Thank you. Sorry. Good evening. I call to order this regular meeting of the town council for Monday the 5th of May 2025. Madam clerk, could you please bring the open public meetings act? The notice requirements of the open public meetings act have been satisfied
with respect to this meeting of the township council. The meeting time and date were included in the public meeting notice along with the public internet link and telephone call-in information. Said notice and meeting agenda was posted in the municipal building and sent to the official newspapers of the township, the Verona City Grove Times,
and the Star Ledger at least 48 hours preceding the start time of this meeting. The agenda and handouts can be viewed online at vereronj.org/counsil meetings. A public comment period will be held in the listed on the meeting agenda and instructions on how to comment will be provided at the appropriate time. Thank
you, Madam Clerk. Councilwoman Holland, here. Councilwoman McGrath, Councilman uh Deputy Mayor Makavoy, confused. Present. Mayor Tambbor here. Mayor also present is Township Manager Kevin O Sullivan, deputy township
manager Michael Krauss, um township attorney Rosemary Fier, and myself, municipal clerk Jennifer Kieran. Thank you, Madam Cler. Would everybody please stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America? But for the mayor's report this evening, just a couple items and we'll get into some of the business. I'm having some technical difficulties with my computer, so bear with me here. Uh first, I had the opportunity last weekend to attend
two things, I guess. Uh to attend the photography exhibition put on by Pam Wley Blake at the Rome Public Library. Uh Pam is a very talented photographer. uh she did an exhibition last year. I've actually pieces in the house um that
really spoke to me and there's some amazing ones this year as well. Uh I was stunned to learn that a lot of people think just about cell phone camera um in addition to her photography pursuits and was a longtime resident of Verona and
she is a member of UFO. So, I encourage you to take a look at her photography. Some of the items from last year are downstairs. Please take a look. Um, I had the opportunity to attend a mayor's breakfast at public university
hosted by President Jeff. Uh, it was a great opportunity to talk about some opportunities. um and some learn more about Caldwell. There a couple really interesting things that came up that I thought would benefit Verona. One being Calwell is
trying to do popup shops uh in some unused retail space which we have unfortunately some town uh meeting some high need areas. Um so we spoke about providing some inperson services
especially for our senior that might otherwise not use the internet things they will get in touch. I also chamber commerce which they and some other opportunities and learned a lot at that
um had the opportunity earlier before this meeting to attend the ribbon cutting though they've been around for a long time was really a grand opening this is what we have been doing type Actton Academy which is a uh a
small school in Verona that houses a Lutheran church though it is not a religious institution and they promote a very student driven educational environment and they're very mission focused. So take a look at their website
materials if you are interested. A lot of uh lot of great things going on there. And finally, I had the opportunity and the honor to greet the family, relative and friends of Ken Brown whose memorial fund
was provided his honor at the field and really it was a great opportunity to learn more about this exceptional individual that we will be honoring in this class. And that is the conclusion of my
items on. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Like to start off the paving and work. So in the next few weeks, be prepared for and county's doing paving
and curving. being experienced like my wife has said and get some experience. So that being said, that's one of the things coming. I know you're looking forward
to doing our best. Uh couple other things. May 17th in Montlair, the Irish Garens will be open and it's from 11 to 3 p.m. at 474 Mount
Avenue. Very, very nice. If you've never been to the garden, they're really gorgeous. Hopefully get a beautiful day and it's an enjoyable place to go. Uh same day, May 17th, is our computer
recycling day at 99 Grand Avenue in Cedar Grove. That will be from 9 to 3 p.m. And I know people get there very early. So early get there go later on
3:00 and hopefully zipper again. And uh the fishing deries are upon us. I was speaking to meetings May 29th which is a Wednesday at Verona Lake Park. Uh ages are
youngsters to 15y old maximum and registration is from 5 to 6 p.m. Fishing is from 6 to 7 and including that will be the awards and basically that's about it but we do
have things coming in the next couple months. Golf are opening there. Anything else? No, I had the opportunity to drop off some hazardous material this Saturday and I was my first time doing it actually and I was really struck by how happy
everybody was to receive our hazards. Everybody was just wonderful. We got through very quickly and my dogs got a lot of attention. Great morning and out of work, Mr. Sam. But is all of our events there uh they
move very quickly and um have a lot of things in your garage in your basement that needs to be disposed of. So be prepared for next next proper. Yes. Yes. That's
correct. Can we use your slogan now since you're not countress? Thank you. Um, at this point I'm going to call up Miss Jessica Pearson, chair of the Environmental
Commission to speak about this year's. Good evening. I'm Jessica Peterson and I'm joined by Farrell um members, volunteer members for the environmental commission and we as we celebrate Earth month which was
April um and with that the fourth grade poster contest that we hold annually as an organization. Um, one thing I can say about this contest, it really shows how much our youth
understands the importance of sustainability in our communities. Um, they give us very constructive suggestions, some of which would be some of the taglines on some of the drawings we received were join the green side,
not the dirty side. Don't litter, do better. Don't let plastic bottles be our history fossils. Don't treat the lake like a recycling bin. No idling means more smiling. Don't just sit there. Go somewhere. In other words, don't idle.
