Welcome to the seventh meeting of the year. Today is May 11th, 2026. Alyssa, can you please read the publication? >> In compliance with chapter 231 of public law 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 7, 2026. posted on the municipal building bulletin board, the Burough website, and the front door of the criminal justice building at 61 Main Street, South River. >> Roll call. >> Mayor Gindy >> here. >> Councilman Dilva >> here.
>> Councilman Donado >> here. >> Councilman Demian >> here. >> Councilman Gina Copus is not here. Councilman Gchensky >> here. >> Council President Dantis >> here. Please stand for the salute to the flag and a moment of silence. I pledge algiance 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. We have uh one proclamation for the older Americans month. Uh whereas the
month of May 2026 marks the national observance of older Americans month a tradition established in 1963 to honor the wisdom resilience and the past contributions of our elder citizens. And whereas this year's theme, champion your
health, encourages older adults to take an active role in their well-being through through prevent prevention, social connection, and informed choices and support independence and virtually. And whereas the office of aging serves as a boutique hub of creativity and
connection, flipping the script on aging and providing vibrant space where our residents don't just grow older but grow bolder through created lifestyles and programming and integrated wildernesses
and combined dynamic physical exercise with vital screenings to help our seniors champion their health. and whereas our community and strengthened by diverse stories and life achievements of those who have paved the way for the
future generations. Now therefore I Peter Eskindi mayor of South Boro South River do hereby proclaim May 2026 as older Americans month to urge all citizens to celebrate the power of aging well and recognize the essential role
our se seniors play in the heart of this community. Mark, can you please give this to the age of uh sorry, director of uh a um oh my god, office of aging and thank her for what she does. >> I am going to be going to the new
business. Uh Joe, could you please give us a briefing? >> Hello. Okay. Uh the first resolution is to read the budget by title only uh that you'll vote on. And then in discussion with the budget, we discussed it during the introduction at length, but I'll just give you some recaps. Um budget is
a planning document. It's an estimate. Uh we are this budget's in compliance with both the appropriation cap law and the tax levy cap law. And there's no cuts and services in the budget. All financial documents on the burough website, the financial statement and debt statement. In the current fund, uh on the revenue side, last year in 2025's
operations, all revenues hit or exceed their target, which is very good. Uh on the appropriation side, there was four major lines that increased significantly. First one was health benefits which went up 25%. Uh that was the bulk of the increase in the current fund budget. Liability insurance went up
about 8% which was 63,000. Um recycling went up 110,000 and road repairs from all the storms that we had earlier in the year from removing the snow, buying sand and salts and stuff. We had an increase about $90,000 which was significant. So those four line items really made up the bulk of the tax
increase in the current fund. In the water fund, no change in rates at all. Um, if you remember last year, we dropped the amount of, uh, usage from East Brunswick by 200,000 gallons on April 1st. So, we're getting 3 months of that this year as savings. Uh, in the
electric fund, uh, no change in rates. We haven't changed our rates since 200 actually, no, we decreased our rates a couple years ago. So, from 2017 to like 2024 was the same rate. Then we dropped the rates 5% and then we're still um, going forward today. So, we have two battery projects. The first battery
project saved us 863,000 last year. The second battery is on board this year. We'll see savings next year. It won't be as significant as the first project, but we'll see some savings. So, with that said, uh the average residential unit at $293,268.34 will see an increase of $1341 a month.
>> Okay. >> So, that's it. >> Any questions? >> Oh, last thing too. We're under self-re also, so we don't have to wait for the state to approve our budget. So, there's a resolution for you to approve under self-re. >> All right. Thank you for that uh agenda session. We have two.
>> You have to do open the public hearing for the budget. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I missed that. >> Do I have a motion to accept what he what Joe said? >> Motion. >> Second. All in. Go >> ahead. All in favor? I I
>> Now, I'd like to make a motion to open it up to the public. going on. First, >> Jim Hutcherson, 38 Virginia for Jin Street. Good evening. Um, I guess just a quick question as far as the budget's concerned. What are we looking at as far as the average increase to uh the
residents in town for this budget? >> That was >> $1341 a month. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else from the public? First call. Second call. Motion to close. >> Second.
>> Motion by Ch Councilman Kosinsky. Second by Council President Danis. >> All in favor? >> I. >> We have a motion. >> Motion to move. >> Motion by Council President Danis. Second. Seconded by Councilman Kushinsky.
>> Councilman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. Councilman Demian, >> yes. >> Councilman Kensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis, >> yes. >> All right, we're going to be going to agenda session. There is two second readings and four four first readings.
Um Mark, you could read chime on the uh first two readings for second reading. >> All right. First first one is 26-9. It's amending chapter 193-31.1 allowing for a handicap parking space to
be installed on Philip Street. Uh the resident of Burton who lives on a corner of Burton and Philip Street uh was asking for installation of the handicap spot. She's planning on putting a ramp from her um home to that that area. So she has the the proper signage and the
proper placards um to get that pocket to get that handicap parking space. >> Okay. Then for uh second reading, sorry, for first reading, we have four of them. The first two, Mark, can you also chime on that? >> I'm sorry, I missed the second one for second reading. It's a 26-10. It's the
men chapter 1 vehicles and traffic. Basically, it's to put a no parking zone on William Street from Henry to Leroy. It's a it's an area right in front of St. Steven's Church. There's already been signs erected there for years. It was just never uh codified in the
ordinance. All right. Uh for first reading 2026-11, it's amending chapter 72-27 entitled special law enforcement officers. It's basically changing the the title of class one special law
enforcement sergeant to class one special law enforcement supervisor. It just it just distinguishes the ranks from sworn personnel to the um uh special law enforcement officers. All right. And then the the last one
for me is 2026-12. It's amending chapter 193 entitled vehicles and traffic. It's basically creating a no standing zone in portions of Charles Street and Lincoln, you know, due to congestion that's created by the Pillars Prep Academy during their student drop off and
pickup. Uh cars waiting in line, which goes all the way back to Ron Street. Uh we don't have anything for no standing. um when we try to enforce it, people are sitting in their cars, they're not parking, they're just standing there. So, this just gives us a little bit more
teeth to move the cars along and to uh create, you know, a cohesive flow with the traffic, especially during those time frames. >> John, could you please uh give us a briefing on uh 2026 13 as well as 14? >> Sure. So, uh, 202613,
uh, this is titled an ordinance amending section 363-5 of the code of the borrow, South River to add a farmers market vendor annual permit fee. So, this is going to be a new uh permit fee specifically for farmers market vendors.
Uh it will not apply to food trucks, but any any uh temporary vendor rather than having to pay um uh fees for every single instance that that they attend a farmers market or participate in a farmers market, it'll be a onetime annual fee of $50.
Uh and then for ordinance number 202614, this is titled an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of real property known as block 58 lot one on the official tax map of the burrow of South River from South River Little League for nominal
consideration. So um decades ago the the burrow owned the park located 63 Burton Avenue. Um it was at that time uh or many many years ago, decades ago, it was transferred to the Little League and
owned by the Little League since then. Uh this is just an ordinance to to bring it back to burrow ownership and the uh the reasoning for doing that is for uh expense covering. Uh it's it's really not going to change anything about the way that the the park operates. It's still going to be there and available
for the little league. It's still going to be a baseball field. Uh but the the title holder will be the burrow rather than the little league itself. >> Liza, can you please start off a second reading 2026-9? >> Ordinance 2026-9,
an ordinance to amend the code of the burrow of South River chapter 193 entitled vehicles and traffic by amending section 193-31.1 schedule 2A handicap parking thereof. >> Motion wave the full read. >> Second. Motion by Council President Dennis. Seconded by Councilman
Kashinski. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I'd like to open this to the public. >> First call. >> Second call. >> Motion to close public. >> Second >> by Councilman Council President DeSantis. Seconded by Councilman Kushinsky.
>> Yes. >> All in favor? >> I. Council discussion. >> Mayor, I just like to ask Chief, we I know we had talked about this, but I just want to confirm Burton being the heavier traveled road. The spot is actually located on Phillips on that short dead end, right? >> Yeah. Dead end. >> So, so it's on the side of the house and
doesn't impact the heavier traveled road. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. Do >> I have a motion? >> Motion move. >> Motion by Council President Danis. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Diane. >> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Gensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> Alyssa 2026-10. >> Ordinance 2026-10. An ordinance of the burrow of South River, county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, amending the burough code of the burrow of South
River so as to amend chapter 193 entitled vehicles and traffic. >> Motion the full read. >> Motion by Council President Desanis. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Kosinsky. >> All in favor? >> I like to open this to the public.
