WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=yir9IPeRpj0

Part: 1

1
00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:20.160
Good evening. Welcome to the 10th meeting of the year. Today is July 20th, 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

2
00:00:20.160 --> 00:00:36.239
published in the Home News Tribune on January 7th, 2026. posted on the municipal building bulletin board, the burough website in the front door of the criminal justice building at 61 Main Street, South River. >> Roll call. >> Mayor Gindy >> here. >> Councilman Dilva >> here. >> Councilman Donado

3
00:00:36.239 --> 00:00:54.239
>> here. >> Councilman Demian's not here. Councilman Janopalis >> here. >> Councilman Gchensky >> here. >> Council President Dantis >> 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

4
00:00:54.239 --> 00:01:23.200
for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may be seated for uh presentations. Uh we are going to skip the water. We're going to do the mayor's presentation first. So I know

5
00:01:23.200 --> 00:01:52.799
John has to leave early and uh go into the water man. When I was 5 years old, 1977, this individual started politics. He was elected to the county committee person and thereafter he was an active

6
00:01:52.799 --> 00:02:13.520
member at the St. Mary's Astronomic. He was active member of the Astron St. Mary's Astronomic Thank you. He served for decades. Also, he was also the planning board attorney for multiple

7
00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:29.280
years. Thereafter, in 1999, he was elected as a councilman. He served for nine years. He served also as a council president and he was on multiple leaison positions. He later returned in 2004 and

8
00:02:29.280 --> 00:02:46.400
served to 2008. Then after he returned in 2009 as a councilman and thereafter he was elected as mayor in 2011 while being a mayor from 2020 to 2023. He took South River supertorm Sandy as

9
00:02:46.400 --> 00:03:02.800
well as co and helped South River move forward. Not only did he do that but while he was doing that I mentored this individual. He showed me a lot of ways of South River and what South River was all about. Thereafter, he came back as a

10
00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:31.840
councilman in 2024. Today, we are honoring him with his own picture on the wall of mayors. Say a few words. >> Politician, lawyer, say a few words. Geez. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, this is

11
00:03:31.840 --> 00:03:46.879
something I wanted to do and never had a chance to do it doing it well. And if you ever have a chance, come here and take a look at the men and soon one woman picture up here. Uh, and think about being mayor. Being mayor is not an

12
00:03:46.879 --> 00:04:02.159
easy job. It does not come with a book. So I can assure you it takes a lot of work and you know one of the things that we constantly are doing and I know this mayor is doing it is asking for feedback from new people. Please if you have a

13
00:04:02.159 --> 00:04:20.359
problem, if you want to make comments, the mayor's door is always open. A good mayor's door is always open and this man's door is open. So please, anything you have to say to make South River better, please speak up. Thank you.

14
00:04:38.800 --> 00:05:14.400
Our next presentation is going to be uh Phippe uh giving us an update on our water uh project. Uh where is he? Thank you. Uh, Felipe Gonzas on behalf of CDM Smith. Um, when I saw the agenda,

15
00:05:14.400 --> 00:05:31.360
I was kind of worried to be the opening act for the mayor's presentation. So, I was quite relieved about this. Um, so I forward the the status of the project. Right now, we have a a couple uh big steps in the near future. We're looking

16
00:05:31.360 --> 00:05:48.080
at end of July internal completion of the design drawings. Then we're going through a process of uh two weeks of internal QAQC. Then we're going to be here. We're going to review it with public works and uh

17
00:05:48.080 --> 00:06:05.360
with anybody that is interested in looking at the plans and specifications. Once uh all those comments are incorporated into the document, we're going to submit uh to the trust, which is the next step. That's a big step. We need to submit plans, sign and seal of

18
00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:22.000
uh what is called a 90% set that is going to go to two places. Uh the trust and the New Jersey office of state controller for their uh review and approval. Uh we're expecting that to happen in around 3 months.

19
00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:38.479
uh OSC the office of state controller is um working faster these days so we're hopeful that it's going to be shorter in the review um in the meantime we're going to go for local permits what said is solar erosion and sediment

20
00:06:38.479 --> 00:06:55.600
control and uh county roads and then we have to make a couple decisions in that time decisions such um are we going to uh do the county roads that have been already done. When are they going to

21
00:06:55.600 --> 00:07:12.000
fund the schedule? How are we going to break the project? How we're going to fund the service line replacement if they have lead in the system? We talk about that in the process. Um, part of what we're doing right now

22
00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:27.199
is, uh, evaluating the cost of the service line replacement, uh, which is not a cheap price tag. We're talking about 3,300 services that are going to be replaced during the project. The

23
00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:42.800
original concept was to go to the main to the curb stop. If we decide to go to the all the way to the water meter, we're talking about an average of 7500 per service.

24
00:07:42.800 --> 00:07:59.120
We take a conservative approach in the service line replacement. Uh let's say that 50% of those lines need to be replaced and 50% are okay. We're talking about $12 million. We have options for that. As we have

25
00:07:59.120 --> 00:08:16.319
discussed in the past, we can pay um to the trust for the loan and then build the customers or we can uh pay all through the loan or an in between. That's for you to decide when once we have the final numbers.

26
00:08:16.319 --> 00:08:31.919
With that all said, uh we're looking to get final approval for authorization to advertise the project in December, bid in January, and uh to be concurrent with the cycle for the um New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. We are going to be

27
00:08:31.919 --> 00:08:49.440
um receiving bids late January, beginning of February for the project to be awarded in um spring, April. Um, I submitted the the summary of where we are in all the uh different task of

28
00:08:49.440 --> 00:09:04.720
the project. Anybody has any questions, I'm here to to answer them. And that's all I have for now. >> Um, if I may, mayor, go ahead. >> The uh So, when you say you're submitting to the trust, is that the

29
00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:20.240
state agency that releases money for the project? That's the >> New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. Yes, >> that's the bank, right? And then when you said that you're people could view them and then discuss this, where would that take place? Is that just something you're doing at DPW or you doing it down at

30
00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:36.399
>> 48? 48. >> Yes. >> And if somebody were interested in that, how would they uh is there a set date or is that going to be posted anywhere? >> Once we have the document, I'll coordinate with Mark >> and we'll schedule it. We schedule it. I think it's going to be several rounds,

31
00:09:36.399 --> 00:09:51.760
different people, >> right? um different opinions, different views. So, uh we we have I'll make myself available to to discuss those. >> So, I know there's certain neighborhoods that have >> priorities priorities

32
00:09:51.760 --> 00:10:07.200
>> and then we all have to come to a consensus what goes first >> who's the priority correct >> and how we're going to break it. There is that is the part that is the time when I'm going to tell you uh critical areas that

33
00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:26.240
might present a problem right now is um park all that section is going to be complicated because the neighboring is Bronswick. uh that is a big road and the county is

34
00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:42.160
requesting full payment curve to curb if we touch it. So we might have to just do the intersections. Those are the things that we need to analyze carefully and the the implications of those in the the project itself.

35
00:10:42.160 --> 00:10:59.839
>> Got you. Thank you. Uh the percent you say 90% the plans that be ready >> for for for uh >> 90%. >> Now that is for construction. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. I wasn't I wasn't clear on that. >> Yeah. That that is 90% of construction.

36
00:10:59.839 --> 00:11:17.560
They will have comments and and then it becomes once we address the comments from them and from the borrow then that becomes a 100% document >> that we'll put out for. >> Okay. Yeah. Because I'd like to see them myself. So, uh, that would be good. >> Okay.