Um, so they do get it. Um, they they drew what they see every single day in our green spaces, in our waterways, on our lawns. They see plastic waste everywhere they go. So, they drew that.
And it's it's sad that they see that everywhere, but they do. Um anyway, very obvious that they get it. And it's also clear that the parents and the teachers have provided so much guidance to them because they really do understand it and
it makes it that much more difficult to pick the winners because we really received so many beautiful posters. Um without further ado, why don't we take a look at the video of all the submissions? Just hit it.
have top level security. Let's close it. Just shut it. You can shut it. Thank you. Um at this time I would like our liazison the mayor to please
come forward with the certificates. I will let me read up here should they say okay the certificate reads in recognition of your creativity and artistic efforts used to express your concern for the environment dedication
is most admirable. It is therefore a great pleasure that I Dr. Christopher, mayor of potential along with members of the environmental commission to present you with this certific work on the day of May. All right. So from Brookdale
Avenue, Liam Rogers for volunteer. George is on the bottom. I had him in alphabetical order. Okay, let me shake your hand firstly. Okay, do that. This is Come over
here. There you go. You think I'm holding from Forest Avenue School. Tessa Flores. Do the right thing. Thank you, Tessa. Brown fish don't want to clean up your own. And finally, also from FN Brown, Julia
Pacero, turn your key be idle free. You can come closer. That's Thank you. the whole council down. Why don't you guys stand in the front little All right. That was awesome. Thank you.
the house off before our young friends run off. I did just want to uh ask you a favor. You've done so well on these posters. I hope that this is not the end the end of your activism related to the environment. It's something that we all
share as a common need and a common goal. So you've already shown a great deal of leadership in the elementary level and I hope that that continues as a life goal. So show really set the example for older people because we need
it. All right. Any other council members have anything. All right. Thank you everyone. And now it's time to go before the rest of the I think Take care. We have a couple of proclamations to um
read this evening. May is a big month of celebration here that I do want to acknowledge to two very important professions in our community. The verse is proclamation for national teacher appreciation week and it reads whereas teachers are the
bridges of knowledge from one generation to the next. Whereas teachers in our public schools reach to every student regardless of race, religion, country of national origin, family background, physical or mental abilities, social economic disadvantage and whereas
teacher provide opportunities that help prepare students and demands of higher education and changing workplace environment. Whereas teachers preserve and support our democratic way of life by helping students understand the principles that built this nation of those who serve as a home for people around the world. And whereas teachers
encourage and propel our young people to reach for achievements of the highest quality and challenge students become lifelong learners. And whereas most teachers perform this great service to society in relative obscurity often much personal sacrifice. I therefore be proclaimed
that I Dr. Christopher, mayor of the town of Verona. I hereby proclaim May 5th to 9th, 2025, the teacher appreciation week in the town of witness where I set my hand and close the great seal of the corona in the county of six state and jersey to be fixed on this
day. Uh and that will be distributed to our public school teachers this week. And second, honoring national police week. Whereas the Congress and the president United States have designated the week of May 11th through
May 17th as national police week. And whereas the members of the town of Corona Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the town of Corona. Whereas it is important that all citizens know the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of the law enforcement agency that
members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, by protecting innocent but innocent against deception and weak against oppression. Whereas the men and women of police department unceasingly
provide a vital public service. Now therefore be proclaimed that I Dr. Christopher Tambbor mayor of town in the county of Essex, New Jersey. We hereby proclaim May 11th through May 17th to be designated as police week in the township of Verona and call upon all citizens and patriotic civic education
organizations to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and observances which all of our people may join commemorating law enforcement officers past and present by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and in doing so have
established by themselves an enable and enduring reputation. for preserving the rights and security of all citizens whereof I appear to accept my hand and cause the great seal attach county of the state of New Jersey via fixed on this fifth day of May see a teacher or police officer this