First call. Second. >> Motion to close public. >> Motion by council council president Sandis. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Kashinsky. All in favor? >> Council discussion. >> Do I have a motion? Motion to adopt.
>> Motion by council president. >> Second. >> Second. Second by Councilman Damian. >> Councilman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> We're going to go to uh first reading
2026-11. Ordinance 202611, an ordinance amending chapter 72 of the code of the burough of South River entitled public safety to amend chap to amend section 72-27 entitled special law enforcement officers to change the title of class
one special law enforcement officer sergeant to class one special law enforcement officer supervisor. May I move that council pass ordinance 2026-11 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, June 8th, 2026 by video conference via Zoom or in the council chambers of the criminal justice building at 61 Main Street in South New Jersey. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. A motion by council president uh
Danis. Second by council councilman Dazian. >> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian. >> Yes. >> Council member Chensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> Alyssa. 2026-12. >> Ordinance 2026-12 an ordinance amending
chapter 193 vehicles and traffic of the burough code. The burrow of South River to establish no standing zones on portions of Charles Street and Lincoln Street. Mayor, I move that council pass ordinance 2026-12 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, June 8th, 2026 by video conference via Zoom or in the council chambers of the criminal justice building at 61 Main Street in South River, New Jersey. >> Second motion by Council President Danis,
seconded by Councilman Kosinsky. >> Councilman Dilva, >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. Councilman Demian, >> yes. >> Councilman Gchensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis, >> yes. >> 2026-13, >> ordinance 2026-13, an ordinance amending
section 363-5 of the code of the burrow of South River to add a farmers market vendor annual permit fee. Mayor, I move that council pass ordinance 2026-13 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, June 8th, 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 >> motion by council president descent is seconded by councilman Damian.
>> Councilwoman Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. Councilman Amian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kchensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> Lissa 2026-14. >> Ordinance 202614, an ordinance authorizing the acquisition
of real property known as block 58 lot 1 on the official tax map of the Burrow of South River from from South River Little League for nominal consideration. Mayor, I move that council pass ordinance 2026-14 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 of public hearing to be held at a meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8th, 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. >> Motion by Council President Danis,
seconded by Councilman Kashinsky. >> Councilwoman Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. Councilman Demian. >> Yes. >> Council member Chensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> We're going to go into reports. We're going to start off with uh CME,
which is now Arthanian. Justin, please. >> Arthon, mayor. Arthion >> for the uh a brief update on the capital projects taking place within the burough for the 2023 and 2024 local aid program. Our office is working with the contractor to complete the punch list and close the project. The 2023 local
transportation projects grant which includes improvements to Alurn Street from Ferris Street to Sepy Avenue, Franklin Street from Wilson Avenue to Pilaski Avenue and Oleski Avenue from Cam Avenue to Apprentice Avenue. A pre-construction meeting was held April 30th with Crossroads Paving and
construction is expected to begin in June. For the 2025 local a program, a bid opening took place and Fernandez construction was named the apparent low bidder. The 2025 electrical substation maintenance work has been ongoing. And for the 2026 local a program, uh design
work has begun. Thank you. >> Thank you. Discussion council. Thank you. Uh CFO John Joe. >> Thank you. Uh you have a couple of resolutions that are on the agenda. First one is a parking permit refund. Uh
one of the people in town got into a car accident and the vehicles no longer needs the permit so he returned it. So we're giving him 4 months of what he prepaid for so we're giving it back to him. Uh there's also an agreement with Ruckers for our EAP program for the employees. It's an employee assistant program. It's a renewal. Uh you also
have a resolution for buying a vehicle under a co-op for the water department. And lastly, there is a resolution for two grants that came in while the after the budget was already done for clean communities for $34,66.37 and recycling enhancement grant for 10,000. And then mayor, you also have to
go back. So resolution 26133 to 26135 still has to be voted on by the council, which is the read by title only, the self- exam, and then the adoption of the budget. Oh, >> so we close the hearing, but then we have to approve the resolutions. Okay. Thanks.
All right, we will go through the reports first, then we'll come back to that. Um, age DPW. >> Yes, mayor. We just completed the three weeks of the hydrant flushing. Everything went well. And also, Monday the 25th will be closed for Memorial
Day. There's no brush and grass pickup. That's all I have. >> Council discussion. Thank you. Age. Uh, who is here? First, assistant chief Steve
maint get service to get I'll be contact for that. Um testing 14. Uh we have a live burn for training at County Fire Academy coming up 17.
Um, and then our Memorial Day services down at the fire station on Texas Street 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 25th. And um, Chief, if you can um,
traffic that day, >> you're going to send me an email. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you, >> Don. >> Nothing to report during public session. Thank you, >> Melissa. >> Um, just that uh early voting for the primary election will be starting on
Tuesday, May 26, and will end Sunday, May 31st. Uh, the times are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 8, and Sunday, 10 to 6. And the closest location to South River is the East Brunswick Community Center, which is at 7:21 Cranberry Road. And that's it.
>> Thank you. Um Mark Da >> just a couple things uh for for the resolutions. We are hiring four class one special law enforcement officers. They're going to be starting the academy on the 18th and it's going to go all the way till the 29th and they're going to
be going to the 94th of course of class one special law enforcement officers being held by Kate May but it's being held at their satellite office which is in East Ron Police Training Center. Uh we're hiring a uh crossing guard so it'll it'll fill our roster for so we're
not looking for anymore, not yet. Uh and the last thing is resolution 155. It's basically it's an employee and personnel manual. Last year's employee personnel manual solely based for the employees. This updated version is uh expanded to not only employees but also volunteers,
independent contractors, appointed officials and elected officials. So, that's going to be once it's approved, uh, it'll be printed, it'll be handed out to everyone and, uh, it'll be signed for. >> Thank you. We're going to go into, uh, public
comments for consent resolutions only. Uh, Ed Trigar, 44 Ferry Street. Uh my concern and my comments will be on consent resolution 2026141. I know a lot of you people probably know me, maybe you don't know too much about um I volunteer for the town. So quite
briefly, back in the 90s, I was a member of the econ uh the downtown redevelopment committee. I was also a member of the parking authority for a few years. Uh I was on the zoning board for a few years and I'm currently a member of the EDC. So the resolution uh the consent
resolution 141 is a plan to change the direction of uh Washington Street from Obert to Ferry from uh westbound to eastbound. So to give you a little background on why it was the current
direction about 30 years ago it was changed from westbound to eastbound because the west the no sorry change from eastbound to westbound. There were a lot of accidents at the corner of ferry and in uh in Washington
Street. People would run at stop sign and there was a lot of t-boned accidents. One was so severe that the car ended up smashing into the front of my building on Ferry Street. Imagine how that was. Another consideration was
uh they were just developing Heritage Hills and Sunrise Landing. And then we al we also have the Buck Road uh developments down there. We're talking like maybe 10,000 or more single family middle class homes with a lot of
disposable income. So the idea was to let them drive down River Road, Whitehead Avenue, come down Ferry Street. Now imagine you're coming down Whitehead and River Road. There's no traffic lights. There's no Route 18
congestion. Just driving straight down, coming down Ferry Street. Make a left-hand turn on the Washington Street, right-hand turn into the municipal parking lot, and now you're in South River. easy breezy to shut. It also helped if you're coming
down Ferry Street and there's no parking because it was full, you could easily turn onto Washington Street, park there and shop on Ferry Street uh or go into Obert Street. So that was the idea. Uh so I would just
encourage the council not to change the direction rashly because it's quite uh I watch all the council meetings. I go to all the planning or the zoning board uh land use board meetings
and I'm on the EDC so none of this has ever come up in public. I've never heard anyone uh complain about the direction or say, "Hey, we need to change this for whatever reason, efficiency,
better, whatever." So, I am a little curious on uh where this idea came from. And I guess that's my question to the council is uh where did this come up like all of a sudden we're going to change the direction of Washington
Street? It's been working fantastic for three decades. Uh, everybody I know thinks it's a great idea. You come down from the south end of South River. It's easy to get in. You know, before the
change, you would have to there was no parking. You'd have to go down to the end of Ferry Street, try to make a left-hand turn on the on the main, which we all know that's a pain. And then, of course, circle back to make a left-hand turn on Obert. another complete pain to try to get to the
municipal parking lot. We got the bus stop there. There's always a bunch of uh deliveries. So, this is very convenient. It reduces shopper stress. People can come into town. They don't have to deal with the main street traffic. And it's been really great. I mean, I think it's
been fantastic. No one's ever complained about it, at least in public. So, I was kind of wondering where this idea generated from. That's my question. Where where did this come from and what's the plan? Why why would you change it? And what are the
benefits of changing? >> Mr. Trigger, this is a study. So, this is based on just us analysis on these certain roads. It's not set in stone. We just wanted to see what the study shows. >> I understand it's not set in stone. I
mean the recommendation from the the the uh the engineer was that uh the town can change it without any permission from the state. You just have to have an engineer look at it. So it seems to me that there's always there was an idea. Somebody must have
said to the engineer, "Hey, look at this. There must be a reason why." So there's no reason. We're just spending $15,000. >> We are looking at how the traffic flows through the town. And this was a study. >> All right. I would just say that
we're going to create a a good shopping district. We shouldn't care about flaw. We don't want people to just flow through the town like, "Hey, this is very convenient for me to leave South River. It would be better to trap them here. They get kind of confused
where they are. Maybe they'll stop, you know, like, hey, I never saw that place before." So, we don't want them to flow through. We want to trap them, right? that they buy stuff. >> I agree. >> So, right, because that's the whole idea. >> So, you say I uh I hope we don't rush
through this. There's been no discussion with the economic development commission or any of the other committees. I would hope before we change something that could harm the downtown. It would at least be a proposal to the EDC so we can have discussions.