37
00:11:18.640 --> 00:11:37.760
Anything else? Council. All right. Thank you, Fleet. >> We have one first reading. Uh, John, can you give us a briefing on this? >> Sure. Uh, this the title of this ordinance is it's it's 2618. And it's an ordinance of the Burough of South River County and Middle Middle Sex State, New

38
00:11:37.760 --> 00:11:52.720
Jersey, authorizing a short-term lease of the public property located at 6 Thomas Street to 55 Main Street, SR Urban Renewal LLC. So, uh, essentially this ordinance provides the burrow with

39
00:11:52.720 --> 00:12:10.639
formal authorization required by law to convey this property, as I said, six Thomas Street on a short-term basis uh, to the high highest qualified bidder. Uh this was a a a property that was bid out for leaseold. It's not for purchase. It's just for leaseold. And um a

40
00:12:10.639 --> 00:12:25.839
required step in that process is the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the burrow to uh to to lease out the property. >> And with this lease, I'm assuming that um they have to supply their own insurance as well as pay their own utility. >> Yes, that will that will all be uh

41
00:12:25.839 --> 00:12:42.320
required terms and conditions of the lease. >> Okay. Alissa, can you please read uh ordinance 2026-18? Ordinance 202618, an ordinance of the burrow of South River, County of Middle Sex, State of New Jersey, authorizing a short-term lease of the public property located at

42
00:12:42.320 --> 00:12:59.120
6 Thomas Street, 255 Maine, SR Urban Renewal LLC. I move that council pass ordinance 2026-18 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

43
00:12:59.120 --> 00:13:15.920
meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 17th, 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 Desenn, seconded by Coun second by Councilman Kashinsky, sorry. Counciloman

44
00:13:15.920 --> 00:13:32.720
Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Janikopolis, yes. >> Councilman Gchensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis, >> yes. >> Now we're going to move on to reports. Uh Justin, >> thank you, Mayor. Brief update on the capital projects taking place within the burrow for the 2023 local transportation

45
00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:48.240
program. Crossroad paving completed their storm sore test bits last week. Our office is reviewing that test pit data to try to avoid as many utility conflicts as possible. Uh we expect them back on site in uh later this August. For the 2025 local a program, Fernandez

46
00:13:48.240 --> 00:14:03.120
Construction mobilized to Ty Avenue on Thursday, July 16th to begin the stor sanitary sewer installation and they expect to move to Apprentice Avenue tomorrow to start storm sore installation. The 2025 electrical substation maintenance work continues.

47
00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:19.920
The 2026 local aid program project design is nearing completion. However, the burrow is adding the residential curb and sidewalk replacement program. Our office will be reaching out to all the residents who have uh entered the program. 2027 local aid program. Our office submitted an application to the DOT for various roads and for a bike

48
00:14:19.920 --> 00:14:36.079
grant application. The George Street and Washington Street one-way study. The traffic data count is complete and the first draft is of the report is complete. I expect to have something submitted to the bureau later this week. And last, the Veterans Drive parking lot wetland delineation. The environmental constraint mapping has

49
00:14:36.079 --> 00:14:52.399
been completed and we're working on a concept plan to present to the bureau. That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, council. Any discussion? >> I do have one question. Um, so regarding the paving, obviously we have them yearbyear and then we have the water main project going simultaneously. I know it's not easy to coordinate, but is

50
00:14:52.399 --> 00:15:07.839
there any way to look into like the roads that are going to be paved at a certain time frame and prioritize the water manes on those roads if they are part of the initial phase just to avoid double work and redundant inconveniences, etc. >> Absolutely. That's something that we should look at during that 90% review.

51
00:15:07.839 --> 00:15:25.120
>> Okay. Thank you. Right. Thank you. Um Joe CFO. >> Thank you, Mayor. A couple resolutions on the agenda. We received more grants after the budget was adopted. Uh we got a recycling tonnage grant for $23,411.76. A county uh office on aging grant

52
00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:41.279
physical for 4,000 information assistance 3,000 association socialization and recreation 5,000 and mental health 5,000. Um there's a chapter 159 resolution to put that into the budget. We also have a resolution to approve the turf field at Veterans Fields. Um that's funded also by a

53
00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:58.000
county grant for 1,20,000. And then you have a resolution extended grace period for third quarter taxes. Bills should probably go out the last week of July, I think Tuesday the 28th or Wednesday the 29th. We're anticipating sending them out. Um residents have till August 21st to pay. If they don't pay by August 21st, it

54
00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:14.000
goes back to August 1st for interest. And then you also have a shared service agreement that we're entering into with for tax collector services for the Burough Miltown. Question Page DPW. >> Yes, Mayor. On uh Saturday, we had uh

55
00:16:14.000 --> 00:16:30.160
the storm. The rains caused a manhole storm sewer to break up the intersection of Lynen and Whitehead. The contractor started the work today. It's going to probably be couple weeks till the whole

56
00:16:30.160 --> 00:16:48.320
project's completed. Okay, that's all I have. Discussion. Uh, fire chief. >> Uh, right now, um, we had our brush truck put back in service. All the repairs have been completed. >> Uh, on that right now, our ladder is out

57
00:16:48.320 --> 00:17:05.039
of service. It's at Campbell Supply. Um, we're having a hard time. Well, they're having a hard time finding parts for it due to its age. Um, so right now it's out of service and I not 100% sure when it'll be back in service. um waiting on

58
00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:21.839
an update. As of today, they're they're having a hard time. So, hopefully maybe in the middle of the week, I'll know more, but um right now, we're just getting ready for, you know, the end of the summer fireworks. And we are, just a reminder,

59
00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:38.320
Sunday, we have that, uh full scale, uh drill going on. So, it'll be down the end of the causeway. There's going to be multiple multiple agencies in town. Um, so if everybody sees like tankers running around, firet trucks running

60
00:17:38.320 --> 00:17:54.720
around, it's they're not going to be flying around lights and sirens, but they'll they're going to be shuttling water. So just don't, you know, panic. It's it's a drill. So it should be somewhere between 8:30 to about noon time

61
00:17:54.720 --> 00:18:11.679
on Sunday. >> Uh, for ladder tower, I'm assuming we have backup mutual aid just >> right now. We have um district 2, East Brunswick District 2. Um in the event um uh Adam was notified. Um we have

62
00:18:11.679 --> 00:18:28.080
in the report of possible smoke showing any possible fire, anything like that, they're automatically after they dispatch us, they're automatically go to East Brunswick and had dispatch the ladder. >> Okay. So right now we're that and if I need to I also have serville on standby

63
00:18:28.080 --> 00:18:46.640
talk to the chief there. So we have backup on on backup. >> All right sounds good then. All right question anything for no >> nothing to share in the public session. We will have an executive sessions right

64
00:18:46.640 --> 00:19:02.640
>> Mark >> Councilman Kushinsky. Thank you mayor. Um, of course the office on aging is closed till the end of this week yet to due to repairs on Reed Street. And uh, all I can say is at the end of the month, please check the

65
00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:18.720
website and everything to for any scheduled events that are coming up. With that, that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Dva. >> Um, our Cultural Arts and Heritage Commission is planning on having South River Day on October 17th. They are still currently looking for vendors. So,

66
00:19:18.720 --> 00:19:33.919
if you're interested, please reach out to Teresa Hutchinson at Cultural Arts. Um, the email can be found on our burough website. Our food bank um is still going on with their school supplies drive, which is underway until August 15th. Um they're looking for a

67
00:19:33.919 --> 00:19:49.280
lot of school supplies. If you're interested in donating, drop off locations are at Corpus Christie Church, Holy Trinity Church, and the South River Food Bank. Bins are provided at these locations. Um, all items donated will be distributed to South families via the

68
00:19:49.280 --> 00:20:06.480
South River Food Bank. Any questions? You can give the food bank a call. That's all I have for Thank you, Councilman Gina Acopolis. >> Um, so the uh EDC is planning their uh farmers market down on the Ober Street

69
00:20:06.480 --> 00:20:24.240
parking lot. It's going to be every Sunday running all September and October on Sundays starting at I think 11 to three. Um we're getting a lot of response. We already have about 15 vendors uh looking to get a food truck

70
00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:39.360
out there. So it's going to be something nice, you know, after church on Sunday or wherever you go on Sunday. Bring the family downtown South River Obert Street. We're going to have farmers market things going on. Um, it should be something fun and uh something to look

71
00:20:39.360 --> 00:20:56.240
forward to in the fall. Um, again, we have uh the Shade Tree Committee meetings going on this Oh jeez. Oh, messed up. Don't have the date. But you can look it up. You can look it up on the Burough website. The Shay

72
00:20:56.240 --> 00:21:12.400
Triet meets I think it's the second Thursday of every month, but sometimes that switches. Uh we meet down at 48 Washington at 6:30. If you're interested in shade trees, trees in the verge. If there's a tree that you need dealt with

73
00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:26.559
in front of your house that's in the verge, you get a hold of us and uh we could talk about it. Plant a new one, take the uh one that's rotting away down. And uh I think that's all I got. Oh, and with the storms over the

74
00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:43.679
weekend, we had no trees down. We did not. Our pump stations worked really good. We had no issues with the pump stations. We had no fire calls in town, but I from what I understand, we helped other town four other

75
00:21:43.679 --> 00:21:59.760
>> We had four of our own. Oh, >> we also went to >> I know we went to Saraveville. >> Oh, then I got to put that on Pete. Uh this information from our OEM director, but okay. And that's all I got.

