bureau of South River County of Middle Sex, State of New Jersey, repealing and replacing chapter
22, article 4, sections 22 through 18 through 22-18.12 of the Burough Code to establish separate environmental commission, green team, and shade tree advisory board. >> Motion to have the full read. >> Motion by council president Desanis.
>> Second. >> Second by Councilman Kosinski. like to open this up to the public. >> Hi, Lisa Burn, 11 Bet Place, South River. Um, as you know, my husband is the chairperson. Um,
>> my question is three years ago, um, Councilman Siola was adamant, we were two entities. He was adamant that we make it one. But I told him then, we don't have the people to do that. we don't have the resources to do it. He insisted it be one and now we're going back. Why?
>> Why? Because I feel that these this two entities could do a whole lot more if they're separated, especially when it comes down to the shade of tree and the shade tree as well as the environmental. The environmental could help out when it comes down to the planning part of it, when it comes down to land use
not working out. And whether he did it four years, well, it's actually four years ago. Since he did it four years ago, I I never agreed with it. >> You don't have the manpower. I believe that we will have the manpower. I >> we've talked to the schools. When I was on the board of education, I talked to the teachers that run the Earth programs
at schools. They can't get any kids interested. We can't get people to help us. We still have the same seven people doing this. Correct. >> As two separate meetings again. >> Yes, I do. >> Trust me when I tell you, we have enough
uh people. Okay, >> Emily. Emily Graasso, 13 Dar Street, current chair of the Environmental Commission. No, no worries. Um, I have the same concerns that Lisa has just said. Um,
I don't have I don't have the desire or the personal time to be on both commissions. So, I'm not sure how um it's going to be staffed, but yeah, I have the same concern she does because we've had people who express interest like I've
had people say, "Oh, yeah, I want to come to a meeting." And I email them and and then they don't come. You know, it sounds like they're great. They want to come, but then they don't because it's a big commitment on time. I understand, but but my concern is that if we have two separate entities that
the staffing is the issue. >> So, let's try it. Let's see what happens. >> Okay. >> Anyone else from the public? >> Motion to close public. Motion by council president DeSantis. >> Second
>> second by councilman Gina complus. Council discussion. >> Um so I I do feel it's also a state statute to have the two separate ones. So now we're just going to be in compliance
with that. And we've had people step up and show interest in being in the shade tree. So I think >> well also and then also in this statute
we've created now it's not an advisory board it's a commission so the shade tree committee will have uh teeth so to speak to be able to do enforcement where before the way was
written up they could give advice but they really didn't have any muscle to them where they could actually enforce tree ordinances. Now they can and we did have new people step up to say they'd be willing to do it. So hopefully we have
enough and um we think it'll work. You know, if it doesn't, nothing is etched in stone. >> I'm not against it. >> I guess they're waiting. >> We don't know who they are. That would really us feel better.
>> Well, I'll be speaking to you soon. So, >> all right, that's all I have. Mayor, >> I have Mr. Duke, I have a question. So, we're saying we're aligning with the state protocol now, but before we weren't, is this something that's like hard and fast, or is it kind of up to the discretion? So, are we are we able
to go back now if if we decide it's not working out and we assess, or are we going to have to make it work this way and really push? I just want to understand that we're doing it by the book. Uh we are so the the ordinance as drafted now is definitely doing it by the book. The kind of discreet question
you're asking is is there an avenue under state law to combine these two boards? I'm not prepared to answer that question without really looking into it. Um but I also couldn't say that the answer is no without really looking into it. So um I do know for a fact that it's
two separate statutes that provide for an environmental commission and a different statute that provides for a shade tree commission. And the way that those entities get made up is slightly distinct under the law. So it leads me to believe that this is really the right
way to do it to have two different. Now there members could overlap and I understand the burden of time and commitment um and maybe there's solutions around that where you know one meeting is devoted towards environmental commission matters one meeting is to
shade tree commission matters. I I don't know. But um combining the two the two boards back into one uh doesn't meet the letter of the law, but I I I would want to look uh a little bit deeper before I speak so Okay. >> firmly on that.
>> Yeah. I'd like to be optimistic, but I'd also like to understand like if we have to go back, we're not going to break the law to do it. So, we all need to be on that same page as well. So, all right. Thank you. >> Anything else from council? >> I have a motion. >> Motion to adopt. Second by council
president Danis Coun uh seconded by councilman Christian Janeopus. >> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dazian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gianopoulos. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gensky.
>> Yes. >> Council President Danis. >> Yes. >> Calling 2026-7. An ordinance amending the code of the Burough of South River chapter 155 titled fees at section 155.19.1
subsections to require a security deposit for reservations to use Gowski Park baseball field. >> Motion wave to full read. >> Motion by Council President Desanis. Second. >> Second by Councilman Kushinsky.
Like to open this up to the public. wants. >> Second. Do I have a motion to close? >> Motion to close. >> Motion by Councilman Kosinsky. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Desanis. Uh no Z. Council discussion.