This was kind of hidden, you know, in a consent resolutions. It just said, "We're going to ask the engineer, there's a proposal to pay him." You had to kind of read through it to find out what's going on. So, to me, it would be better, it would be clearer, more open
if it was presented to the EDC, if it was presented uh to the council or people can talk about it because that's the way South should work. So, that's my concern. I still think there's probably some sort of reason behind it.
Kind of disappointed that uh not being told what it might be or what the endgame is, but that's my concern. It's been working great. Benefits the downtown a lot. If you think about it, you might hear people say, "Oh, we care
about the sero people." But the market we want to attract is on the south end of town. Matter of fact, uh the the guy from V Reels was here a couple of meetings ago and he even said that's the people we need to attract and this is a
very easy, convenient, stressless way to get to the downtown shop. >> Thank you. Let's let's not rush into it. Let's consider it. Okay. >> And there will be one more board that's going to be presented to the land use.
We're also going to talk about in the land use. You you only darted at economic development commission. >> I mean in case it >> we will be talking about this in the land use board meeting as well. They should be also be informed as well. >> Yeah. Uh I'm just adding another board
to it because I think that they should also have some type of I mean there is an economic development commission. It's like economic development right think that something that might affect them. So, and land news board, you know, they're
they're not on TV. You can't you have to go there. It's not like it's recorded then the whole town can watch it. I mean, it should be. I always thought it should be. So, uh it should be in the open. There's too much. There's a little bit too much behind the scenes stuff.
>> We will be gathering the information from the land use as well as the EDC and we'll bring it back to the council at our next council meeting. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. Anyone else for consent resolutions? First call. Again, Jim Hutcherson, 38 Virginia
Street. Uh, consent resolution 2026-150. That's for the part-time summer help at DPW. Um, are all the appointees on there? Are they all of like student age? Are they
like high school, college students that are looking for information and work experience for their resumes? >> Age. How do you uh go about this? >> I don't I don't think I don't believe we should discuss age of applicants. Uh >> no. What's the requirements?
>> Requirement age. You're saying like to be of age or their ages? >> I'm just saying are they of like student ages? Wait, what? >> You have to be it's 18 or over for the position. I don't I don't think we should be discussing ages of the employees in the public sector.
>> I'm just No, >> because in the past we've always had students pretty much student age kids that are going down working at the DPW. They work in the sanitation department and you know it boosts their resume. They get a job specific especially
burough work and they can put it on their resume. So it looks especially if they're high school age and they're 18, go to college. It's again a line item on their their resume. It looks good. That's all. I'm just wondering if there's anybody on here >> age. We have five names here. How many
applicants did you get? Okay. So you evaluated. Okay. Okay. >> Well, how many did we need? >> We needed the five we have here. Sure. >> Yes.
Please. Okay. Yeah. And I'm I'm not saying that it was specifically for high school kids or whatever, but as a summer job, especially >> I'm saying are they of student age?
>> Student age. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Anyone else for the consent resolutions? First call. Second call. >> Motion to close public.
>> Motion by Council President Desis. Second by >> Second. >> Councilman Demian. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Uh Lissa, before we start the consent resolutions, can we please go back to uh 2026-135? >> Okay. I'm going to do um 2026133
uh first. Our first 133 first and 135 >> resolution 2026133 resolution to read budget by title only whereas NJSA4A col4-8 provides that the budget be read by title only at the time of the public hearing if a resolution is passed by not
less than a majority of the full governing body providing that at least one week prior to the date of the hearing a complete copy of the approved budget as advertised has been posted in town hall and copies have been made available by the clerk to persons requiring them. And whereas these two conditions have
been met. Now therefore, be it resolved that the budget shall be read by title only. I >> have a motion. >> Motion. >> Motion by council president. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Kosinsky. >> Councilwoman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Kensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. Melissa 2026-135. 2026 135 authorized self-examination of the 2026 municipal budget.
Do >> I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by councilman. Council council president Danis. Seconded by councilman Demian. >> Counciloman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gensky. >> Yes.
>> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. Listen, I'm going to be adding to the agenda. >> Adopt 134. >> We have a motion to adopt >> public hearing on the budget. >> We did. >> We did that.
>> Yeah. Now we just have to adopt it. Yes. >> Motion to adopt. Yeah. >> Second. >> Council President Dan. Second by Councilman Dia. >> Councilman Dilva. >> Yes. Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Demian, >> yes. >> Councilman Gchensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis,
>> yes. >> Oh, okay. Um, for Marial appointments, I am going to be adding uh two names. For the Shade and Trey, I'm going to be adding Bonnie Trigger. And as a junior member, I will be adding
Maya Isabella Donado. Then for the environmental commission, I'll be adding for junior member Maya Isabella Donado. Mayor >> Mia Mia Maya Mia.
Thank you, Alyssa. Consent resolutions, please. >> Were you pulling any? >> No. >> Okay. Whereas resolution 20261 authorizes the burough council to utilize a consent agenda to adopt various resolutions of a routine and
non-controversial nature at one time. Now therefore be it is hereby resolved that the below listed resolutions are hereby adopted by the burough council in whole as if the same were individually acted upon. Consent resolutions 2026 136 to 2026 155. 136 authorizing the
requisition of funds for payment to the custodian of the school monies. 137 authorizing the the execution of a professional services agreement with Ruckers. 138 property tax refund. 139 authorized 2026 salaries of certain employees and
officials. 140 authorize a parking permit refund. 141, awarding a contract to CME Associates for Professional Services. 142 Authorizing an award to Exxon Enterprise Incorporated. 143 Insertion of any special item of
revenue in the budget. 144 Appointment of Special Law Enforcement Officers Class One. 145 Appointment of the Crossing Guard. 146. Authorize certain utility refunds. 147 Resolution authorizing the submission for NJ DOT transportation
trust fund. 148 authorizing contract to Fernandez Construction Incorporated for various roadway improvements. 149 authorizing an award to all American Ford. 150 Appointment of Summer help for the Department of Public Works. 151 2026
summer recreation employees. 152 Resolution authorizing the land use board to review the lower main street redevelopment plan. 153 Accept April 13, 2026 regular and executive session minutes. 154 authorize the bills and claims list. 155 approving
the employee and personnel manual. >> Listen, I just want to confirm for 141 um the CME name needs to be changed to Arthon. So on that and on 153 for the minutes, I believe we had it as listed as water meter or water main. It should
be water main project, not water meter project for the minutes. Okay. With the amendment. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by council president Desanis. Seconded by Councilman Zamian.
>> Those two are going to pull those for separate reading. >> Oh, okay. But we read them all. >> Understood. Was supposed to be pulled. >> All right. We're going to we're going to correct this. Uh two are going to be
pulled which is a 141 and 153 >> two >> 152 read separately. So with that said, do I have a we already have the motion standing for the consent resolutions without the 1441
and 152? >> Can we have a vote? Councilwoman Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Demian, >> yes. >> Councilman Kensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis, >> yes.
>> List 141, please. Resolution 2026141 resolution awarding a contract to CME Associates for professional services related to George Street and Washington Street one-way study. Be it and is hereby resolved by the mayor and council of the burrow of South River in the
county of Middle Sex State of New Jersey that CME Associates is authorized to perform professional engineering services related to George Street and Washington Street one-way study as outlined in the Burough Engineers letter dated May 1st, 2026 at a cost not to exceed $14,999.
And be it further resolved that the chief financial officer of the bureau has certified availability of funds in account 6-02-55-502-205. >> Sorry. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All right. Do we like to open up for discussion? >> Yes.