76
00:21:59.760 --> 00:22:16.000
>> All right. Thank you, Councilman Donado. >> Our latest meeting for the environmental commission had to be cancelled because of we didn't have enough people. But the next meeting will be on the 30th at uh 6:30 at 48 Washington Street. Everyone

77
00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:33.039
who would like to attend, please do so. And see you then. Council President, >> uh yes. for our recreation programs. It's the last call for signups for the fall for baseball, softball, soccer, cheerleading, and pop wonder football.

78
00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:48.640
They're all going to be starting over the next couple weeks. So, if you're interested, please register so we can align. Uh to register, you go to the Burough website and go to ww.sengine.org, click departments, parks and recreation. You'll see a link to enroll and if any issues online, call the office at

79
00:22:48.640 --> 00:23:06.640
732254-4412. And the next recreation advisory board meeting will be Monday, September 21st, 6 pm at 55 re street. And residents are welcome and encouraged to attend. >> All right. Thank you. Uh we are now going to open it up to the public for uh

80
00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:23.840
consent resolutions. Get uh get five minutes. Please state your name and your uh address. >> Thank you, mayor. Thank you, councelor. I'm from 109 Water Street for high-end cannabis. Um, I received this disturbing curl today that we were not getting our

81
00:23:23.840 --> 00:23:38.880
license. What's your name? >> Mark James. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. Um, >> due to somebody else trying to get a license, which we've been working very hard to try to make this a nice building, nice town to get everything

82
00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:55.360
put together. And now once again, we're kind of at a road stop with this one guy that keeps obviously we found out when we got our CEO that we have a person that's trying to get our license. Now, I found out when I received my CO from Julie Moore that we've received that

83
00:23:55.360 --> 00:24:11.279
there's somebody else in there. This is the first I heard of it. Um I don't know if there's a way to vote on this tonight and once we pass our resolution with our we're going to get a hold of them because they didn't have enough time to put it into it. We got talk to attorneys and everything. Attorneys said that

84
00:24:11.279 --> 00:24:26.799
stopping it isn't really what was it called, Diane? >> An injunction that they didn't have enough time to do it. And you know, they're kind of holding us up. I started employees. I I have a lot of money into this and it's financially really starting to hit me. I don't know if

85
00:24:26.799 --> 00:24:43.039
there's some way we can rule on this to where we we get a vote on this and then soon as I get the lawyers to handle this whole thing, we can turn around and walk it out later. I don't know how we can do this, but I'm I'm asking you guys for your help. I don't know which way to go. I'm just trying to make this, you know, as easy as we can. I'm not looking to

86
00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:58.559
point fingers at nobody. I'm just trying to get this handled whatever we can. You know, >> u Mr. Jameson, I I on behalf of uh the burrow and the council, we we do appreciate your comments and you coming out tonight. Unfortunately, I need to advise uh the council not to make any comments on this due to the pending

87
00:24:58.559 --> 00:25:15.200
litigation. Um so that that is unfortunately the status of the matter. Uh, resolution 209 will not be acted on tonight. >> But, you know, at the end of the day, I mean, I was just notified this 3:00 this afternoon. And I think this is unfair. I came in here, I did everything. I posted everything. I followed every rule for

88
00:25:15.200 --> 00:25:31.919
the cannabis law. We followed everything to the tea. And we have one person coming in here and saying that he wants to change the whole cannabis C uh CRC rules. And I'm stopped at a dead stop. And I understand you're I understand what you guys are up against. I I

89
00:25:31.919 --> 00:25:47.039
understand the lawsuit. I understand everything that's going on this. I'm just hearing this today. Um that we were stopped. But if I would have known this 3 months ago, I would have got lawyers involved. And this isn't something cheap. I'm talking lawyers are asking me

90
00:25:47.039 --> 00:26:03.520
for 40, 60, $80,000 retainers. This isn't cheap. Who's going to pay me back? You know what I mean? At the end of the day, for this guy coming in here doing this. I mean, from what I'm understanding with him, the little background check we got, he he's using grants. He doesn't have

91
00:26:03.520 --> 00:26:20.000
money. He's got credit card fraud. He's got all kinds of not credit card fraud. I'm sorry. I shouldn't say that. Wrong. He's got um overdue that they're coming after. You know, it's just it's not right. I I put a lot of money into this town. I bought $275,000 back taxes. I made that building beautiful down there.

92
00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:40.640
I did everything I was supposed to do. I followed every rule. And once I get to the finish line, you told me no. I have employees that started. I got $12,000 a week employees. I don't know what I'm supposed to do here. >> I understand. All I can say is thank you for your comments and uh uh I we really

93
00:26:40.640 --> 00:26:56.000
can't speak on it further due the litigation. Thank you. >> I understand. >> Uh Sabrina Hterrero, what do you what do you need? My address? >> 109. >> Yeah. 109 Water Street, South River, New Jersey. Uh I'm the president and the COO of uh New Jersey Cannabis Consulting

94
00:26:56.000 --> 00:27:12.799
Group. Um I've helped open 11 dispensaries in New Jersey uh and started in the industry when it was medical only. Um I can certainly appreciate the fact that you guys are up against uh a legal dispute. Um however, letting litigation stall all of the work that this team has done, um as well as

95
00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:29.360
the business development, it actively hurts South River. Not only does it hurt South River, but it hurts the reputation of the community. This is somebody that's trying to start a local business. We hired people from your town. They quit their jobs, gave twoe notices, and started with us today. And now we're

96
00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:44.000
going to have to turn around and tell these employees that we don't have jobs for them until this is solved. Right? So, it's not just hurting the people that are standing behind me. It's hurting residents that are still going out of town to get product and putting tax dollars in other communities. Right? every single day that this dispensary

97
00:27:44.000 --> 00:28:00.240
doesn't open is less tax dollars that are going to this township. Right? You had the former mayor up here talking about if you have something to say or something that can make South River better, do it now. Right? This is something that can make South River better. Right? You guys are talking about doing this water development program. You're talking about all these

98
00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:16.080
funds that are moving through to allow somebody else to hold up all of this work and all of this business. It's going to lead to a bigger problem down the road. Right. My understanding is this lawsuit is him saying that and I I understand you can't comment on it at all. My understanding is the lawsuit is

99
00:28:16.080 --> 00:28:31.760
him saying that this is getting in the business of him operating a business. It is now getting in the way of us operating this business. Right. And that's going to be a huge problem if we have this beautiful builtout building that we did pay taxes on that's just sitting in your community ready to go. Every single day since we've put the

100
00:28:31.760 --> 00:28:48.080
sign on this building, we've had residents of South River come to our parking lot and say, "Are you open yet?" They are ready to spend money in this community. They don't want to go outside of this community to New Brunswick and North Brunswick and any of that. It is now time for this council to stand up and do what is right for small business

101
00:28:48.080 --> 00:29:03.919
owners. It's time for you guys to stand up and do what is right for somebody that has poured time into this community in a business that each one of you know very very well can contribute to this community. Right. Outside of the tax revenue, they're committing to pledge community dollars. They're committing to

102
00:29:03.919 --> 00:29:19.600
participate in everything that you talked about, Councilwoman. Right. This is a a a team that wants to be part of the community and every single day that you guys don't allow allow them to be part of it, it's just hurting this community even more. So, please reconsider. I understand that there's an open lawsuit, but at the end of the day,

103
00:29:19.600 --> 00:29:34.880
each one of you has the power to do what is right, right, to help us open. We are targeting August 1st for the opening date. So, if you do give us the approval today, we can move very, very quickly, right? August 1st can be the opening. We can make a payment at the end of Q3. Things can get rolling very, very

104
00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:50.720
quickly. At the end of the day, you know, whatever is going on with this guy has nothing to do with us. He is challenging decisions that y'all have already made. It doesn't look good on his side. I totally understand that. But you all made the decision for for the right reasons. You knew it was good for the township. Each one of you voted yes,

105
00:29:50.720 --> 00:30:05.760
this is good for the township. And now we're going to hold it up, right? So, does it really matter doing what's best for the township or does it matter doing what's best for people that are the loudest in the room? So, please reconsider. Anyone

106
00:30:05.760 --> 00:30:26.399
else from the public? >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. Jim Hutcherson, 38 Virginia Street. Um, I just have some comments and questions concerning resolution uh 2026-20 or 204. Uh, just reading the uh uh

107
00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:44.000
consent resolution in its title. It's appointing Mark Tinnegan as burough administrator and removing the interim designation. I have no problem with that at all. I just have some questions associated with some of the backing, excuse me, backing documentation. And let me preface my comments with I have

108
00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:59.520
absolutely no issues with Mark Tinnegan as the burough administrator, Mark Tinnegan as the chief of police, Mark Tinnegan as a man. I just am looking at some things here and questioning it. And at the same point in time, I have some questions as far as financing and so forth. Um, within the backing

109
00:30:59.520 --> 00:31:15.600
documentation, it talks about the uh term of this uh contract and it's saying that it goes from August 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2031. 5 and a almost 5 and a half years.