week please thank them please tell them that you're observing these police announcements but teachers this week this week and now we're moving on to our managers report on the highlights thank
you mayor Uh just hitting the highlights on my report. Uh pool project still continues. Contractor is working through the rain today installing tiles. They should be installing lights by the end of the week and installing the Mars site
uh by hopefully Monday of next week. Uh wastewater projects, we have a number of projects that we're advancing. We've circulated the draft version of the sanitary sewer smoke testing. Uh we're continuing to advance our primary clarifier pump station project and the
disinfection system and the microscreen projects are also underway and we are wrapping up our Derwent Avenue uh sanitary sewage trunk line point repair this week.
Um with Lind Drive well we have we are uh up and running. Fairview Avenue well is out to bid. We should be receiving bids later this month. uh Clarry pump station. We have the final easements for that project. We're submitting all of our paperwork to the I bank to get the
pre-construction meeting started and get that project underway. Uh with Lynden Avenue, we are meeting with Boswell and neighborhood traffic safety committee this week to review the final designs for for Lynen Avenue so we can get the project lined
up for bids later this summer. uh Ever Field, we are getting the the projects into final design and again those project that project should be ready for final bidding within the next 30 days. Uh pickle ball and tennis
courts we are anticipating the final acrylic surface to be installed in the next several weeks and that project will then be just the final touchup items which would be fencing, benches, nets and that project will be complete.
uh shade tree discussions. Uh we've previous I previously noted and and distributed the a recommended plan from the shade tree commission regarding tree removals and tree plant tree planting in the civic center area just east of the entrance driveway.
Um the which is also known as mini park. The plan intends to serve as a transitional approach regarding the declining holiday tree in the civic center and planting of the new holiday tree in the mini park. Uh the plan includes the removal of three existing trees as recommended by the township arborist. The plan also calls for
planting of a large evergreen century located in this area with horse department irrigation repairs administration public works uh have met and discussed this project. They've lined up all the costs for all these
materials. It's approximately $16,000. Um we will be proceeding with this project unless there's any questions or comments from the council this evening. Um jumping ahead through some of the other projects we have our affordable housing efforts are continuing to move
forward. Uh the affordable housing planner has circulated draft housing fair share plan. We're meeting with the master plan subcommittee this week and it'll be uh discussion for the planning board and the council will also be tasked with the adoption of the spending
plan and marketing plan. So we should anticipate discussing those at an upcoming meeting. Uh number of facility projects are underway that includes uh the town hall repointing and some uh some cleanup
efforts within town hall building. Um, and I believe that concludes my report unless there questions from the council. Questions. The removal of a free are trees that are dead. They're trees that
the arbur has identified as declining trees. I I just to plant one tree. They are. I'd like to see a little bit more. I want to take a look at it, but I don't like the fact that we're taking
down three ch one. Uh the area is beautiful. I never really thought that problems. Obviously, we know the holiday trees have an issue, right? But I think for that amount of money, if we're taking down, we we can plant a very large size holiday tree that's very
mature in the spot where it is now or moving forward rather than take down. So if they're dying, that's one thing I'd like to take a look. Um, yes, I do encourage you to reach out to Carol Thomas, the chair of the committee. They did discuss this over
several meetings. Um those trees are certain species. So they I'm not going to speak about trees because it's not my area of expertise, but I've listened into a lot. So um those are trees that are sort of getting close to um maybe the end of their useful life, but it's
also to create that space that's needed around a tree that's going to grow rapidly. Um and thinking ahead of on the purpose of that tree, um which is to have it lit. Um And then again they want to make sure there's electrical and irrigation work in now as the intent is
you know to shift the focus there in future during the square celebrations but I really encourage you to reach out directly to um chairwoman um Thomas and they have had several discussions and there are plans that were sent to us and