>> And u Mr. Tri already touched on some of this, but uh what was the reason that the these two particular roads were chosen when we have a lot of uh roads that are similar and they're similarly um underdesigned for today's uh traffic
and that's just the way it was when they were originally built in the early part of the century. Why were these two roads the ones that were chosen for the study? Basically, the the George Street one uh was chosen because of the narrowness of the road and the amount of traffic that
comes comes back and forth up and down George Street. And the Washington Street was chosen that short portion was chosen so that it is consistent with the way the travel goes on Everwine. So, it was wasn't intended to pull traffic out of
town. Uh and contrary, the people are downtown. It actually brings more people to Ferry Street where there's more restaurants and more stores. So, it was consistent of trying to bring it as you go up over street and you're able to make a left onto Washington Street, it
brings you to another portion of the downtown area. >> Okay. I I just like to uh for the committee that's going to be doing this CME or I'll I'll learn how to pronounce that name eventually. Um
just take uh Mr. to try concerns into consideration, which I'm sure you're going to do. But I'd like to also point out we have a lot of roads in South River, the Willlet Willletville area. If anybody's been in South River for a long period of time, they know what area I'm
talking about. Charles Street, which we already addressed some of that uh this evening. Um but uh we have other sections that were a traffic hazard. One of them is uh Pottery Lane, which has been a problem for years and years. I don't know what the data we have on that.
>> We we've tried to address that and the consensus with the neighborhood is that there'll be nobody happy happy up there. Um so we just left it as it is. There was a study back and I believe when Chief Ballet was still here. >> Um we never went forward with moving it.
>> Okay. But what you're saying is uh that >> we haven't had any accidents up there. Uh there was only one major accident since since I was um since I've been a police officer. Uh, so we haven't we haven't I do agree with you that it it should be um studied. I mean the way we
studied it was we went door to door and asked people back then and if they wanted that to be a oneway to make it a full study it should be studied by engineer. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um I understand for uh George and uh Washington but the entire length of Washington had the same
problem. Very narrow street. It's very hard to get two-way traffic both ways. I would think that you'd consider the entire length of Washington George Street between Thomas and Reed. We have a perfect opportunity with the development down there to actually widen
that road for the most part. Maybe I'd say 3/4 of the way and the rest we could do sometime in the future where you could have uh parking on both sides as well as um having two-way traffic. That should have been considered. If it
hasn't been, it should be. Um, I don't know if it's too late to do that, but that's one of the things that should have been considered with the redevelopment. Um, I'm not I don't object the waste of the the use of money for the study, but we
got to start looking at the entire town. And if there is uh documentation of uh traffic accidents and hazards and so forth, by all means, yes, we we need to do something. But uh let's not just leave it to uh those two roads. We have
other roads in South River that have same the same uh conditions that we need to take into consideration. I'm going to leave it that uh the study will be done appropriately with the recommendations and that it'll be uh put before the
public for input from the uh public as well before any final decision is made on what to do. But uh making it one way, how many We got a couple places in South River that's one way and there's a problem with enforcing it. What are we
going to do to enforce that one way? Um this past winter on George Street was horrendous. I live a couple blocks away and I try to not take George Street as the mayor well knows. Um so yeah, we we need to do something. One of the things
we can do is no parking. We go with the fine and two-way traffic with no problems there. The problem is people don't all have driveways and what do we do about that? So, it's one of these things like a two-edged sword. We solve it in one way but not
solve it in another way. That people are going to be happy and people are not going to be happy. We just have to make put the evidence together and justify what it is that we're doing and the reason why. Um, and I hope that is done.
Public comments are all always welcome. So, uh, that being said, I think that's about all I have to say about that. Any other con discussion? All right. Do I have a motion on 141? Motion adopted.
>> Motion by council president Danis. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Dilva. >> Counciloman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. Yes. >> Councilman >> Demian. >> Yes. >> Council member Chensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes.
>> Listen 152. >> Resolution 2026 152. A resolution referring the proposed lower main street redevelopment plan amendments to sub area 150 to the Burough South River Planning Board for review and report pursuant to NJSA4A12A-7E.
Whereas >> I have the full read. >> Second. Motion by councilman council president Sannis. Coun Motion by second by councilman Zean. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Discussion. >> Yes. Again um with 152 uh we already
went through uh a change which was um approved and taxpayers paid to have it to have the uh the master plan changed. And now we're going through a second change uh with this. exactly what it is that they're they're
going to be adding to the uh site that we're talking about at this point. >> Adding a fourth floor with four units >> with four units >> with more with more than adequate parking. >> Okay. Okay. Um >> that that the level of that building
would be the same size, same height as what the PNC Bank is being developed right now as we speak. >> Okay. So that's that's basically is it do you um do you believe that we're going to go through another change again because now we're going to have to >> No, they're done.
>> They're done. Okay. Uh reason why I bring the stuff up. I'm ask questions. I don't know the answers and that's why I bring the questions up here. >> You should be asking these questions >> and um that's that pretty much solves my uh my concerns.
>> Discussion council. All right. Do I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. Motion by Council President Danis, seconded by Councilman Dazia. >> Councilman Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Damian, >> yes. >> Council member Gchensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis,
>> yes. >> Okay. All right. Go like to open this to the public. You get five minutes. State your name and your address, please. Uh, Emily Graasso, 13 Darrow Street. Um, good evening. My name is Emily Graasso,
chair of the environmental commission and green team. Tonight, I want to present an award of excellence to Sher Garrison, who has been a member since 2018. One of the first times I worked closely with Sherry was on a project for the end
of summer event in 2019. She proposed making a life-sized tree that people could hug out of a big rolled tube and an umbrella. I had trouble seeing her vision at first, but as we constructed it on my porch, it came to life and was
a big hit with the public. One of the first things you'll discover about Cherry is her creative side. She can make a puppet out of just about anything. Hangers into butterflies, and her interactive displays at town events engage and provide fun selfie
opportunities for young and old alike. She is always on the lookout to merge art, dance, and theater with educating people about the environment and recycling. At our Arbor Day event last year, we had a person in a tree costume telling jokes and a musician who played
guitar. Jerry is always thinking of ways to make learning about the environment fun. When working with Sherry, more importantly, when working with Sherry, you'll find she's friendly and supportive and willing to respectfully listen to others point of view even when
they differ from her own. Always willing to help if she is able and has been a wonderful mentor and friend to me for the past week. Congratulations, Sherry. I present to you our certificate of excellence and I wish you well as
with your new life in Minneapolis. If you decide to join an environmental group there, they will be richly blessed. I know we have that so eloquent. I did prepare a little response. I hesitate now because that was so beautiful. But you know what? I'm
gonna go ahead. >> Sherry Garrettson, 153 Cam Avenue. Um, when Emily told me that she was going to do this, I thought, but I haven't done that much, have I? So, I started reminiscing. We found out we were coming to South River 2 weeks before we moved
here. I arrived in 1998 just before the start of the school year with a 5-year-old and a 9-year-old and was pretty much immediately drafted into being a Girl Scout leader, which I did for three years. That turned out to be one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. In the years that followed, other opportunities to make small
contributions to the cultural life of the town presented themselves to me. Some were more successful than others. Uh, I remember a concert in the park that I I brought together that only had two attendees and those were two people that happened to walk down from Causeway
Ice Cream with their ice cream cones. Um, there was also uh I I adapted a local historical reminiscence collection into a reader theater production that we started rehearsing right as co shut us down. But thankfully there was also
singing with children at the library. Sho shoveling mulch at what would become our community garden. Uh picking up litter on burrow cleanup days. Planting flowers downtown. Coming up with fun tableabling events for events like South River Day and National Night Out.
Reading up on what towns like ours have done to reinvent themselves and flourish in a post-industrial economy. And then attending economic development and burough council meetings to share what I had learned. Um, and just showing up for other people's events. It's important. And for the past eight years or so,
working as part of the environmental commission to make a the bureau and its residents aware of what they can do to keep the place we live healthy and beautiful. Small actions that I hope have helped move life here, even incrementally, in a positive direction.
I thank Emily for taking time out of her very busy life to acknowledge my efforts. That's this was totally unexpected but very much appreciated and very much in keeping with her wonderful collegial spirit and I wish all of you great success as
you continue your efforts to make South River all that it can be. PS if anyone would like to see that Readers Theater production come to life, get in touch as soon as possible. I leave in three weeks. Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
Anyone else from the public? >> 44 Fair Street. Just to kind of piggy back off of Mr. Donado's comments about the amendment to the redevelopment plan. Uh I'd hate to correct you, but according to the ordinance, it's not going to be a fourth story. We're
amending it to allow a fifth story at the request of the developer. I guess I kind of agree with Mr. Donado was like, why are we paying for this? Wouldn't Wouldn't it normally be the uh the developer would make an application to the land use board for an amendment to
anything and then he would pay for it? >> Sure. You guys aren't working for free. >> So, I'm just kind of wondering uh Mr. Triger, >> why why are the taxpayers paying? >> He is paying for it. >> Excuse me. He is paying for it through the escros. Yes, he is sir. >> How's that working out? >> Working out pretty well with him.