>> I just I had a question. So the reason the ordinance has come up is people have always rented that field. Is that correct? This field is utilized by not only the burrow but also outside entities because it's a county field including like an adult league. So the
deposit is basically there for if they have do a bunch of like age could probably attest to it on like a Sunday, they may make it leave it pretty dirty or something. You got to do a cleanup and things like that. And I'm not saying they have, but that's an example. Uh so it's like it's it's no different than a security deposit on an apartment or
anything else. and then they still have to pay the usage fees and then they basically get assessed if there's any above and beyond. So this is very common and this does not go to like the local little league like our local teams are not going to have to put up a security deposit. The school would not have to do that as well. So it's really like an
outside entity a league or a a training someone who does their own like on the side like a above and beyond work things like that. So it's not geared towards you know your little leagues and and youth groups. >> I got it. So yeah, if an adult league shows and leaves bottles everywhere or
something, >> that'd be one example. Or if they break the fence, there's a lot of things that it could be. Uh but by getting the money up front, as we all know, it's a lot easier to give them a smaller check back than to get money later. So that's the uh that's the idea here. The goal is to
give them every dollar back, right? We're not trying to do it that way, but >> security. >> Yeah, that's all it really You've done them all your whole life on plenty of things, hotels to apartments. So that's the gist of it. Okay, thank you. That's all I have. >> We have a motion. Motion to move.
>> Second >> motion by Council President Dennis. Second by Councilman Gina. >> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dazian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gianopoulos. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gchensky.
>> Yes. >> Council President Danis. >> Yes. Oh, on first reading >> 226-8 >> 2026-8 an ordinance of the Burough of South River, county of Middle Sex, State of New Jersey, amending the Burough Code of the Burough of South River, so as to
amend chapter 193, entitled Vehicles and Traffic. I move that council pass ordinance 2026-8 on its first reading by title only and that the clerk be authorized to publish the same as required by law with the second reading and public hearing to
be held at a meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 13th, 2026 by video conference via Zoom or in the council chambers of the criminal justice building at 61 Main Street in South New Jersey. >> Second. A motion by Council President Danis,
second by Councilman Kosinski. >> Councilwoman Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Dazian, >> yes. >> Councilman Gianopoulos, >> yes. >> Councilman Kensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dannis,
>> yes. >> We're going to go on to reports. Uh Justin, CME. >> Thank you, Mayor. Brief update on the capital projects taking place within the burrow for the 2023 and 2024 local aid program. The contractor has a minor punch list to complete and upon its
completion we will submit to NJ DOT for project closeout for the 2023 local transportation project grant. Bid opening took place in February and crossroad paving was the lowest parent bidder. They're currently preparing the contracts and expect work to begin in springtime. the 2025 local aid program.
The project has been uh the design is complete and the project has been approved by the DOT. Bidding will take place next month. The 2025 electrical substation maintenance. Um a pre-construction meeting already took place and work is expected beginning in the spring. And then the 2026 local aid program, the project has been authorized
and design work has begun. Okay. So I have council discussion. Uh CFO is not here. page DPW. Okay. Uh we're going to be closed on April 3rd for Good Friday. There'll be no bulk.
Also, our paper shred event will be on April 25th at the DPW yard, 9 Ivan Way from 9:00 a.m. to 12. This is open to all residents and businesses in town. So, bring as much as
you want down. And also, we are still out there filling potholes and it'll be a long time. So, be patient. We'll be getting to you eventually. Thank you. >> Council, you have any discussion for uh age?
>> What What was the date on that age on the paper shredding? >> April 25th, Saturday. >> Uh Fire Chief Wolf, >> we're on uh everything's going. We're starting our uh maintenance program now
for with DPW for all the apparatus to be serviced and everything or yearly service. Uh we're right now uh a little over a 100 calls standing for the year. Um been a busy year so far. Um a lot of activated alarms and stuff like that,
but other than that, we're right now we're moving along. >> Thank you. Discussion council. Okay. Um, John, lawyer. >> Nothing tonight, Mayor. >> Don,
>> Mark, >> yeah, I just have a couple things to report. Uh, on the police end, we're still looking for school crossing guards. So, anybody that's, uh, interested, uh, the applications can be picked up at Boral Hall. Uh, regarding an update on the water meter replacement
project, uh, it's progressing nicely. We're about 85% complete. We have 423 accounts remaining that need to be completed. Of those 423, 283 have not reached out or have not responded to us. Uh and of those 423,
140 have various plumbing issues such as the meter's behind a wall. Uh the meter can't be reached. So that's something in the future that we're going to have to discuss uh with the council. Um, Meter Tech has some open appointments scheduled for Good Friday on uh, which
is April 3rd. If you want to have a new meter installed in your house, uh, the phone number for that is area code 833505412. Now, as for the other project uh, that's entailed in this, it's the project to move to the new building company from Obsolv to Municip Bid, Municipal
Building, I'm sorry. uh that billing company will be handling all of our electric and water bills going forward. Uh many have signed up online and and are paying their bills with success. Payments that were made during the transition from one company to the other
are almost inputed. So, not all the ones that were, you know, where people came in and actually paid their bills uh have they haven't been put into the new system yet, but they will be eventually. Um there's still a few reported issues with the old billing company providing