110
00:31:15.600 --> 00:31:31.279
>> Um, and I'm going to get all my questions in and then if you don't mind responding. Okay. So just wondering why we're looking at a 5 and a half year term when you know most contracts are probably like a threeyear term. I'm not sure like your police contract as chief

111
00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:47.600
police that may be a threeear I'm not not sure if it's three or it's a four-year term. Okay. Thank you sir. Um then it talks about compensation and I know when uh I'll call you chief. When I when Chief was hired as the interim

112
00:31:47.600 --> 00:32:04.320
part-time business administrator, there was a stipen amount that was included within that resolution that he was being paid. There's no mention here of what the salary is. So, it just talks about um proposed employment contract,

113
00:32:04.320 --> 00:32:21.360
um the compensation, benefits, allowances, reimbursements. There's nothing here that talks about that. And I'm sure if it's a 5 and 1/2 year contract, there's certain levels where there's an increase over that period of time. There's nothing in here that talks about that. Um, and then when you talk

114
00:32:21.360 --> 00:32:38.799
about the contract itself, you know, that's not here. And if every one of these individuals tonight is voting on that, I guess my question is I would hope that you have looked at and been able to review the actual physical contract itself in writing prior to

115
00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:56.399
making a decision tonight. Um so that's some of my questions. Then I have one final comment afterwards if you don't mind addressing some of those things. Thank you. >> Yeah. So um I I believe your contract your question was about the term. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, so the length of the contract

116
00:32:56.399 --> 00:33:12.080
that's that's what um you know uh the chief and the bureau agreed to. I also understand that that is a a standard term uh that has been uh entered into in the past if I'm not mistaken >> with the prior >> with with the prior. So that that length

117
00:33:12.080 --> 00:33:29.200
of time uh was carried over in term in terms of compensation. Um my my understanding is that there's no change in compensation immediately, but you're correct that in subsequent years, you know, when the when the budget is looked at, that compensation will be addressed. But um the chief will will earn the same

118
00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:45.600
compensation he's currently earning as an interm and as the chief uh as the permanent, for lack of a better term, VA and the chief. Um I'm sorry, what other questions did you have? I don't want to miss them. it. Has everybody been provided the

119
00:33:45.600 --> 00:34:11.839
contract? >> Everybody got the contract? >> Guess not. >> Then I guess my question is how can you vote on something that you haven't seen the contract? Just that again that's my comment. Okay. Um just just one final thing and again

120
00:34:11.839 --> 00:34:27.760
no disrespect sir. No disrespect at all. Um, when the original contract was established and there was a stipen and again it was public knowledge that the stipen was for $40,000 annually.

121
00:34:27.760 --> 00:34:43.760
That is a a separate stipen to the current contract of which chief is getting as the police chief. Unless I'm wrong and again you can correct me on this sir. while acting as the police chief, you

122
00:34:43.760 --> 00:35:00.079
cannot act as the business administrator >> and vice versa. >> No, that's not correct. So, you just have to make sure that there's not uh a conflict in the hierarchy or structure in terms of the chain of command and the way that the uh bureau has constructed its police department. The police

123
00:35:00.079 --> 00:35:15.599
department does not report up through the business administrator. They report uh completely separate outside of the administration uh through the public safety committee directly to the council. Right. So, uh, there's no oversight issue or conflict in terms of, you know, the chief being able to give

124
00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:30.079
his own department preferential treatment through his office of the BA. No, I'm not talking about that. I'm saying that while he's acting as the business administrator, that unless I'm wrong, he can't carry a gun, can't carry a badge, can't perform

125
00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:46.079
the duties of police officer when he's acting as the BA. it each individual responsibilities must remain separate. That's how I read it through the state statute. >> You know what? I uh I I don't want to speak out of turn. So, I will look

126
00:35:46.079 --> 00:36:02.640
deeper into that issue and be prepared next meeting to come back with an answer. >> I and I appreciate that, sir. Thank you. Um, I'm just saying that if in fact I am correct then, and again, I'm just going to throw this out that there's a period of time

127
00:36:02.640 --> 00:36:17.839
that you're being paid that the the chief is being paid $40,000 in a stipen as the business administrator. And if I'm correct, he can't perform the duties of police chief at that same time simultaneously.

128
00:36:17.839 --> 00:36:34.640
The two have to remain separate. if I'm correct. Okay. >> So, I'm gonna answer your question. >> Well, again, go ahead. Let me just continue. Mayor, go ahead. >> I apologize. >> Again, I'm just looking at it that there's his contract then would say he's

129
00:36:34.640 --> 00:36:51.200
making X annual dollars as the police chief. Yet, if there's time, $40,000 worth of time, whatever that is, that he cannot perform the function of police chief because he's the burough administrator,

130
00:36:51.200 --> 00:37:06.560
then that's a time period off of that contract. So, it's almost like there's a period of time that there's additional money going in as a police chief that he can't perform the duty. if I read the statute correct.

131
00:37:06.560 --> 00:37:22.160
Again, no disrespect. No disrespect at all. I'm just looking at it from a financial aspect. You know, we're always looking at pennies, dollars, nickels, etc. Looking at the CFO and making sure that where's all this money coming from

132
00:37:22.160 --> 00:37:39.599
and how the taxpayers are implicated and so forth. Um, we can please just look at that and and again, if that's the case, fine. But I'm a little concerned we haven't seen the contract. That's my biggest concern at this point. >> Can I the So the $40,000 contract that

133
00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:56.400
he's currently in, we are privy to that. >> I'm just I'm saying, okay, well, what is this contract? Because you're voting tonight. If you if you do vote on this resolution, you're voting on new terms, >> right? >> It's not associated with what took place

134
00:37:56.400 --> 00:38:12.480
in February, March. I'm not sure what what month it happened to be, but um again >> now with that >> I just go back in time when when I sat up there, you know, 10 plus years ago and there was a something was brought forward and there was a question about

135
00:38:12.480 --> 00:38:30.160
can we go forward with a particular contract and we didn't even have a draft and there was a motion made to pass the contract and I was like you can't do that. we don't even have it. You know, what is it? Has it has anybody even seen this contract? And it was like didn't even exist. So, just throwing it out

136
00:38:30.160 --> 00:38:45.440
there. That's all. Just that's that's again just my opinion. So, I don't know if there's any other comments. >> I want to answer your question about the conflict of business administrator and BA. >> Right now, there's so many towns in the state of New Jersey that actually follow

137
00:38:45.440 --> 00:39:03.040
that pattern. Middle Sex Burrow, Seagar, Emeraldwood Park, Sparta Township, Hawthorne, Raridan Township, South Brunswick. Uh that chief was 30 years he was sorry, he was a 30-year uh police officer and he was 14 years as a police chief. And while doing so, he was a

138
00:39:03.040 --> 00:39:18.079
business administrator at the same time. Now, that is a format that a lot of townships are doing. So, I understand where you're coming with the actual contract part of it. My my intention is to change the word intrum to the regular

139
00:39:18.079 --> 00:39:33.920
VA and then if I have to go revisit the actual contract and have it brought to the council at the proper way, I'll do so. Now, I understand where the questions are coming up because well, wait a minute. We have authority that's finally standing there and actually moving forward with the town, helping

140
00:39:33.920 --> 00:39:50.560
the town, you know, finally evolved the proper way. So, I understand your concern. And I could promise you that that everyone will see this contract when the contract is ready to be voted upon. >> Perfect. Again, just I'm looking at specifics within this has nothing to do

141
00:39:50.560 --> 00:40:08.640
with the individual or anything associated with that. This is just our our previous part-time BA. >> You're saying that was a five-year contract? >> Yeah. >> Okay. for the last B their last business

142
00:40:08.640 --> 00:40:26.720
administrator Andrew Solo >> Brad Carr >> Red Carr five years. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. Anyone else from the public?