>> No, no, no. How's what's the mechanism for him to pay for? >> There's escro fees are in line that he has to pay into the system. >> Okay. Well, that's good. It still seems kind of odd that be that way, but if you're saying it's he's paying for it, >> we're not paying for it.
So, the economic development commission made a recommendation about parking downtown and uh I was just kind of wondering did all of the council people get to see that and did the professionals get to also see that or was it uh kind of relegated to the
circuit? Now, you don't have to comment on it. You can ignore it if you want, but I would just hope that, you know, we put in a lot of time volunteering and if we make a recommendation in writing to the M council that you all get to see it.
>> What are you referring to, sir? >> Uh, we made a recommendation about uh how the parking permits in the municipal parking lot should be distributed in the formal limit. Remember I asked you like a year ago or two years ago if you decided on a limit to the amount of
parking spots and so we >> No, no, it was a recommendation from the EDC to the mayor and council. I don't know why you're looking at Joe >> because I don't I don't recall getting this recommendation. >> Okay. Well, that's all I wanted to know. If if you guys didn't get it, maybe
we'll have to go ahead and resubmit it so that everybody can take a look at it. >> To date, I have not to date I have not seen. Just just speaking for myself. time did this happen? >> Uh, actually we tried to get it on the agenda two months ago, but we were told after our Wednesday meeting that
Thursday would be too soon to get it on the agenda and then we were promised to get on the agenda the the next meeting. At least that's what we discussed at the meetings and I've never seen it up there. So, just long as everybody if nobody's got to see it, we'll we'll present it. >> We recommend that it gets emailed to all of us.
>> Yeah. >> You can can you email it to the council like directly instead of it being on the agenda? I'll talk to >> No, I'd love to see it because it's a problem that needs to be resolved. There's no doubt. >> I was just kind of hoping that everybody see you can ignore it when you get it. But I think you know River should have
an open government. If we're volunteering and we said, "Hey, this is what our opinion is. At least everybody should see it." Then you can ignore it. But you should at least see it, right? >> Absolutely. Thanks. >> Thank you, sir. Ron Zamut, Davis Street, South River,
with reference to 152. Could you walk me through that that resolution? >> You're authorizing the land use board to review. Yeah, we're authorizing the land use board to review the addition that's being put on to the
I guess it's seven main street. >> Okay. So, as the council or as the redevelopment agency >> as as of the land use board? >> No, but who's authorizing that review? >> The council, which is the redevelopment committee.
>> We are considered redevelopment. >> But was it voted on by the redevelopment agency tonight or is it the mayor or council? John, the the the mayor and council are the re redevelopment entity. They're one and the same. So any any act >> uh by by the mayor and council in
connection with redevelopment would be an act by the re redevelopment entity. >> But how was it passed tonight as the redevelopment agency or the administration? >> It was passed tonight by the mayor and council which also serves as the redevelopment entity. So should that be
included in the resolution that it is the redevelopment agency slash administration because you don't have commissioners under the red development and an executive director. So my question is it's to be reviewed by
the land use. >> Correct. >> What does that mean? That means now this this goes to the land use with what they're looking to add and they're going to come back with a >> So that's going to go into a new application because that was approved.
>> That's correct. Existing. >> It's an add-on to the application. >> They're amending the application. >> Has it gone through any review yet or this is just authorizing them because it's in a redevelopment zone? >> Correct. >> To review the amended application or a new one?
>> No amended application. Okay. So, does that mean all the prior approvals are approved for the 17 apartments in Cababra and now you're going to add it to what? >> Four more. Four more units. >> Four more units.
>> Four more units. >> So, you're going to go up one more story and add five units. >> Four units. >> Okay. So, the only thing that we're doing is authorizing the land use board to review
an amended application for a property that's located in the redevelopment zone. >> That's correct. >> That it's not. >> So, this this is a referral of an amended redevelopment. There's an amended redevelopment plan
and the governing body is referring that plan to the land use board to review it for master plan consistency. >> So what was the change in the amend in the amendment? >> It it is what the mayor described. It's an additional floor. >> Okay. >> With with four units as I understand. That's correct. Additional. So it's it's
an amendment to the height. >> That that's the amendment. >> And then based on >> they'll have to they'll come the the developer will have to come back for the land use board again. and go through the whole process >> and go through that whole process again to amend their their site >> because at one time I'll be very honest
with you I was involved with that project and brought it through all the approvals there was a presentation made on February 2022 you weren't the mayor it was the previous mayor and uh a couple of the previous council members there was a proposal for 32 units and it
was rejected so that's why the project got approved with 17 apartments and see the operas. Yes, there is enough parking because in an M MSR zone, no commercials required any parking at all. So technically that
entire lot could be used by tenants. Where are the employees and where are the patrons going to park? Because the original project was designed to fit that corner through Middle Sex County through a traffic study, tidelands and wetlands. So
obviously four apartments doesn't affect Thailands or wetlands but it does involve parking. The parking that's on Reach Street was designated for the 14 apartments. The other three apartments are above laughing.
>> I have a question for you. >> Sure. >> How does this affect you? >> Affect me? >> Let's not get into that cuz it also affects you. >> Well, here's your answer. at the land use. We will be going over the amendment.
>> You're more than welcome to come to the land use. It definitely won't be on for tomorrow. We'll be on for the June meeting. >> I just asked a question because you passed the resolution this evening, >> right? >> So, thank you. Appreciate your company. >> Barry Brilli.
Uh this is about the closure of Collins Drive to Monttoello way. I want to do a little summary of all the things that you basically told me over the past year and meetings that we had. I looked into he said the road should
have never been built. Well, the reason they came out that I saw talking to people and that for safety sword on that well I won't say even a sword. One is school children.
An easier way to get to school. The school the schools are northwest of the our development. If the road wasn't there, the kids would have to walk a half mile south before
they could even go north and west. So, I mean, just for the convenience of that, it was one thing. Two was the safety of people. 30 years ago uh the souththeast part of uh there's no
houses or anything nothing to care about. They also said uh three ways is better than two ways whether you know having $3 is better than have $2. Same thing 50% increase there.
Uh, so maybe the chief could even help me out. If the police cars and they have to get to Monteel and they have to drive a mile, how long does it take a police car to drive a mile where he could drive uh
100 yards? How was it? 30 What did they average? 30 miles an hour. So that's two minutes, three minutes, four minutes. >> It depends if it's going if he's getting there in emergencies in terms of life. Yeah, I mean really get the idea. It's going to take extra time.
This is one one second to the left of that second, you're alive. That second clicks off, you're dead. Time is important on anything, heart attacks or anything is to get there faster. It not only benefits the people. You
blocked off a basically a thousand people if the police car is in on Collins Drive. They had to get the veterans place, Lark, Redwick, Denise, Monel, Charter, any of those streets. It's going to take an extra it's at
least a half half mile more. So, it's going to take about a minute. We'll say 50 seconds because they're doing high speed on an emergency basis. And also vice versa. If someone gets injured on Collins
Drive, Terry, Grand Fourth, Fifth, Fif this streets, this car would have to go another half mile. So, it cuts down the travel time of getting safety. That's why it was built. Two, he told me it was a service road. I
looked up service road. Looked it up and Googled it. Webster dictionary, funkin wagon dictionary. Basically, there's about 20 finishes. Every road in this town could be called a service road.
Besides that, I looked at a map. I looked at the Google maps, Bing Maps, Ram McNaps. There's no bad mention of service roads. If someone had a uh a problem on the service road this walking there on the sidewalk, had a heart
attack. I said, "Uh, 911. We need a uh emergency vehicle. You know where to go. It's on a service road. What? It was always part of Collins Drive.
Two. Number three is why you told me it was closed. Told me it was closed because of the bad drivers of going the wrong way on a one-way street. Oh, let me get back to the first thing. People
complained when this road was asked to be put in. It was several many many complaints but it was a priority for the council at that time 30 years ago 32 32 35 years ago priority safety was more paramount
than any complaint that could anybody can register. That's why it was put in over the complaint and that's why it went to one way. It was originally going to be two ways, but the complaints they said they'll compromise, but this way allow emergency vehicles to go the wrong
way to get to emergency faster. Told me why it was closed because he had some bad drivers going the wrong way. You made it sound very seriously. So, and I asked you, "What do you do about
the bad drivers?" Nothing. If you did something about the bad drivers, then you wouldn't have to close it. It's like an oxymoron or a catch 22. And if they were bad, then you still did nothing about it. And the police, he
said that they were able to do the job. There was nothing problem with that. So over 20 years, there was only like five interventions. Let's say 20. So that's like one out of 20 years, one out of 365.