they can show you a map and that was my point. I want to go see what trees are there. Yeah, you can certainly find them. We do expect our residents to to plant tree for tree. So if we're not following the same example, that's sure what we're looking for. So they don't have to be
there, but perhaps they're somewhere else, you know, that we go. We could have a plan at least to Yeah, they do have a vision. Um, and so they would love to have that conversation or come in. Um, and yeah,
I'm sure they would love to be great. Um my report on tonight's agenda there is a resolution authorizing application
for Avenue Streetcape project. We are seeking $1.5 million to help with the cost of the project. Mayor has been very helpful gathered letters of support from businesses to support the
application. We are also looking at some updates ores that I'll continue to highlight as these come in. The first two that we are looking at is the children's fund. The eligibility requirements right now are very strict
in there and it's possible to benefit more by requirements a little less. That would also come with a fundraising plan and a spending plan. The health department has
recommended that we look at our ordinance to begin the licensing of their nail salons, barber shops, and massage parlor in town. And that's mainly to give them the ability to go inspect these establishments, which then
take enforcement action against them. Right now, complaint comes in, it has to go to the state. The can take four, six, eight weeks to respond. They not have the staff to come out to all areas of the town. At the community center, there
have been complaints of individuals cutting through to get up road. We are looking at rerouting traffic there so make it less desirable to cut through and avoid the traffic lights that will come with
a map that we push out to the public so they're aware of the changes. to both apartment complex and possibly so they can resist I would think would be the next
Thursday we would have that the health department is looking at um neighboring municipalities and see what their licensing fees are. The license fee goes by the number of chairs or seats in the
salon parlor. A smaller shop is a lesser fee than everybody to The only thing I would ask in advance is that we just really pay attention to these a lot of establishments
also community fundraising because they are main street donate a lot to every sports everybody asks. So I don't want to have a fee that is so high that that we also charge a fee
if our goal is to inspect, right? The fee is secondary to that. Correct. So it doesn't huge revenue generation. Any other questions? Thanks. Thank you.
Right. Council member report up right the trees again. I'd like to thank the and the high school environmental club and environmental club. Uh I attended their tree planting at the celo
field up at high school as the mayor and council also attended. Uh it was nice to see they the tree one tree I guess was donated from Hillrest uh but they're very mature trees so they'll be growing very quickly which is very uh so I thank
them for their efforts in this uh and on through I have to thank the Verona Environmental Commission and Hillrest they did their native plant sale uh and full disclosure my wife is the chair of the commission but uh I
helped out on Saturday to hand out plants. They did uh a large volume. I don't believe it was 13 or,400 plants. Uh so initially I didn't plan on helping but because of how many they had, it was beyond successful in what they uh they
thought was going to happen. They were well above what they initially. And then uh I want to remind Verona residents that sustainable uh Verona is still pushing the home energy audit. You can uh go to the website uh
sustainable verona and under seal cel environmental uh comes out and does a whole house energy audit for $49. And they give you a whole list of what you can spend to upgrade your energy efficiency in your home and
potentially save yourself money. And with utility rates going up were going up in June but possibly postponed now. Uh you might want to ahead of us in time and that's all I have. Thank you,
Council Roman. Uh, no report this evening, mayor. Apologies for being late to the meeting. Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman McCra. Uh, thank you. Um, yes, I want to echo the deputy mayor's comments about the Arbor Day celebration
and really applaud our um new school environmental commission for really leading the way on that. Um they looked at the data about um heat maps and saw um as sustainable uh Verona has already
reported previously uh the tremendous heat stone due to the artificial turf and by planting these three trees. I believe there were different varieties of oak. Um they really have helped to um take one step to mitigate this very
important problem. Um, as a high school parent, I know just how hot those fields can be. And the shade from these trees will provide relief both for spectators, um, but also for our high school students as they're practicing and playing um, on these fields, especially
in the summer. Um, the next meeting of the Sha Tree Commission is actually on Monday, May the 12th at uh 5:00 pm. Uh, the next meeting of the neighborhood traffic and safety committee is on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Uh, the Multicultural Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Committee is actually very busy. Uh this is older Americans month and they have partnered with the senior club and the Verona Police Department to offer a seminar for