143
00:40:26.720 --> 00:40:43.440
>> First call. Second call. >> Motion to close public. >> Second motion by Council President Desennis. Seconded by Councilman Geneopoulos. All in favor? >> I we are going to go to consent resolutions. I believe uh 204 was to be

144
00:40:43.440 --> 00:40:59.119
pulled >> to be read separately. >> 209 >> 209 >> I'm sorry 209. >> 209 is pulled right >> and I I respectfully request the 204 be discussed a little bit. >> All right. 204 as well. >> So 204 and 209. >> Yeah.

145
00:40:59.119 --> 00:41:15.599
>> Okay. Whereas resolution 202601 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 low listed resolutions are hereby adopted by the burough

146
00:41:15.599 --> 00:41:30.160
council in whole as if the same were individually acted upon. Consent resolutions 2026 198 to 2026 213 excluding 2026 204 and 209. 198 insertion of any special item of

147
00:41:30.160 --> 00:41:47.119
revenue in the budget. 199 authorizing turnover of tax sale certificates. 200 authorizing the award of contract to Athletic Fields of America for the Veterans Park revision. 201 Extended grace period for the third quarter property taxes.

148
00:41:47.119 --> 00:42:04.480
202 Grant application with the NJ DOT for improvements to John Street, Hollander Street, and Nelson Street. 203 grant application with the NJ DOT for the Gowski Park to Bets Recreation Area Bike Path. 205 authorizing the exe the execution of

149
00:42:04.480 --> 00:42:20.880
a shared service agreement with the burrow of Miltown. 206 Granting renewal to an ABC license for the 2627 license year. 207 authorized certain utility refunds. 208 awarding a contract to Sler Realy Services Group Incorporated for

150
00:42:20.880 --> 00:42:36.640
appraisal services. 210 awarding a short-term lease located at 6 Thomas Street to 55 Main SR Urban Renewal LLC. 211 accept June 29th, 2026 regular meeting minutes.

151
00:42:36.640 --> 00:42:53.359
212 authorize the bills and claims list. 213 authorizing a place to place expansion of premise transfer to Gold Star Bar. We have a motion. Motion to move. Motion by council president, second by councilwoman Dilo.

152
00:42:53.359 --> 00:43:16.880
>> Councilman Dilva, >> yes. >> Councilman Donado, >> yes. >> Councilman Janicopolis, >> yes. >> Councilman Gchensky, >> yes. >> Council President Dantis, >> yes. What's the 204 resolution 2026 204 appointing Mark E.

153
00:43:16.880 --> 00:43:33.440
Tenitigan as burough administrator removing the interim designation from set appointment approving an employment contract and authorizing execution thereof. >> Motion we have the full read. >> Motion by council president. >> Second. >> Second by councilwoman Dilva.

154
00:43:33.440 --> 00:43:49.200
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Councilman. >> Yes. Um seems confusion as to how this is actually going to work. Those are two very important positions. uh are is the person or is uh the police chief going

155
00:43:49.200 --> 00:44:04.640
to be acting as both simultaneously or is this something that would be um separate somehow or another? I know he's there till all hours of the night. So, >> well, it's separate in a way. Um I could tell you right now business

156
00:44:04.640 --> 00:44:20.079
administrator position, he's dedicated more than what he's supposed to be putting towards the >> Oh, I'm I'm witness to that. Yeah, >> I'm witness to that. Um, yeah, and I I apologize. I should have uh had that resolution 202675. That was early on and

157
00:44:20.079 --> 00:44:38.240
I missed that. So, I'd be interested into seeing that. I'm going to do some research and and pull it to better understand it. The main concern is that we're not uh what do they say double dipping as I was accused >> at one time uh for doing and um

158
00:44:38.240 --> 00:44:56.560
no qualifications nothing to uh besudge his reputation and his integrity because I know it's it's there. It's just it'd be nice to clarify it a little bit so people understand a little bit better what's going on and these questions don't come up because um this has come

159
00:44:56.560 --> 00:45:12.960
up and I was hardressed to explain it to someone. >> So that uh being considered I would suggest that maybe if it was possible to delay this until our next meeting um

160
00:45:12.960 --> 00:45:28.720
>> I just have a question for Mr. Duca based off of the way this reads the way I understand it we're removing the interim tag and putting it as part-time the contract is ready in place the financials exist as they are and then each year just like we can with any

161
00:45:28.720 --> 00:45:44.720
employee financials can be revisited and changed etc. So the way this is prevised as it stands there's nothing that's written with anything set to change you know person into a contract like it can but it's not necessarily written

162
00:45:44.720 --> 00:46:01.200
that it will or is there something that's in addition to this that would have an outline of a step up or some sort of a compensation? >> No the uh the characterization that you first described is correct. >> So it goes to the original agreement >> goes to the original agreement moving the inter

163
00:46:01.200 --> 00:46:17.119
to make it a parttime tag. That is accurate. >> Which is basically procedural at that point, >> right? >> And then the the financial part is status quo until agreed upon at a future date and at that point it could be changed or not. >> Yeah. The the only real substantive change here is the title from interimm to part time.

164
00:46:17.119 --> 00:46:31.119
>> Right. That's that's basically what I long-windedly was asking. Okay. Thank you. And then also, so I was at a water resource meeting uh for Middle Sex County where I spoke to the uh mayor

165
00:46:31.119 --> 00:46:48.560
ameritus of uh Middle Sexboro. Um, and this is prior to us um, having Chief take on the BA position because I was aware that that's what they do in Middle Sex and I was informed by him that it it's working out great

166
00:46:48.560 --> 00:47:04.560
for them and it is possible if you do have somebody competent enough to do it and luckily we do have somebody confident enough I think that is actually doing it well, you know, as far as I've heard from everyone, you that

167
00:47:04.560 --> 00:47:20.480
he's doing a good job at it. >> Um, so he is capable of it if anyone's concern is that if he's capable of it. And in a way you can view it as the burrow is actually saving some money because I think if you

168
00:47:20.480 --> 00:47:37.920
had a full-time BA at this point, you're not going to get away with the $40,000 stipen, you know. So that's just another way of looking at it. And um uh for Mr. Hutchinson's question, so the

169
00:47:37.920 --> 00:47:53.680
contract he's currently in, we are aware of. So when we're saying we're not sure that we haven't feuded the contract, it is the $40,000 contract and at the end of the year when it comes time I guess at that point there would be something

170
00:47:53.680 --> 00:48:10.880
new to discuss if I'm according to >> correct and it'll be another resolution. >> Right. So >> that that time it would be outlined like the last one with the dollars. >> Yes. >> Nick, not to step on you here, but Joe, if you could >> from a from a benefits perspective, >> if we were to hire a full-time employee

171
00:48:10.880 --> 00:48:27.680
tomorrow, what is rough estimate on the bureaus's uh >> at least 200,000 with benefits and pension costs and everything else. >> Forget salary for the BA. I'm saying if we hired a new employee, just their benefit package, >> yeah, >> is about >> probably 100,000. >> Okay. So north of the

172
00:48:27.680 --> 00:48:44.160
>> coverage they take for health benefits. There's a lot of factors but yeah could >> understood probably be with salary about 200,000 or more. >> Understood. Okay. Thank you. >> So it's just the title that's changing. Everything else remains as is. >> Status quo. >> Okay. >> And these are amendments that are in

173
00:48:44.160 --> 00:48:59.520
resolution uh 1 through9. They apply to this particular case. >> I'm I'm sorry. One one through 19. Are you talking about the provisions resolution? Yes. Yes. That's for those are from the contract, correct?