So on a yearly uh basis, it wasn't too much of a priority for the to enforce it. I realized I mean so much as police and they can't be everywhere all at once. You know, you have to prioritize where you're done patrol. Is that correct?
>> Correct. M >> Mr. Ber overtime, but if you could just finish up and we can respond. Well, >> I was trying to know what the cost was, but since that was >> Oh, go ahead. uh is costing us and I didn't see any because I have to drive I was doing oh six to 10 times and
it's a half mile each way so that's four miles four miles every week four uh 50 weeks that's 200 miles and what do you get for a car 72 cents a mile that's $150
if you have a 100 cars going through there that means that's That's $15,000 it's costing the people of Heritage Landing that much money. It's probably a lot more. It's probably around 17 18,000. My estimates anywhere from about 14,000 to 20,000
category. I didn't see anybody raised their hand says, "Hey, let's reimburse them." Better yet, why don't you ask the people who uh complained about it? Are they willing to pay I don't know $250 each? those uh houses in Collins Drive, Cherry
Grant. Are they willing to pay for that that it's still it's still a big safety issue. So, that's the big thing. So, thank you for your time. Thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Well, you're not going to do anything. >> I have a qu I have a question for Chief and for a fire. Would you drive against
a oneway in an emergency um to get through the oneway the wrong way? >> No. >> Okay. Would a fire truck drive the wrong way in a one way? >> Okay. Also uh the trucks drive through the one way and the one. >> Okay.
>> Thank you, sir. >> I mean, I think it's only a short one. >> We wouldn't go the opposite way. >> Okay. Mayor Council Chuck beggar 33 Terry Avenue. >> Starting to be a regular here now. Geneabel Coen Drive. When we moved and I
moved into that house, it was a dead end street. It was a dead end street for over 30 years. That was the main reason I bought my house. and our neighbors were very happy with the way it was. One person wanted that road put through with the head of the planning board and as we found out later, it was a political promise to East Brunswick. We have
nothing but trouble since that road was open. Lately, we've been having problems. I I sent the mayor a a video. I called the police. Somebody came down. The road's closed now. Came down to the dead end, stopped, went up my neighbor's driveway, and drove his car down the sidewalk.
The police were like amazed that the guy actually drove ran over my neighbor's bushes, ran across his lawn, drove the car all the way down the sidewalk down to Montasello. I'm having a huge run of motorcycles coming up and down the sidewalk. These are registered street bikes with plates on them. I got seven or 10 different people almost on a daily
basis flying up and down my sidewalks on motorcycles. It's it's it's closed and it's not enforceable. I I don't blame the police department. There's no way they can be. And you have to have 24-hour enforcement up there to keep that road safe because it was just a disaster up there. And as I sent the mayor a number of count
pictures, we have over a dozen people a day going the wrong way up a one-way street. The road was poorly designed. There wasn't supposed to be a road there originally. So if you anyone's aware of the way the road is, it was it used to drop off there. It was a drainage ditch. My whole neighborhood has no storm
sewer. So all our water runs down Coen Drive and went down off the end of that drainage ditch. When they built the road, there was a house already planned to be there. So, the road's on a real steep hill and on a curb. During the winter, people come flying down a road, right up the curb through my neighbor's fence. I've seen at least three cars go
up the curb there in the last few years. The the the speeding is horrendous. People at night turn their lights off and come up the wrong way. I've had people backing out of their own. I think I told you the last time I was mowing my lawn one day. Some guy came out of there in reverse, went up the sidewalk and almost ran me over. I had to run for
cover. almost ran me in my lawn mower roller and he takes off. They say that the road was a disaster since the day was open. The police chief told him not to open it. Most of the council at the time was on our side when unfortunately the planning board makes those decisions. So being closed has been it's it's great. Now our neighbors back to
the quiet actually improves improves our property value. Obviously when you live in a dead end street people is desirable. When you live on a street that's got a lot of traffic people don't want to be there. The roads been nothing but a hassle since it's been opened. And we were promised we'd have 20 to 30 cars a day going through there. There was
over two or 30 hund cars a day going through there. And again, like I said the last time, most of those people going through there aren't South River residents are East Brunswick residents taking a shortcut through Coland Drive through Heritage Landing and out the river road to get to those houses that are down those big housing complexes. So
this road being closed has actually helped Heritage Landing a lot because they got a lot less traffic in their roads now. And obviously we have a lot less traffic and it's back to the way it used to be. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Because there's too many cars going through there to be the number of cars that live in her
>> gentle gentlemen. Gentlemen, >> debate. >> Gentlemen, gentlemen, >> not not here. Gentlemen, how'd it go? You got someone else. Wait, please. >> Josh Grill from 44 Colin. Um, my
apologies for the lack of attire. Was doing some yard work and such. Um, I just wanted to speak to kind of the same sentiments as Chuck. Um, me and my girlfriend just bought the property at 44 Colin, uh, end of 25. Just moved in in February. I've almost gotten clipped
by probably somewhere between 7 to 10 motorcycles. Haven't gotten a video of the plates yet, but Honda Groms, 110s, these are street bikes to some of the points before. The the police can't be everywhere at any given time, so it's not on them by any means there. But also
had an Amazon driver who I suspected was possibly an Amazon driver up my driveway to the left, go across grass. The police came out, they were phenomenal. Took a a whole, you know, uh all the the evidence they could from us, the videos and so forth. Um so when I bought the property,
me and my girlfriend were ecstatic that it is on a dead end. Um it's obviously a big draw for us as we want to, you know, grow a family here in South River and so forth. Um, so I just wanted to kind of speak to those same sentiments and obviously we'll be in contact with the police with the uptick in
>> motorized vehicles all through there, but just wanted to add some commentary there. Thank you all for your time. >> I appreciate it. Thank you. >> My name is Nadia Nolzek. I live at 42 Colin Drive in South River. I've been on Colin Drive since 1966.
The dead end street was wonderful for kids. Lots of nice quiet area until that road was put in. One way in and one way out. Well, I've
been told the f off, given the finger, waved at fingers, yelled at, cars zooming down that road like nobody's business.
Zooming out. You don't know where to look. It's It's one way in, but you can't be sure. And when your gut tells you you better stop even though there's no stop sign, here's a car.
So, I'm here in support of my neighbors. I'm sorry that a lot of the neighborhood is now elderly like myself, but that road is nothing but a hazard. You cannot enforce it.
So, I'm here in support of my neighbors. However, gentlemen and lady, I have a question. With the land redevelopment for Lower Main Street, where exactly is this building going to be put up? >> You're talking about what's on the
what's on the agenda today? >> This fivetory or fourstory building, >> the existing Laughing Chevrolet, what they have already Yeah. What they already got approved for, they're adding another floor to their building. >> It's where the Laughing Chevrolet is. >> Yes, ma'am. What is going to go up?
Where the the old bank with the clock, >> the PNC Bank or the Bank of America? >> A Bank of America. >> Bank of America is going to be 14 units with a commercial. >> It's going to be an apartment building also.
>> It's also going to be units. Yes. >> It's a crying shame. And I also would like to add that I support that gentleman there with the Ferry Street and Washington Street. >> Yeah. Mr. Trier, >> to tell you the truth,
when I moved to South River in 1960, it was a pleasant town with a lot of nice shops. But right now, I could tell you, you cannot, did you ever hear the expression, you can't make a silk purse
out of a SA's ear? That's what Main Street is. Okay? >> I cannot go in I don't go into any of those stores. There's nothing there to buy. And then I might be told, "You should
learn how to speak Spanish." >> I agree with you. >> Why don't you learn my language? I have a second language, too. >> I agree with you. The drugstore that used to be on the Ober Street in Maine. That was my
drugstore. Douchox. Now, what the heck is that? I wouldn't go in there to get drugs. Am I sure I'm going to get my drug? So, you have your work cut out for you.
As far as I'm concerned with Main Street, I don't go to this area of town. I do Providence. I won't go to their ATM at night. Thank you for your attention to this matter. >> Thank you. I appreciate it.