the new billing company with some information. So we're trying to work through that and we're looking to have this all said and done by the end of April. Okay. >> So the one thing that's that's good to report is that uh with this new billing company, you're going to be able to have an autopay option and you're also going
to be able to pay by phone. So that's one good news. We're moving up with technology. >> You have a discussion. I have a question. The bridge lights, >> so those bridge lights, uh, the the
lights that are on the right hand side of the bridge coming into South River, they're owned and operated by JCPNL. Uh, we've reached out to them numerous times. Uh, whether it's us or the burrow of Saravel. Um, you know, I know the bur administrator
prior to me, he he has reached out as well. The bur administration of Saraveville has reached out. Also, we've gotten Milsis County Office of Emergency Services involved. Um they're the issue is there is is um is wiring. They're trying to figure out a
way to to run a conduit line to the bridge. Um so, we're just waiting for that to happen. So, I reached out to the to the gentleman that I deal with uh today. Um he has a meeting with the planner tomorrow. So, we'll go from there. So, I've also asked them, I know
we tried it in the past by putting up a a light tower there. Uh, we got the light tower from the uh OEM from the county, but it doesn't really light up the whole entire bridge. So, I made a suggestion to JCPNL if they can rent some and maybe put it along the path. You know, whether or not they're going
to do that, I I don't know. >> Any questions? >> Mark, I have one. Uh they recently paved John Daly uh and a few of the other streets in that particular area around the pond and all. Uh PSCG I mean public
yeah PS&G was down there for a gas leak and they opened up John Street uh pretty considerably. Hopefully they'll come back in the spring when the asphalt plants are open and do a proper repair of that particular site. Right. >> I hopefully. >> Yeah, I'll find out. Tell me what they
did the side of the road. Uh it's it's not quite on a side of the road. It's more towards the center in a one particular lane. >> And I'm sorry, where was this? >> On John Street, John and Daly. They opened it up for a gas leak a few weeks ago and everything too. And they put a
temporary patch on there too. But being that we just paved the road, what six months ago if that Okay. >> that we have a good proper repair. Okay. All right, council comments.
Councilman Kosinski. Uh, right now we're getting towards the end of the month for uh, Office on Aging. Uh, they will have their schedule out. It'll be posted online. So, if there's anything of interest that you would uh, care to attend, please put your reservations in at the beginning of
the month. And that's pretty much all I have right now. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Dilva. Um, just wanted to remind everybody again, the rabies clinic is this Saturday, the 28th. Um, 12 to 2 is for the dogs. 2 to 2:30 is our cats. It will be held at the
public works department, which is 9 Ian Way. It's open to all residents of New Jersey. Um, residents of South River though will be able to license their pets there. Um, they are the town is waving the licensing for pets, any late
fees till April 1st. So, if your pets are due for rabies vaccines, um, or if you're not sure, it's a good opportunity just to go ahead and get a booster. Uh, also wanted to remind everybody that our food bank at 98 Jackson Street is still open twice. It's uh, residents are able
to visit twice a month still up and they're extending it to June. So, you can visit the burough website for more information on that. Also, our library is offering a lot of programs for adults and children till the weather opens up and gets better. they have a lot of um
programs that they offer there. So, just check the website and you'll be able to get information on programs that are are are fun for adults and for children. And for now, that is all. >> All right. Thank you, Councilman Demia. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh reminder that
preschool enrollment is still open for the full day program available at no cost to South River residents who are three or four years old. The registration flyer is listed on the South River Board of Ed website. You can
also call 9086138305 to enroll your child. Um the budget committee, we are finalizing the budget very soon and it will be available to the public. um with the uh frost on the pumpkin. We have a meeting with the business administrator, board of health, and
recck department going over the start of it and doing everything we can to make this very positive and bring it back this year in October. Um on March 12th, four new police officers were sworn in. Officer Brianna
Diaz, Officer Derek Whitaker, Officer Jeppe Castanza, and Officer David Martinez. Congratulations to them joining the force in South. As South moves on further down the road, we tend to um increase the force uh as much as
possible to adhere to the um growing South River and taking care of any future issues. And that's all I have. Mayor, >> thank you. Councilman Gina. >> Yes, Mayor. Um
the uh EDC is working on a farmers market which they plan to have in uh I think starting in September. They're going to have it on uh Sunday. We're not sure which Sunday, but it's going to be Sundays between 11:00 and 3:00. And it
should be we're tenatively at the uh Ober Street parking lot. That's where it's going to be. and uh the meetings on that if you want to get involved with that they there's an EDC meeting at the
uh office on aging on Reed Street and those meet that next meeting is going to be April 15th it's a Wednesday at 7:00 if you have any interest in uh helping out and participating they're always looking for members and also the uh shade and tree commission our next
meeting is April 9th April 9th it's at 6:30 :30. It's at uh 48 Washington if you're interested in that. You heard how we're looking for members for the environmental commission. Um
and we're also working on a tree project where we're going to plant trees on Main Street and uh we're working on that fast and furious trying to get them into the ground as soon as possible so we could pretty up Main Street with some beautiful greenery. And that's all I have. Mayor.