174
00:48:59.520 --> 00:49:25.119
>> Okay. >> J, do you feel confident to vote? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Wait, just wait. >> I'm sorry. Jim, are you >> are you all conf Yes. >> All right. Do we have a motion? Motion to adopt.

175
00:49:25.119 --> 00:49:45.040
>> Second. >> Motion by Council President Dennis. Second by Councilwoman Dilva. >> Councilman Dilva. >> Yes. >> Councilman Donado. >> Yes. >> Councilman Janopolis. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gchensky. >> Yes. >> Council President Dantis. >> Yes. >> What's 209?

176
00:49:45.040 --> 00:50:01.599
>> So two. We won't be taking action on on 209. We're we're simply pulling it from the agenda. I don't want to misconstrue um any lack of vote or uh disapproval of vote as a denial of the license because that's not the council's intention at this time.

177
00:50:01.599 --> 00:50:19.359
Right. Councilman Donado, do you have any questions? >> No. >> All right. We're going to go into public comments. Well, >> 214 is close session. I'll have to do it now.

178
00:50:19.359 --> 00:50:36.559
>> We're going into close session. >> We don't have to say it. >> Right. Uh we're going to go into public comments. Uh you get five minutes to uh speak. State your name and your address. >> Jim Hutcherson, 38 Virginia Street. Um

179
00:50:36.559 --> 00:50:51.520
again, no no issues with the qualifications with the chief BA. Um, I understand he's doing a fabulous job and that was not my intention at all and certainly I certainly understand the financial

180
00:50:51.520 --> 00:51:09.200
aspect of having a full-time BA because I negotiated uh Mr. Carr's contract when I sat up here so I know the monies that are associated with it uh the benefits et just the benefits package is more than a stipen. Okay. So totally understand that. Absolutely. Um, first

181
00:51:09.200 --> 00:51:25.040
and foremost, um, I want to thank the mayor and the council for again what we're doing with the previous mayors, recognizing them, putting their pictures up and so forth. I wasn't here at the last meeting. Um, I want to congratulate former mayor Zigetti on on getting his

182
00:51:25.040 --> 00:51:41.599
picture up here. And as far as uh former mayor of Krenzel, I was lucky enough to serve with him um as not only a councilman but for three years I was as council president and uh I learned a lot from him as everybody should have and

183
00:51:41.599 --> 00:51:58.480
certainly mayor you have. Um a very quiet man, very relaxed man, uh but an incredibly intelligent man, very organized. um has his his way of dealing with things. Um

184
00:51:58.480 --> 00:52:14.079
but most importantly uh again I learned so much from him uh from just how to deal with certain situations and most importantly what to look for, how to present questions, uh what to look for in agenda items and so forth and to

185
00:52:14.079 --> 00:52:31.119
assist in creating the agenda uh as the council president. So, um, again, congratulations for for what you're doing for all these previous people who have sat in your spot >> and, uh, I look forward to the day yours is up here, too, mayor. Wonderful. Okay.

186
00:52:31.119 --> 00:52:46.480
>> Um, but, uh, >> that again, it's a it's a very very great thing that you're doing with that and I and I certainly appreciate that. Um, just one final comment again on this resolution. I know you talked about the

187
00:52:46.480 --> 00:53:02.240
only thing we're changing is the uh the title basically removing the interim title. Well, the other thing that's embedded here it is a fiveyear and 4month contract that the original one didn't have that. It was for the

188
00:53:02.240 --> 00:53:18.400
calendar year 2026. So there is a change as far as the terms and I'm sure within I would guess within the contract it also talks about uh financial situations in year two year three year four year five whatever. So there is some differences. >> Oh you'll see that towards the end of

189
00:53:18.400 --> 00:53:34.880
the year. >> Okay. So again but again thank you for all you do sir because you do a tremendous amount of work here and we're lucky to have you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hello again. Uh, Sabrina Ponttoro, 109

190
00:53:34.880 --> 00:53:50.960
Water Street. Uh, just want to make a couple comments to what I saw. Um, so today to vote on the police chief's additional assignment. Uh, you guys named 10 towns as examples to where this works, right? I think that was something that we said over here. You said this works there. Uh, guess what? This

191
00:53:50.960 --> 00:54:07.599
cannabis thing, it works in other towns, too, right? They're buying new police vehicles. They're buying new ladders for the fire department, right? They're doing what they need to do to take care of this town. So, I I want to talk about those towns, right? I want to talk about Springfield and New Brunswick and all of these surrounding towns, right? I want

192
00:54:07.599 --> 00:54:23.280
to talk about the the police chief of South Brunswick who we spoke to and we approached their town and did a PBA event with them also, right? Um we are missing the mark on what is good for this town, right? I think this public commentary is about coming up and talking about what's best for the town and what's best for the welfare of the

193
00:54:23.280 --> 00:54:38.480
people. Uh and that is what's best for the welfare welfare of the people, right? is looking what other towns are doing and where they're crushing and figuring out how we can do the same exact thing to take care of the problems that our residents have. Uh so that's the first comment I want to make. Uh the second comment I appreciate uh what Mr.

194
00:54:38.480 --> 00:54:55.440
Duca is advising you guys to do. Uh my understanding in a town like South River where we operate as a burrow um the mayor actually has the ability uh to make the decision over the the town council and in addition to that uh the council people have the right to also make that decision as well. So, I

195
00:54:55.440 --> 00:55:12.000
implore you again. It would really, really assist this town. It would help this business. It would help residents of this town that work for us to stay on track, right? And not fall behind because if we fall behind, we're going to have more unemployed people in this town. That's just the reality of it, guys. Um, at the end of the day, we are

196
00:55:12.000 --> 00:55:28.400
asking you guys to go ahead and vote on it today because that will help us when we take care of this lawsuit and we can open the doors, right? It's one less step where we don't have to come back and stand in front of you guys and do another vote and wait for another resolution. You've already approved cannabis to be in your town. You've

197
00:55:28.400 --> 00:55:44.720
already approved this location. You've already approved this operator to come into your town also. So, it's time now for you guys to make the right decision. I really, really hope that we can do the right thing tonight, mayor and council people. I I understand the the gravity of the situation, but I also understand

198
00:55:44.720 --> 00:56:00.079
that every single quarter that we're not open is another $250,000 that don't go to this township, right? It's another year that possibly taxes could go up or, you know, more things have to be paid for out of funds that come from these taxpayers. So, again, please, if there's

199
00:56:00.079 --> 00:56:16.400
anything that you guys can do to today to help us out with a vote, uh we also submitted a letter from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. It was notorized as well. That letter let you guys know we completed all of the requirements. We had a successful walkthrough with our uh Cannabis Regulatory Commission investigator. They came in, they saw the

200
00:56:16.400 --> 00:56:31.280
place, they tested our fire alarms, they tested our safety alarms, they tested our burglary alarms. You know, we have cops in our parking lot every single day checking out what we're doing. It it is a very very safe situation. It is extremely regulated. Uh your police chief can reach out to other police chiefs and see how smooth it goes for

201
00:56:31.280 --> 00:56:47.839
the town. Right. There's uh I think you guys voted on two ordinances today for liquor stores, right? Uh, it's crazy. Drunk driving is a real thing, right? You don't really hear about that happening when people are under the influence. They're hanging out at their houses and just relaxing. Uh, so I implore you once again, please, mayor,

202
00:56:47.839 --> 00:57:09.200
make the right decision. Do the right thing for dispensary. Let's get this dispensary open and let's get some of these funds back over to the township. Thank you. >> Anybody else from the public? First call. Good evening, gentlemen and

203
00:57:09.200 --> 00:57:25.680
councilwoman. Uh Teresa Hutchinson, 38 Virginia Street, South River. Um first, just to uh I know he's my husband, >> Jim Hutchinson, but

204
00:57:25.680 --> 00:57:42.880
he makes a lot of sense. He's a very analytical person. and he's looking at dollars and he everything he said I've heard before, not just from him. So, I support I I support what he said. Uh,

205
00:57:42.880 --> 00:57:58.720
okay. Now, let's move on to South River Day, October 17th. That's a Saturday, between 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. There's a lot of moving parts in that, and we we get the we uh are grateful for the help

206
00:57:58.720 --> 00:58:14.960
from the town, the the uh the South River Police Department, the fire department, OEM, DPW, um actually the mayor and council. It's all hands on deck. all the committees are pitching in. So, it's a it's a big

207
00:58:14.960 --> 00:58:31.200
operation and we need help and we're grateful for the help that we receive. Um, we are, as Councilwoman uh uh Dilva stated, we're looking for talent, singers, musicians, dancers.