>> Anyone else from the public? >> Again, Jim Hutcherson, 38 Virginia Street. Um, just a quick question about the meter replacement project. What's the status of that now? Is it pretty much still we still have hundreds of meters to go? About how many do we have
to go yet? >> Joe, the last meeting about 400. >> So, that's about that's about what it was the last time I asked. I I think we have to do something more. I really do. Um, people aren't responding. Well,
they'll be responding with Did we start doing the fines yet? >> Yeah, some are responding, but we need enough. The company won't come out unless they get enough on the list to come out. Okay. >> Okay. >> Some people can't do all the offering and stuff. So, we're trying to make it work. >> I understand it's it's a difficult
situation, but that's holding up the everything associated with the future main replacement and everything else. So, um you we we have to go forward with that. Uh second off, um ordinance 20 2612 where we're looking at the uh uh no
standing zones and so forth. I think we also we've talked a lot about parking streets and so forth tonight. One of the streets I think that we got to look at for that also is Thomas Street in front of the Daryl alum school. That's a disaster over there. Um when schools
lets out and so forth, that whole area is just ridiculous. um as the bus driver for the senior citizens, God forbid I have to go through there at any point in time between 3 and 3:30.
It's a disaster. So, we may want to take a look at that, too. Um just a reminder for everybody, Memorial Day parade is Monday, uh May 25th. Starts at 1 pm at the corner of Hillside and Maine. comes down Main Street, turns
right on Jackson Street. We have a brief ceremony then at St. Mary's up Ferry Street. Um, and then uh it comes back up Main Street to the uh uh War Memorial Building for a ceremony there. urge everybody to come out and support the
Memorial Day parade committee and cultural arts committee uh with the Memorial Day parade and c certainly uh to support our brave, incredible veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice um come out for Memorial Day parade.
We're one of the few towns that still does that and thank God we do. And one last comment on the uh uh order uh for the older Americans act. I appreciate that. Again, as part of the uh office on
aging, um I want to congratulate the people who work in the office on aging. Uh Kimbell, uh Meliss Melissa and Annabelle, uh they do an incredible job in there for the seniors in town. Um the amount of activities, trips, programs that we
offer uh for the most vulnerable here in uh in South River is unbelievable. Uh the work that they do with the budget and how they stretch a dollar is is unbelievable. So I'm proud to be a small part of that as far as the bus driver,
but congratulations and I'm glad that you acknowledge that. Thank you, Mayor. >> Anyone else? Hi, Anita Chada, 46 Rotunda Lane, South River. Um, I've been uh hearing a lot about the traffic uh violation and
changing the rules uh making it one way or closing the one uh the streets, you know, is there a better way instead of just after 20 years, you know, people are so used to using it? Yes, there are
people who are breaking the laws. Can we give them tickets? Are we giving them the tickets so they don't break the law? >> Yes. >> Okay. And they still break the law? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> But if I give you a ticket for speeding up, you're never going to speed ever again.
>> That's that's that that's the reason for the speeding ticket, right? That you are paying for it. So you stop doing it. You're being punished, right? >> Okay. So that's that's the whole criteria right. Um my next question on
the Colin drive you have temporarily closed it. What is the next step? They this is you you have closed it from this side and then another um there are barriers there and there are sandbags. People are complaining about you know uh
it's eyesore you know the to the community and what is your next step? >> We're entertaining the thought of putting a little park there for the res. in too long right now. Okay. >> Takes time. Takes time. >> Yes. Um um also there are many residents
like him. Okay. Um I wish that you can uh I know that you did uh communicated with me as a president of the HOA you know and we did posted it you know but there are residents who still have
concerns you know and uh they have their own version like I said you know why the police cannot give the ticket and then they will stop and then there was another uh uh suggestion If you look at the that street is
two-way all the way from the back right and halfway to the Montisello it's it's like this much and up to this it is enough space for two-way but when you
come to this point there's a curve and that makes it one way did you ever look into that making it two-way that was another concern I'm I'm communicating on on behalf of the heritage landing homeowners.
>> Oh, unfortunately, one side is preservation, the other side belongs to a private owner. >> Okay, that was the reason. >> Uh we will >> the reason of the home >> def definitely we will try to uh organize a meeting with you so maybe you
can uh answer all the homeowners. >> I'll be more than happy to answer >> you know. Yes, at the end of the day they are part of the South River and uh you know they they have concerns. So it is our job to make sure that we um answer every one of them you know um the
ones who are living on Colin drive they have their concern. There are people who are in heritage landing they have concern emergency vehicles is a very big concern. There was uh one uh family
whose mother uh had an heart attack um and she had a very big concern that the ambulance could not get there on time the time frame you know. So please look into all of those things you know and see at the end of the day we are here to
work for the people of South River. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else from the public? First call. Second call. >> Motion to close public. >> Motion by council president Desanis. Seconded by Councilman Kosinsky.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Governing body comments. Councilman Donado. >> Uh yes. I I've been recently appointed by the mayor as the liaison with the
environmental commission. um and the green team. Our next meeting is uh June 4th at 6:30 at the municipal building 48 Washington. I'm I'm learning what it is they do and they are
>> it's on uh >> May 14th. >> Uh okay. I knew there was something I was missing in there. I just my phone I put it in and it just decides what it's gonna do. Okay. Good. Good. All right. It's May 14th. We're going to have a uh we're going to reorganize at that
particular point. I have some questions that I went in to the mayor and for the attorney to take a look at. I'm sure they're going to get back to us as soon as possible, but we're going to proceed as um everything the way it should be. And there's so many activities that they
have even I'm not aware of them. And there's a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of excitement. And I encourage people to come down to the meetings and get involved. There's so many things. My my granddaughter Mia >> Yeah.
>> Uh she uh she's uh one of she loves the the environment and wants to protect it. So she is uh she's taking part as as often as she can. You know, these teenagers, they all have uh schedules that don't necessarily agree with ours,
but she likes going to the to these things with me. and I told her wherever she's going to be, I will certainly be there. So, um, yes, that please come down, find out what's going on, get involved, and when opportunity comes up
to be someplace to clean up, to make the, uh, to make the town a little bit more beautified. U,, please take part in it. If I'm not there, somebody's going to have to drag me out of the house, but I I should be there, too. Um and uh I'm
looking forward to a a successful year in many years to come. Thank you, >> Councilman Dei. >> Okay. Um this is more on the line of reports. So I with the board of ed in the leazison for the board of education.
A few things on the front page of the board of ed website. There is a chat box available. At this location, you're able to type in your question and the chat box will link you directly to the information you are seeking. This will
help community members and parents easily and quickly access information on their website. Also on their website, there is a contact us section where the public can type in comments or questions. This section is organized by school and department. So you can target
your comment or question. members on that particular team will provide a response within 48 hours. Um the multi-use turf field, this is a new turf field, is now fully completed and functional.
This multi-year project has resulted in increased opportunity districtwide in the school system. The field offers a safe learning environment during the school day for middle and elementary physical ed classes and elementary recess. After school hours, the field is
used for boys and girls soccer in the fall and now softball and baseball in the spring. They ask for your cooperation in keeping this field clean and safe at this time and to preserve its lifespan.
The field is available through permit use only. Uh the board of ed is hosting their annual curriculum fair and district art show on Friday, May 22nd from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at the high school. This event provides an opportunity for families and
community members to explore student academic displays, learn more about the district's curriculum and programs, and visit information tables hosted by their community partners. The evening will also feature their second annual wellness fair and a
petting zoo for families to enjoy. The board of ed welcomes parents and the community to attend this event which highlights the many accomplishments and opportunities within the school district. Again, this event is Friday, May 22nd from 5 to 7 p.m. and it's at
the high school. Um, as mentioned previously at meetings the south of a frost and the pumpkin road race is on for this year. During the past months I have organized meetings with different departments that will be involved. It's a joint effort um
the rec department the board of health and we have been putting together details together um soon. It's going to be listed on the uh burough website for the link to be registered. Right now you can register, but it'll be on the uh burrow website soon with a race form.