>> All right. Thank you. Uh, Councilman Donado. >> Uh, nothing to report, ma'am. >> All right. Council, Council President Sus. >> Thank you. Uh, for the Recreation Advisory Board, registration is open for spring yoga. Classes are Tuesday
starting March 31st through May 19th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Our spring sports activities are going to be starting within the next few weeks, which include T-ball, baseball, softball, and flag football. We're also going to be adding a chess program where
there'll be an instructor who will teach the children the game of chess and that is to start in the month of May. So, please look out for the announcement there. You can visit the burough website for more details and to register. Go to www.southoverj.org. Click departments then parks and
recreation and there'll be a link to enroll. If you have any issues online, you can call the office at 732254-4412. The next recreation advisory meeting will be on Monday, May 19th at 6 PM at 55 Re Street and residents are welcome
and encouraged to attend. That's all I have. Thank you. So, we're going to do something a little different this time. Matter of fact, we're going to try it out today. Hopefully, it works out. We are going to go into public comments, but only on consent resolutions only. After the consent resolutions has been
voted upon, then I will open it back up for good and welfare for the public. So, uh, out of the consent resolutions, there is one consent resolution that's going to be added, which is 117, which is for 85 Prospect Street, uh, which is we're running a study to, uh, see if
they're adequate enough to be a deemed as a redevelopment, um, a property. With that said, I'd like to open it up to the public for consent resolutions only. Going once, two >> motion to close.
>> Motion by council president Sandis, >> second by council men gene accomplice. I am uh for the mayorial appointments. I am uh appointing for the land use board Carlos Sicara for the alternate to position which uh
new uh new face for a new board. Uh we're going to go to consent resolutions. Uh, Dawn 2026-107 to 2026-17. Please read it. >> Resolution 107, authorizing the
requisition of funds for payment for the custodian of school monies. 108 authorizing change order number two for water meter replacement project. 109 awarding a contract to CME Associates for professional services. 110
authorizing emergency awards for snow removal. 111 reject all bid submitts for the unidirectional flushing program bid. 112 property tax refund. 113 confirming submission of a request for a
congressionally directed spending. 114 accept February 9th, 2026 regular and executive session minutes. 115 accept March 2nd, 2026 regular and executive session minutes. 116 authorize
the bills and claims consent list. 117 authorizing the land use board to investigate an area in need of redevelopment. >> We have a motion. >> Motion. >> Motion by council president Dennis. >> Second. >> Second. Seconded by Councilman Dan.
>> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gianopoulos. >> Yes. Councilman Gchensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Danis. >> Yes. >> Now I will be opening it up to the
public for good and welfare. 5 minutes. Please state your name and your address. Council, Chuck Bingert, live at 33 Terry Avenue. Before I go off, I want to commend the Department of Public Works for the job they did during the snowstorm. Having personally worked for the public works department years ago, I
know what it's like to spend 24 hours in a dump truck with a plow on it. is not fun having people screaming and cursing at you because you pull out their driveway back in. But um anyway, I live I live on the corner of Terry and Coen Drive. I still hear grumbling going on about Coen Drive being closed. It's been
a success. Okay. My neighborhood is quiet. Heritage Landing is quiet now because they don't have as many cars going through my neighborhood through their neighborhood. And just I Googled it. I I want to repeat the stuff I said the last time because everybody knows it's it was an enforcement problem. The South River Police did the best they
could. It's not a big department. I sent the mayor numerous videos that was I just send you videos of people going the wrong way up the oneway street. I had cameras and I was noticing I was catching a whole car and once in a while I would just catch the back bumper and once in a while I just catch noise. What I realized by the time the timer went
off the car was going so fast I wasn't catching the car. All I hear was the tires going by. So I stood out there one day and watching. That's exactly what was happening. Someone's going like 25 which was a speed limit. I'd catch the whole car but they're doing like 30 35. If I catch the middle of the car and they're doing like 40, I wouldn't catch anything. So, the speeding I never I
didn't send you any videos that I didn't think about at the time, but the speeding that was going up there was horrendous. I Googled just for the heck of it is a good idea to connect neighborhoods together. 95% of what I saw online were negative. Even the ones that had anything positive about it,
they said it helps get the traffic off the main roads, but it causes problems in the neighborhood that the people were going through. They had something I never heard what they call rat runs. It's it's when people take shortcuts through neighborhoods to get out of out of major, you know, arteries to try to take shortcuts. They said people tend to
speed. They're going to do whatever speed they were doing on the main road when they go into side roads. Everything I read online was against connecting neighborhoods together. So, the the road from day one was a disaster. We had traffic. We had hundreds of cars going
through there during rush hour. And like I said the last time, I'm trying not to repeat myself. Most of the people going through there weren't South River residents. that were going through my neighborhood through Heritage Landing and out into East Brunswick. There's not that many people living in Heritage Land. There'd be 150 cars going through my neighborhood in an hour and a half.