208
00:58:31.200 --> 00:58:45.839
Any of you are welcome. If you have that talent, we would love to see you on stage. Yes, we would. Um, we are also again looking for musicians. So, if you know of any uh as the council woman stated, uh we could be reached at

209
00:58:45.839 --> 00:59:01.280
cultural arts at south riverenj.org. We need everyone to come together to the to this day. It's going to be a lot of fun. We're going to have a petting zoo. We're going to have the bounce house as we have la we had last year. The fire

210
00:59:01.280 --> 00:59:18.720
department gave us Smokey the Bear. We're hoping we are hoping we have Smokeoky the Bear again. So, again, locked in. Did you hear that? Smokey the bear will be in town. If I could harm the mic, I would drop it, but I won't do

211
00:59:18.720 --> 00:59:36.880
that. So, please again, we would like talent uh and and helpers with this uh final part. We're going to need a stage. We never did that before. It's going to cost a lot of money. I I looked to our um friends to my left and my right, our

212
00:59:36.880 --> 00:59:53.920
businesses. if they would like to help us, we'd really appreciate it. Any help would be appreciated. And um again, please get ready because it's going to be a great a great day. Now, just quick quickly, flag raising. We have not heard from

213
00:59:53.920 --> 01:00:12.079
folks in town uh requesting flag raising ceremonies for their particular culture. We are ready for you. Please count cultural arts southnj.org. or let us know when you would like to have your flag raising and we will do what it

214
01:00:12.079 --> 01:00:28.839
takes to get that to happen with the consent of the mayor and council and police department and DPW. Thank you. >> Thanks a lot. >> Anyone else from the public? First call.

215
01:00:31.040 --> 01:00:46.240
>> Good afternoon everyone. >> Hi. So, I don't know if this is the place for this, but we have a a rat and mice in infestation. So, I live at 135 Leonardine. And um >> what's your what's your name and address? >> Casey rapper. >> You said 135.

216
01:00:46.240 --> 01:01:02.079
>> 135. >> So, there's a building an apartment building behind our house and every year we go through the same process. Um the mice seems to come from the garbage behind our house. Um, so we approached

217
01:01:02.079 --> 01:01:18.240
the building property management and my husband Shanka Rampers here. Um, we don't seem to get any kind of resolution. So now we're seeing the mice close up to the house next to the pool. They're running in the neighbor's house next door.

218
01:01:18.240 --> 01:01:36.319
>> Mark, you code enforcement. >> And by the way, you're doing a great job as VA. So we had some issues. Yeah. Also, um this is the first time I'm meeting Teresa. Um as part of the human re human

219
01:01:36.319 --> 01:01:53.119
relation commission, we also would like to see more of activity. I know you had mentioned there's no budget for for our group to do any of this um any of the events this year. >> Okay. >> Um but we would like to do more. Uh we

220
01:01:53.119 --> 01:02:09.359
were hoping to partner with you. um as part of the heritage uh culture, heritage, arts, whatever that group is. >> Arts. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, um thank you. >> You could give you could talk to her later on. >> Yeah. I I don't know if that's possible

221
01:02:09.359 --> 01:02:26.079
because it's in October now. So, yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else from the coun public? First call. Second call. >> Motion to close public. >> Motion by council president to send seconded by

222
01:02:26.079 --> 01:02:44.559
Second, Councilwoman D. >> All in favor? I >> I. >> Now we're going to go into uh council comments. Uh Councilman Donado. >> I I was speaking to the mayor earlier. Uh this problems we've been having with

223
01:02:44.559 --> 01:03:01.440
uh the uh bikes, the ebikes. I was on Route 18 just the other day and lo and behold, there were four young people on route 18 driving in the traffic amongst the traffic.

224
01:03:01.440 --> 01:03:18.960
It's crazy. I don't know how the police are going to be able to manage this. It It's just an accident waiting to happen. I know there's there's laws now that they're not supposed to be doing that, but the fact is they're doing it. Please, anybody who has a child that has

225
01:03:18.960 --> 01:03:35.520
ebike, you did not buy the ebike for them to keep them busy, to keep them out of your hair. you bought and you will have the responsibility to make sure that they're operating that uh that vehicle in a proper manner. If they have to be it has to be registered, if it has

226
01:03:35.520 --> 01:03:50.720
to have a license plate, if they have to have headgear on and a license to operate the uh the bike, it's your job as a parent to make sure that happens. Otherwise, I'd like to see them actually confiscated,

227
01:03:50.720 --> 01:04:06.400
impounded uh and not given back. the parents want to spend another couple thousand dollars and buy their kid another one. Um, that's irresponsible uh parental u demon demonstration of irresponsible

228
01:04:06.400 --> 01:04:22.559
parent and I like to see that taken care of. It's getting worse instead of better. And it's a horrible thing to think. You're on a bike and believe me, my car and any truck is going to be a heck of a lot stronger than your

229
01:04:22.559 --> 01:04:39.920
physical body. Want to get crippled. You want to be pronounced dead at the scene. There's no coming back from any of that. Uh please. Summer's almost over, so to speak. But, uh, this

230
01:04:39.920 --> 01:04:54.079
is something that's been going on and it's getting worse down on Main Street. I've seen that seen what goes on down in Main Street, too. The police are not going to be able to be everywhere, and I don't know a police car yet that can get into a a spot that these bikes can get

231
01:04:54.079 --> 01:05:12.640
into and get away from the officers. Um, let's uh let's get this stuff cleaned up. and it takes the adults of this community to make sure that happens. Um, other than that, I want to thank uh the police chief for all he's done. Um, and

232
01:05:12.640 --> 01:05:29.359
I have, like I say, firsthand seen what he is the hours he puts in and he makes me proud to be a civil servant. Uh, because he he personifies what we do, which is put the hours in to get the job done. And uh even though we may belly

233
01:05:29.359 --> 01:05:46.000
ache amongst each other, we're happy to do it. Um and same thing goes for all the public uh public uh workers here in town. I've seen their actions. I see what they do. They're fantastic. We don't realize how good they are because

234
01:05:46.000 --> 01:06:01.440
you're not trained maybe to see what what they actually do and the effort they put into it. I have and I said this before and I'll say it many many times in the future. I am a civil servant. I work for the county of Middle Sex. I know what people put in.

235
01:06:01.440 --> 01:06:17.200
Yeah, there are some slackers, but the majority of the employees go out of their way to help any way they can and put in whatever hours they need. And we're salaried. We don't put we get paid for 7 and a half hours a day regardless

236
01:06:17.200 --> 01:06:32.559
of how many hours we put in. And I can tell you just and that's not a brag. I put in 12 14 hours a day many times. and I've been doing that since many years. Um, and uh, so thank I thank

237
01:06:32.559 --> 01:06:48.960
them all for what they do for the public. Um, other than that, uh, all I have to say finally, >> council meas, >> um, I just wanted to say, uh, the main street, uh, a lot of people were

238
01:06:48.960 --> 01:07:02.720
complaining about the Main Street project going on with the, uh, redoing the road. But I'll tell you what, it's right in front of my house. There's been a couple of nights this past week where it was 4:00 a.m. in the morning and my

239
01:07:02.720 --> 01:07:18.960
house is shaking, but it's it look at how beautiful it is. You know, there's a little bit of pain, but now we have a beautiful road to look at. We could thank Middle Sex County for that. And uh it came out great. Um, the other thing

240
01:07:18.960 --> 01:07:37.200
is, uh, there's some storms coming in tomorrow night and the next night. And I know our DPW will be out there keeping the catch basins clean. I know there's a few catch basins in town. I've heard that water's not draining. Um, they're out there working on it and uh, just

241
01:07:37.200 --> 01:07:52.240
batting down the hatches because we got a couple of storms coming in. All right. And that's all I got to say. Thank you, Councilwoman Silva. I want to start off by thanking um DPW and the police officers this weekend during the storm.