And the date is Sunday, October 25th, and it's going to be a 5K run walk. >> Is it the 26th? I'm sorry. Apologize. It's the 26th. That's all I have here. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Silva. Uh, I
just wanted to remind everybody that our food bank located at 98 Jackson Street invites residents um to visit the food bank uh twice monthly right now. Um, you can visit it twice a month right now until June. They're offering it until
June. Also, the Cultural Arts and Heritage Commission is continuing with the flag raising at Dy's Pond. They welcome all residents to get involved. Flag raising applications can be found on our burough website. Uh, so I welcome all residents to celebrate their
heritage and apply if you're interested. Our first flag raising is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th at 11:30 at Daly's Pond, uh, where we'll be celebrating our Portuguese community. Just another reminder that our library does offer many programs for both adults
and children. It's an outstanding programs they have there. So, be sure to check out our website for all information. Um, they do offer a lot of things, right? and especially now for the spring and summer. So, be sure to check that out. >> And that's all for tonight, mayor. >> Thank you, Councilman Kosinsky.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um, first off, I'd like to thank all of our public safety workers and everything for all that they do for us, our DPW, our police department, fire, and all as far as looking out over us. Um, the Office on Aging is it's too late to sign up for
anything this month. All I can do is urge you to check your confuser and look at whatever their schedule is for the month coming up. Uh you have to actually sign up usually the first or second day of the month if there's any activities or trips that you want to do. Uh aside
from that, um it's too late to sign up for anything that's concurrently that's currently happening. So uh that um a belated happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. Uh, also this month
is also Memorial Day and that's the one thing uh it's kind of close to my heart and everything like that too. It's just what it is. It's Memorial Day. I know it signifies the start of summer and everything and everybody's going to be out there barbecuing and everything else
too, but just take a moment to remember. Okay. Uh, with that, that's pretty much all I have. Be aware of the children that are out there because it's getting warmer. Be aware of your neighbors, especially uh if you're having a barbecue or anything outside, too. We do
have a noise ordinance in town. 10:00, please. Some of the town some of the uh homes are in very close proximity to the others, and I'm sure your neighbors don't like to be serenated at 11:00 at night. With that, I thank you, Mayor.
>> Thank you, Council President. >> Yes. Regarding the uh recreation advisory board, our new chess program has started as of last week. Uh we are looking forward to introducing a new program. So if anyone has any suggestions to grow the recreation offering, uh please come to me. We can
explore them. The fishing derby will be held on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Kowski Park. It is free to participate, but you must register ahead of time. Summer wreck registration is also open until May 28th. This is also a free program, but
you again must register ahead of time. Competition cheerleading registration is open until May 17th. And pop water football and sideline cheerleading registration is open for the fall. The season does start in the liy in in uh July. For all activities requiring registration, please visit the burough
website for more details. To register, www.sofranj.org, click departments, then parks and recreation, and you'll see a link to enroll. And if any issues online, you can call the office at 732-2254-4412. And the next recreation advisory board meeting will be Monday, May 19th at 6
p.m. at 55 Re Street. Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Uh couple quick things for the good and welfare. Okay. Uh traffic lights. This has been a hot topic in the last week or so. Um things have come up about some traffic lights in town, how they
function, and who's responsible. So, when I started this endeavor, I only knew that green meant go and red meant stop and yellow meant hope chief wasn't anywhere close by and try to get through. Uh, but all things serious, I didn't know how traffic lights worked. I didn't know who was responsible. So,
when doing some research, there are 11 traffic lights in South. The burrow of South is responsible for three of them. Jackson and Maine, Jackson and Obert, Jackson and Whitehead. The county of Middle Sex is responsible for three of them. Overbridgeidge turnpike in north end by
Wawawa, Overturn Pike in Prospect and Maine and Thomas and the state of New Jersey is responsible for five. Over turnpike in Maine, Overturn Pike in Hillside, Maine and Hillside, Maine and Reed, Thomas and Reed. So, a lot of people say, "Well, that's a county road. It must be county or that's a this or
that's that." Just doesn't work like that. So, I think it's important that everyone has some knowledge and I think it's my role here to do research in these cases and get answers for you on what's what. That being said, if you see a traffic light that's not functioning correctly, you can call 2381000. They
will send someone to look at it. Ages team may have to go look and see if it needs to be fixed or they will get in touch with the county or the state if we are not able to adjust it. Okay. So, if we get a phone call at 231000, they will address that. The second thing I wanted to bring up was Colin Drive. I think
it's a perfect example of how this all works. you have a discussion on a on a topic, you have people come up from a se effectively both sides of the topic. Um I think it's important as council and as residents, we hear both sides. As the governing body, decisions have to be made based on what we think is the best
for everyone. And unfortunately, as you can see tonight, there's it's impossible to make everyone who walked up happy. Uh that being said, it's it's really what we have to pri prioritize, whether it's safety, it could be financial, it could be opinion. In some instances, those all
matter differently. Uh, but I think that tonight's a perfect example of our process. I encourage residents to come and have these conversations here in this forum. Facebook, all those other tools are not productive to have a back and forth conversation. So, please
continue to show. Uh, Mr. Trigger, I want to give you a special shout out. I don't think anyone knows that corner better than you as you have spent more hours than anyone there. Um, so your input's much appreciated. As Mayor Gindy said, this is just a study right now. This is not automatically going to make
a change and continue to be vocal about it. And I'm not promising you that what you say will go or not, but we are going to evaluate and we hope that whatever decision is made is consensus based off of the studies and the results. And lastly, Mrs. Garrison, you've been a very involved member in my whole time up
here. You've been at several meetings in many ways. I've driven around that corner. I live right on Ridge Road hundreds of times. So, um, I want to wish you and Father Dave good luck in your next endeavor and just thank you for all your contributions. Um, in a town like this, we need people for every piece of the puzzle. Um, so I just
appreciate all your efforts because we need a lot of volunteers and help. >> No, no, no. Anita, no. >> About human relation commission activities. Um, Sandra, you forgot to mention. Well, the commit the the things that we
spoke at the meeting I spoke to the mayor about and we had said that that we spoke about your multicultural date that's not a go yet.
>> You were not in the last meeting. So we on 27th um we are doing uh we'll talk about it. We'll talk about it. >> This is the event human relations. We will talk about it. Thank you. We will talk about it. >> Are you done? And that's all I have.
>> Thank you. >> All right. As you all know, that Main Street is under con under uh repair right now. They are doing the curbs. Uh once they're done with the curbs, they're going to be milling the road and they're going to be paving it. I know there's been quite a few residents that have
been complaining. Bear with it. This has been a long awaited uh project that has been ongoing for quite a few years with the county. This is a also a county project. So if there's ever a issue, feel free to reach out to the business administrator and we'll reach out to the county from
there. Social media, we don't hear what you say during social media, but we do hear you when you email us, call us, text us, reach out to the bureau and let us know what the problem is. It's very rare that somebody will
call us up and say, "Hey, did you see what they wrote in social media? We don't know that. So, unless you're interested in coming up to the council meeting, we don't know what your complaint is and we will address every one of your complaints." Also, on Main Street, as
you know, the projects have been underway with the uh old PNC, the Bank of America, and the Laughing Chevrolet. There's a lot of trucks uh going up and down the roads, a lot of construction vehicles. Please bear with it. This is going to be going on for about at least a year, a year and a half.
I decided I'm going to do a mayor's contest. As you all know, July 4th, America turns 250 years old. So, what I wanted to do is something that would be pretty uh interesting to the whole
entire town where we're doing a per patriotic house decorating contest. Residents for for residents in South River celebrating 250 years of American independence by decorating your home red and white and blue spirit contest dates
decorating starts today all the way up to July 3rd. Judging will take place on June 15th to June 30th. Uh winners will be announced on July 4th. How to participate? Decorate your exterior of your home with a patriotic theme.
Register online south river.org. or 237 parks and wreck. Displays must be visible from your streets and I'm paying for the awards. First award is going to be $250 worth of local business gift cards.
Second award is going to be $100 of local rest restaurant gift card. And then the third award is going to be the people's choice award. So, you need to submit what you feel as the best looking house. So, I'm
looking forward to all contests. Whoever likes to participate, please reach out. This will be on the website. Also, reach out to the parks and wreck and they'll give you more information on it. Memorial Day is upon us. Uh, I know it's a day of barbecues and fun in the
backyard, but a lot of people lose sight of exactly what it means. It's for the men and women that have served in our military. Please take a moment to remember that they they gave us what we have today, which is freedom, and they continue to fight that today.
We appreciate everything. We are going to be going into close session. We may not be acting on it when we come back out. You're more than welcome to stay if you like, or you could leave. Uh, whatever suits you. Melissa, can you please read um Executive 22656,
please? >> Resolution 202656. Whereas section 8 of chapter 231, public law 1975 permits the exclusion of the general public from a meeting of the governing body under certain circumstances. And whereas the mayor and council of the
burrow of South River are of the opinion such circumstances presently exist. Now therefore, be it is hereby resolved by the mayor and council of the burrow of South River in the county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, that the public be excluded upon the here and after specific subject matter, and that such subject matter to be so discussed is as
follows: litigation. Be it further resolved that such record of the above discussion will be made public when confidentiality is no longer required. The burough council, the burrow of South River may or may not take formal action at the conclusion of the executive session. Do >> I have a motion?
>> Motion. Make a motion. Motion by council president Danis. Second by councilman Diane. >> Councilman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Demian. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kchensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> All right.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Reopen the meeting. >> Second. >> Motion by Councilman Demian. Second by Councilman Kushinsky. All in favor? >> I. >> The motion to close. Motion for second
>> by Councilman Kashinsky. Second by Councilman Deia. >> All in favor?