So, it's it's it was a shortcut for East Brunswick. That's all it was. It didn't nothing for the Burough residents. It didn't help us at all. And it's a safety issue. When I moved into my house in 1990, most of my neighbors were people that bought those houses brand new. They were older people. Most of them are gone
now. We got a lot of new families moving in with young children. We got kids riding bicycles in the streets now. It's just it's a nice quiet little neighborhood. Again, it's a safety issue, a noise issue because the people going the wrong way. If you anyone's is familiar with Coen Drive, there was
supposed to have been a house there according to the original plans. We had my wife was on the open space commission. They had five houses left out to leave the big section of woods there. So, the road doesn't go straight because of the property on the corner. The road's got a sharp curve in the middle of it. I personally saw four
accidents there. People come down in the snow, went right through the guy's fence, up the curb, and through the guy's fence. The previous resident, not the guy there. Now, I saw four cars go up on the sidewalk coming down there too fast because the road it was poorly designed because it had to be because of the way the property was cut. It was cut in wedge shapes obviously because it's a
curve. So, the road was poorly designed. Plus, the the wrong way was from day one, we had people the wrong way and the noise is horrendous of people coming out there because they stomp on the gas. They stomp on the floor trying to get out there. They think no one's going to see them if they go through at the speed of light, but you can hear them. And the
way my house is situated, I'm the last house on the corner. Everyone else is the front of their house faces the road. The side of my house faces the road. So my bedrooms on that side. So I hear trucks and cars constantly coming out of the wrong way all night and all day. So that and they put the stop signs on
calling um Leonardine Avenue now and Cam Avenue. That's a great idea because the people coming down Leonardine Avenue are always flying. And I spoke to the mayor about Caroline Drive. My mother-in-law recently passed away. She lived there. The speeding on Caroline Drive is horrendous. But the road's been a success being closed. It's just turn the
neighborhood back to what it used to be. The only reason I've heard for that road being open is because people want to take a shortcut. It's it's not even a half a mile to go down Leonard Dean and go through the back. It's not even a half a mile. So, you're going to destroy my neighborhood because you want a shortcut?
I'm sorry. my my res the residents of my neighborhood, their safety and quality of life is more important than someone's need to take a shortcut. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else from the public? >> Burn again 11% please.
>> I again want to thank Adriano and the public works. I have a handicap van that got plowed in with the 20 million feet of snow. They came back and did a second pass and helped me. My neighbors help got the van
out so I can get to his doctor's appointments. 20-year storm be. But they do work hard. They are 247 and they are out there in all kinds of weather and they should be appreciated
more by the people in this town. >> I agree. Thank you. Anyone else from the public? Lonnie Triger, 44 Ferry Street. Also want to talk about downtown. >> I want to talk about downtown. >> Uh but mostly um I have talked to
everybody individually about some of my concerns and I just keep hearing about there's a plan. I guess being a property owner and having been down there for 40 years, um I guess I I'd like to see it. I mean,
everyone up here appear very excited about it. Um I believe it affects me. Um one of my biggest issues, of course, is I'm getting very nervous about having a place to park to come to work, especially with all the added projects
going on and stuff like that. Um, hasn't been any new parking, new off- streetet parking created in a long time. And I keep hearing about a parking deck. I'm just wondering when I get to see the plan or if I get to see the plan.
>> Well, when a plan is um let's say too late, the neighbors or I say the residents as well as the uh businesses will be well, you know, well informed of what's going on. Like meaning once it's on paper then I'll be able to show it. >> Come on. It's it's got already. Okay. So
it's not on paper. What? You have a little mockup like that scale mockup stuff. It's cool. >> I am actually I will be talking to >> How can people say they've seen it if if it doesn't exist? No, >> that doesn't make sense to me. >> Once it's in in stone, I will be coming out to you as well as all the businesses
and letting them know what's going on. But right now, I'm going to talk about what is happening on Main Street. Actually, it's in my comments. So, let my comments come and I'll let you know more about it. >> Don't worry. Well, that's not that bad.
>> Well, uh I do have um some other concerns. I don't >> It's very hard because it's like I have talked to everybody except you cuz I don't know I don't know how to get a hold of you outside of the meeting or
something. um about some of my other concerns directly on my street and stuff like that. Um I have some ideas for solutions. I have um >> When you say your street, business or personal? >> Very street.
>> Okay. >> I get kind of I do get a I like I say, I don't want to come up here and fight with you or anything. Trust me, I've made myself nuts thinking about a lot of things I want to say, but I really don't want to say them here. >> So, why don't you make an appointment and we could sit down and talk. Would
you like to do that? >> I would like to do that. >> Right. I will reach out to you if you could have Michelle uh set up something. >> Yeah, >> I will reach out to you tomorrow about that >> and then we could take it from there. >> Absolutely. You can even bring your husband with you. >> There you go. Yeah. >> Maybe we can get to Joyce's before she
closes. I don't mind. All right. >> Thank you. Anyone else from the public? >> First call. Second. >> Motion to close public. >> Motion by council president Sennis. >> Second.