242
01:07:52.240 --> 01:08:08.319
They were amazing. I put a call in and also called the mayor and within less than a minute I had somebody down on by my business on ferry and Jackson even though I was drenched wet from directing traffic out there on my own. But um they

243
01:08:08.319 --> 01:08:23.600
were amazing. The roads were flooded but they did a great job. Now, I want to go back to what uh Councilman Donado was talking about, which is my pet peeve on these ebikes. Um I don't know if anybody knows, but there's actually three categories now that are out there, which

244
01:08:23.600 --> 01:08:40.400
will be effective um July 19th. We have low-speed electric bikes, which the motor cuts off at 20 m hour. Then we have our motoriz motorized bikes, which they go up to 28 miles an hour. Then we

245
01:08:40.400 --> 01:08:55.759
have our electric motorized bicycles which are e-ostos or dirt bikes. Parents need to be aware they need to go online. Insurance is mandatory. One thing I didn't kind of agree with, it's mandatory for all riders under 17 to wear a helmet, which I think

246
01:08:55.759 --> 01:09:12.000
everybody should be wearing a helmet that's riding these things. Um, I live on I live off of Cam Avenue and there were two young gentlemen riding past my house going extremely fast and my house is on a hill. Any car coming up that

247
01:09:12.000 --> 01:09:28.080
hill would not have seen these two young kids in the middle of the road. In the middle of the road, not even to the sides, which they could have been on the curb in the middle of the road. when I asked them where their helmets were and they told me in not so nice words which I will not repeat now and for me to hold

248
01:09:28.080 --> 01:09:45.199
my horses because it wasn't July 19th yet. So they know the law and they know when they're allowed to push our buttons till parents, it is your responsibility. I've said it last couple meetings, you bought them into the world, take care of them. Don't cry when you have to bury

249
01:09:45.199 --> 01:10:02.719
them or visit them in ICU because I'm a parent also of a 19 and 22 year old and they would not be alive by my hands if they were out there doing this and disrespecting another human being on the road. So, I'm tired of saying it. I know it's going to happen. I foresee it

250
01:10:02.719 --> 01:10:18.880
happening. And we had it a couple years ago with a young gentleman in our town dying on Whitehead Avenue. And I don't want to see it again. They are our future. It is your responsibility. You cannot be responsible for your kids.

251
01:10:18.880 --> 01:10:36.000
Should have thought about that before bringing them into the world. And I'm sorry if I sound mean at every meeting, but I've attended enough funerals of young kids and I don't want it happening under our watch, my watch, because now I'm up here. So now I have a voice. And

252
01:10:36.000 --> 01:10:52.400
that's all I have to say. >> And I'm sorry for doing it again. >> Real subtle. I like that. Subtle. Councilman Gene. Uh, sorry, Koshinski. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, first off, I'd like to thank all of our public service workers, our DPW, our fire department, our police department, especially over

253
01:10:52.400 --> 01:11:08.719
the weekend with uh the heavy rains that we had. Um, aside from that, like Councilman Donado says, make sure they got the helmet. Uh, trust me on that. I remember when they passed the helmet law in New Jersey, that was back in the

254
01:11:08.719 --> 01:11:25.679
1950s. There was a severe accident on Reed Street and I witnessed that and it was just trust me I understand you follow the regulations please for your own safety and for the others because the responsibility carries on to the

255
01:11:25.679 --> 01:11:42.400
person that might have hit you too. Okay, with that I thank you mayor. Uh have a safe weekend. We're expecting more rain. Make sure your storm drains in front of your house aren't full of leaves. Let's give the guys a little bit of help. Pull the leaves away from them

256
01:11:42.400 --> 01:11:57.679
or any grass clippings or anything else too so the water could drain. Our DPW does have a heck of a job because they're chasing around all over the community. With that, thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Yes. I just want to make everyone aware of the end of summer fireworks, which

257
01:11:57.679 --> 01:12:14.400
are going to be on August 21st, which is a Friday night at uh the football field, Denny Stadium, and the rain date is the 22nd, the next day. And I also I know uh former mayor Krenzel already left, but I want to congratulate him. That one I feel like is kind of looking at me, so

258
01:12:14.400 --> 01:12:29.840
may ask you to move that one on another spot, but that one kind of gave me the eye. But um I learned a lot from Mayor Krenzel. Um he may be a little quiet, but if you talk to him and ask him questions, he's a fountain of knowledge, especially about politics and South

259
01:12:29.840 --> 01:12:46.800
River specifically. So u I just want to congratulate him on being honored. So thank you. Thank you. All right, social media. I love social media. I love those keyboard warriors. The reason I'm saying that is earlier this month, we had a problem with Comcast where

260
01:12:46.800 --> 01:13:04.320
several townships had no internet. Now, the reason for that was because a PSEG was fixing telephone poles on in Aanel, whole different township. With that said, I have to thank our Department of Public Works electrical

261
01:13:04.320 --> 01:13:19.440
company because they are so on top of it that you're privileged to have your own team sitting in your own town. When it comes down to a devastation, you know that they're going to follow through. When it comes down to PSENG or JCPNL and any of those companies, they take

262
01:13:19.440 --> 01:13:34.800
forever to get something done. And as you saw, Comcast took quite a while for it to come back on. Regardless of how many times I called or the BA called or any of the council members did, it took forever, but we got it back up. Knock on

263
01:13:34.800 --> 01:13:51.360
wood, nothing happens. July 4th, mayor's uh patriotic house decorating contest. First place went to Seven Service Street. Second place went to 97 Daryl Street. People's Choice Award went to Seven Service Street. And then the VFW's choice award went to 13

264
01:13:51.360 --> 01:14:06.800
Ridge Road. We had 17 applicants. Everyone was very, very patriotic with the 250th anniversary. I thank everyone that came out and participated. Main Street, I want to thank the commissioners in the county for what they did. Long overdue, but they heard

265
01:14:06.800 --> 01:14:22.719
our cry and they got it all done for us. Now, when it comes down to the word flash flood, that means that you're going to have a large amount of water in certain spots of the town and there's nowhere for it to go. As much as you call the PD and for that matter, the

266
01:14:22.719 --> 01:14:37.679
Department of Public Works, we are at a standstill. When I tell you we're at a standstill, I can't tell you how many places I walked through the puddles to look at the drains and there was nowhere for the water to go. So you have to understand that when it comes out to flash flooding just like how we had on

267
01:14:37.679 --> 01:14:55.040
the New Jersey Turnpike, East Brunswick Route 18, New Brunswick, it happens everywhere. So the best thing you could do is to stay indoors, check your sump pumps, make sure they're working, make sure there's nothing going into your house, and you will be fine through the storm.

268
01:14:55.040 --> 01:15:10.880
As of for being a better business uh friendly town, I know I hear your cry. We are going to be talking about this. We're going to find a way to resolve this. Please bear with us. Um, I also want to wish our second assistant, chief, Billy Smith, happy

269
01:15:10.880 --> 01:15:26.560
birthday. >> I know you don't like to be put on the spot. Happy birthday. Uh, with that said, we are >> With that said, no, we're not going to sing. With with that said, we are going to go into close session. Uh, you are

270
01:15:26.560 --> 01:15:42.719
more than welcome to sit here if you like. Uh, we may act on it, we may not. So, it's up to you. A Melissa, can you please read the consent resolution? >> 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

271
01:15:42.719 --> 01:15:58.000
circumstances. And whereas the mayor and council of the burough 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 burough of South River in the county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, that the public be excluded upon the

272
01:15:58.000 --> 01:16:13.679
hereafter specific subject matter, and that such subject matter to be 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 of the Burough South may or may not take formal action at the

273
01:16:13.679 --> 01:16:32.480
conclusion of the executive session. Do >> I have a motion? Motion. Motion by council president. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Yeah. I don't think they >> I

274
01:16:32.480 --> 01:16:53.320
>> We have to wait for the attorney. Yeah. >> I told Chris I was going to maybe go, but >> Councilman Donado, >> are they still there? >> They're still We still have uh concision. >> No, Sandra's like, you know me. Somebody over here by discharging. She's got to

275
01:16:53.440 --> 01:17:11.880
>> time is time. >> Yes, dear. >> Have a seat. >> Uhhuh. >> Do I have a motion to close? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I

276
01:17:13.600 --> 01:17:16.239
thank you.