>> Second by Councilman Demian. All right. Council comments. Councilman Donado. >> Uh yeah, I got a couple things, believe it or not. Um first is the water main project. We haven't had the consultant come in and give us an update on what's
going on. I spoke with him and he wanted to. >> He was supposed to be here today. >> A stinker. >> Yeah, it was it's on it's on agenda. He was supposed to be here tonight. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Uh yeah, cuz I have there was uh they were kind enough to send me the plans and I went through everything and I have
some com uh some questions that I'm sure he'll be able to answer. I will I will make sure he's at the next council meeting, but if you like, I can have him reach out to you. >> That would be fine. >> That would be fine. Um,
okay. The other thing is the uh lighting on Main Street. As you all know, I've been involved with this problem for a number of years as I work for the county of Middle Sex. And since it's South River is my town, they said, "Hey, Joe,
take care of this." I said, "Yeah, okay. uh my last email with them and I'll read you verbatim because it it conflicts with what they told the chief. I was told by their area manager um he said, "I've been informed JCPNL has developed
a plan to complete repairs to the Veterans Bridge Street lights in the Burough South River. On Monday, February 16th, during an overn over the during the overnight hours, JCPNL crews will be on site to repair the downpole and
service wires and supply power to the string of lights currently out of service. This date is confirmed on our schedule, weather emergencies permitting. He goes further on. It says, "We have determined that the root cause of the outage is repairable and will not
require boring new conduit or replacement wiring as initially anticipated. We will hire two police officers and a crash truck for safety." Needless to say, as I expected, it
hasn't been done. I am going to reach out to them again. Uh, but I'm glad that everybody other people are doing the same thing. I don't know what their problem is. If it was that simple, they shouldn't be telling other people something different. I
don't like that. It's a disservice to the public and to this burrow. And uh, just be cautious when you listen to them because you may not be getting the straight scoop. I've asked them time and time again to keep me informed so I can let the council and and the residents of
South River know whether I'm up here or sitting out there amongst the people. And this is the only time I ever got a contact and I have I haven't heard from them since. I was only where that tower came from. >> Came from the office of emergency
management from Moses County. The uh our off our OEM. >> Yeah. I figured it wasn't from them, but I said, "No, maybe they're trying to do something." Then when I went out there and it was gone, I figured, well, so much for that. Um, so we're trying to do
something about that as well. And it's frustrating. And yeah, it's too dark out there and should be no reason why the other lights are not working. I'm going to reach out to them again. I've been wanting to do that. my time is uh
it's not as like I used I'd like it to be but um that's where that particular thing stands. Um anything else that uh anybody wants to know about the county that I can help.
>> I mean I I'll think of things after the meeting but when it comes meeting it's nice to get somebody. So, I want you to know that this morning when I spoke to Mark in regards of the lights on the bridge, he sent out an email to
>> Jose and was pretty uh pretty uh I don't want to say nasty, but pretty straightforward to the email. And he wrote back, "I'm waiting on a planner to return to the office tomorrow. I have some time scheduled with her for and by my foreman to discuss the job. I'll
reach back out to you." This was today. I didn't get that. Jason, >> I'm just letting you know that >> you're more important than I >> I'm not I'm not important. The residents are important. I just represent the repres. >> What time did you get it today? >> You got it. You're part of it.
>> Oh, okay. >> 2:22. >> 2:22. >> Yes, sir. >> Oh, yeah. That's probably when my computer was deciding not to cooperate with me. It does that. >> You look at your email late at night. >> You look at your email late at night. You should be sleeping.
>> Is there anything else, Mr. Denido? >> Well, I couldn't because my it wouldn't wouldn't work at home, but no, that's it. Thank you very much, >> Councilman Geneopoulos. >> Yes, Mayor. Um, well, I'd like to say thank you to DPW for all they do. And, uh, they are out there, like Adriana
said, patching those holes. So, you know, if there's something in particular, you guys can always call the burrow and call DPW and they'll let you adj know about any holes that might be out there. So, I'm sure he has a list he's working on and eventually he'll get
to all of them. And uh I just wanted to say uh Easter's coming. Just wanted to give a happy Easter to everyone or Passover, whatever you're celebrating. Um, it's a nice nice time of the year, spring. And that's it.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Councilman Dia. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church will be having an annual Easter food sale this Saturday, March 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the church hall on Jeffrey Avenue. Um,
come and enjoy delicious specialty foods and pastries. The next Imperial Music Center concert at the Imperial Music Center is this Sunday at 2:00. It's free. Come and enjoy some nice music. A lot of people
show up there. It's always a good event. Um earlier I mentioned about the Frost and the Pumpkin. I didn't mention I want to mention it now that if anybody has any ideas or wants to be uh helping in any way reach out to me personally and
um we could always use help moving forward on that. And of course uh thank you to the P DPW for all the um work that they've been doing and have work to do. Um be patient with them on the potholes.
Um they're they they know the ones that are bad. They're being told and they're going out there and doing the best they can timewise as the rain stops and they're able to use the proper equipment to fill them in. Um and happy Easter everybody. And
that's all I have. Mayor, >> thank you. Councilwoman Silva, >> I want to start off by thanking DPW also for their hard work and for everybody. Please be patient with them. I mean, you think you could do a better job, I'm sure they're willing to have volunteers
work with them. Um, but the nasty comments on social media that I've been seeing repeatedly, which I try to avoid, it takes a toll, especially when we have residents out there that understand the hard work. And then we have residents that are at home and maybe have too much
time on their hands. I could use some help at my business, too, if you'd like to volunteer there to keep you busy. But what upsets me is Saturday at 3:46, I sent mayor a message. Um, I was a passenger in my car coming down CAM
heading towards Sheldon. And parents, I know you cannot babysit and watch your kids 24/7, but please speak to them about these electric bikes and scooters and mopeds, the wheelies that were being done in front of my car where I had to
have my significant other have the hazards on. And to see other cars coming at us also with hazards and having to pull over and honk and be disrespected by these teenagers is unacceptable.
Whether they're from this town or not, I advise you to please speak to your children. Not saying it's your child or who it is cuz I don't know people. But what they were doing and how fast they were going down this street around Benz,
not knowing what car was coming ahead of them, I would hate to read about a fatality on a child in this town because they think they're invisible. And we've all been there. We've all been young and they deserve to have fun. But there's a safe way to have fun and to be
respectful of the residents and a driver because should I, god forbid, have hit one or another resident, we would have been at fault because kids are just being kids. But if they're behind these mopeds or electric things that are going
40 miles an hour, they should also be responsible enough to know what the rules are. And most of them, almost five out of the seven, had no helmets or protective gear. And that's all I have to say. And I'm
sorry to be upset, but I have a mother, I mean, mine are older. I instilled in them to be safety and to respect people. And I was just, these kids think they're invisible, and it's got to stop. And I'm sure law enforcement
will be working on that. And I think they have every right to. And if parents can't babysit and can't be out there, then they should be responsible financially. That's all I have. And I'm sorry. >> No, don't be sad. >> And happy Easter and a blessed Easter to
everybody. But I'm sorry, but this is passionate. Especially when I was I saw it firsthand. Yep. >> I was driving. I'm next, right? No, you're not next. >> Kashinski. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, first off, I'd
like to thank our police department, our fire department, our EMS, Robert Wood, especially our DPW for the work that they do. And, you know, like I said, it's they're the unsung heroes in this town. Really, you know, parents, you know,
your children go out there, they play in the parks, the days are getting warmer, they're taking soda bottles, and believe me, a lot of times, too, I go past the parks and there's bottles all over the place. There's recycling containers there. emphasize to them, please put it in the container. Don't make the jobs
any harder than it is for these guys. They really bust. They busters do the work that they do. Uh, with that, all I do is all I have to say, too, is one more fish fry. That's it.
>> And happy spring to everyone. >> Now it's your turn. I was I was driving in the other direction at the exact same time on my way to the egg hunt. I was coming up camp so going towards Corpus Christie because I was going to the egg hunt and I saw the same group of kids >> and I know some of them and I saw some
of them without helmets. Um, this kind of dovetales into what I was already going to talk about. A lot of people post they need to they should. And when they say they, they could be talking about mayor and counsel, DPW, the police department. they is thrown out there as if it's like everybody
else's responsibility and it absolutely is our responsibility as a governing body or DPW or police or any body to service the town as we're supposed to, right? But it's not they, it's we. South River is we. It's always been that way
when I was growing up. Yes, there are people who are in charge of things and you but it's not they need to, it's we need to. We includes they meaning the governing body and then yourself. If you just say we need to and think about what your piece of that responsibility is,
maybe it is not putting your snow in the into the street, maybe it is asking your child to wear a helmet, maybe it is moving your car, maybe it is being more respectful to law enforcement or to the DBW, whatever it is, it's we. It's not they I read these posts. They need to
they should they should put a different They should They should have kept it a bank. Who's they? We don't. That's not how this works. Okay? People that make decisions are in different positions that make decisions, but it's we. It's we as a whole. So, it's a group effort.
It's a village. I lived here my whole life. I stayed here. I'm raising my kids here. We all need to do better, but that is we. It's not they. I don't mind being part of the they, but it's still the we. And I know I'm talking a little bit in circles, but if you listen to this later in slow motion, I promise it'll make
sense. It is we. All right. Dante came up and talked about how he's from this town and he's got this business and he's got accounts that are probably way bigger than we'll ever be, but it's this is close to his heart. That's why we all do this. I was just sitting behind the
mayor when he was going through his emails to try to find the one about the bridge and I'm like, I can't believe he got that many emails today. Like I get emails for the burrow, but it's a few like if and it's they're mostly pointed emails. It's not it it's it's we effort. So please everybody understand that and
take that into consideration with how you wake up today, tomorrow and go to work and how you drive, how you talk to people, how you treat people. If we all do that better, I promise you every single aspect of this town will have Thank >> you. >> All right. Well, we already spoke about
the billing system. I know it's been a little bit of a rocky start in the beginning. Uh it is getting better. I know a lot of people have been complimenting on the uh new uh uh system. So, please bear with uh with the with it. If you have any questions, please call downtown. Uh you can reach out to Mark. He will be uh more than
happy to connect you to the right uh tech to help you out with it. Right employee, sorry. Um potholes. Um I know we've been talking about this for quite some time. Uh as you all know, we have had a rough rough winter. We have multiple potholes throughout the whole
entire town. Uh the Department of Public Works is doing a remarkable job in trying to get them all done. It's not going to happen overnight. Uh if you feel that they might have missed it, feel free to give them a call. Just say, "Hey, listen. It's at this one road." Or you could reach out to any of us, send
me an email, send us a text, send us a call, and I will have it put on the list. So, please bear with us. Now, as you all know, every single year we average anywhere from six to about 10 roads that we replace. I know I've seen this on social media. I enjoy seeing um
I should say drama, but um we can't replace every single road in this town. There's a budget. DOT usually gives us x amount of dollars every single year and between the engineer as well as the burrow, we are doing our best to hit roads that need to be addressed as soon
as possible. So, please bear with us. But when it comes out to potholes, if you feel that you know what, it could be looked at a better way, reach out to us. We will take care of that road. I want to also uh congratulate troop 83.
They did first place in the Klondike 2026. Out of 17 troops, they were leading by 43 points and they won. So congratulations to troop 83. Now projects
where's money? So the projects that are taking off finally and the reason I use the word finally is there's usually a process. The process is they come before the board, they get approved. Once they get approved, they still have to go through
revisions between the engineer or the planner. Then they still have to go through financials with their banks. And then they have to go through any other permits, whatever has to be. And usually usually it takes anywhere from about a year to about a year and a half. Some
take almost two years depending on how how big these projects are. The projects that are now underway is the PNC bank which you're going to see footings and footings and uh um foundation probably in the next two three weeks. They're
going to finally be breaking ground. uh PNC bank sorry Bank of America they have already started they already started working on their foundation as well as their pilings as you see people are already questioning what's the big hole in the side of the bank this is
part of their plan this is part of their project the laughing Chevrolet project well it's underway they're already putting up the walls hopefully within the next I'm hopefully in the next two three weeks and then you're going to see the structure of the building start getting uh done
we got lucky This year, the uh piece of property has been sitting on Prospect Street, 85 to be exact, finally got sold. So, somebody's going to be using that same exact plan that got approved 5 years or so ago, and they're going to be
finally breaking ground this year. Now, for projects that are coming up in the future, now the reason I can't go and say, "Hey, this is what is actually going to happen," is because it's not set in stone. Yes. Is there a parking deck coming? There's actually two
and they're both privately owned. When is it going to happen? Once they have once they have actually set like they their plans are set in stone now they could present it to the mayor and council if that's going to be the direction they're going to go or they're going to go to the land use
board and present it there. Once it's set in stone I could show you something but it may change tomorrow. Unfortunately, that's just the way planners or developers are. Nothing is done until they sign off and this is
what you have coming. Another thing that we're working on is causeway, the waterfront, light industrial. It's just a headache to see nothing but I guess you could say the um trucks going up and down the street when you have a ice cream parlor
and you could have what you should have a nice mixed use. Could it happen? It's extremely possible. I got quite a few developers that are highly interested in the waterfront. So, could that be a possibility in the next year or two? Very much. So, could it be something
that they could break ground in the next year or two? Probably. Probably in three or four years because of all the paperwork they have to go through, all the permits they have to go through, the approvals, engineering, planning, council. So, there's quite a few things
coming into our town. Now, the other thing I'm also working on, which has been a major headache, but I'm sticking in there, is dredging out the river. And believe me when I tell you, I've been working night and day. I can't tell you how many people I am speaking to
from FEMA or the D. Matter of fact, they're over next door in Seville right now dredging the river and I've been talking to their engineering firm. So, there's quite a few things that we're working on. In time, it will become a reality. I promise you this whole town
will know what we're doing before we even move forward on it. We're just not going to sit here and approve it. We're going to show it. We're going to talk about it. I want the residents to know we're here to serve you. You're not serving us. So, please bear with us. If you have any
questions, please come see me. Bonnie, I'm going to be reaching out to you tomorrow. >> Okay. Well then, okay then. Everybody, hey, council, happy birthday, Bonnie. >> You want us to sing? No, I'm not.
>> No, seriously. Happy birthday. And uh other than that, happy Easter and happy holiday. Thank you. Do I have an adjournment? Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> Motion by Council President Danis, seconded by Councilman, Council Damian.
Okay, we're done.