seniors on on home safety. It's on Wednesday, May the 21st from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Verona Community Center and light refreshments will be served. Um, and our uh, board of education is sponsoring a special event uh, for
Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders Month or AAPI uh, month. It's actually on Friday, May the 30th at 7 PM in the BHS auditorium. It's going to be a fun evening of entertainment and dance. Um, some of the
acts are still being confirmed, but expect to see promotion on that shortly. And we are all very excited for our annual Pride celebration uh which will be on Sunday, June 1st at 100 pm um at the Verona Civic Center. There is a
rain. Let's hope we don't use it. Uh but it's wonderful to kick off the month um the first day of the month having this great celebration. Every year it gets bigger and more joyful. So we're very excited for that. And that's my report. Thank
you. Council woman call. Yes, thank you. Um I I just want to appreciate um the students that were here this evening being rewarded for their their posters. Um it's very heartwarming and having served as the leazison for the environmental
commission for a number of years. I know it's a matter that um commission puts a lot of time and effort into um and it's certainly something that the children really enjoy. So I just wanted to um applaud them for their efforts um and c certainly applaud the wishers that were
here this evening. I also want to recognize that I that since our last meeting there was a meeting of the recreation advisory committee um where we discussed a number of topic topics including the pool memberships um as
well as some of our ongoing endeavors from subcommittees um that that committee is specifically looking at fees um and whether or not we should revise those fees. So I think that the council should anticipate um recommendations regarding recreational
fee structures in the next couple of months from that organization. Um I also want to thank Township Manager O Sullivan for joining us at that meeting. Um it was very helpful and we did have robust attendance. Um that concludes my
report. Thank you for public comment at this time. public comment on any item. Madam clerk, would you please for suspension second? Yes, I will. Anyone from the public wishing to speak on any matter? If you're attending on
Zoom, please raise your hand by pressing the raise hand button on your monitor. If you're dialing in by phone, press star 9. If you're attending in person, please raise your hand to be recognized and approach the lectern. Once recognized, clearly state only your name and township of residence for the
record. You're not required to provide your street address. However, if you do, please note that these meetings will not will be posted on the township's YouTube channel and addresses will not be redacted for any purpose. You'll have four minutes to address the council. There'll be no cross dialogue during this public portion. After everyone
wishing to speak has been heard, the council may address your comments and or questions. Everyone met my name and I will address via my address because we are talking about where so I just want to thank you all.
What a tough act to follow. not only the children but all the positivity we've shared about trees in this session because yes I am putting forth in front of you is to talk about trees being obstruction so for a little background I
have been voicing my concern for about a year or two now I've lived at my address on summer road for about six years my husband actually grew up in the house that we bought and I've had very positive and I'm very grateful for
the conversations I've had with the traffic and safety committee up until this point, but this is actually my first time attending town council to ask for your help. So, I am speaking on behalf of our street. I have Ellen here as well and there there is a bunch of
people on the line from Summit Road because we are at a point where we are looking at all of you to help us in what has become a very miserable problem. Each year it's gotten worse. Going in
and out of Summit Road where it crosses with Mount Prospect has become a challenge. So it's not only, you know, is it hard to pull and go left, but it's also hard to make a right. And what our
concerns are is that with a target coming in place, and I'm not sure when that will be done, it's only going to get worse. So we we've made great progress the conversations we've had you know the chief on the line about a few asks that we put forth I'd say the
biggest progress that we have made is addressing that there has to be one of the five trees that are posted on prospect taken down but at this point we we haven't seen any change happen there and we are aware it's a very big ask and
the chief has put this on his to-do list for quite some time I I think my question back to you all is where could we go from here? How can we make this be, you know, something that is attainable before target does go up? And
truthfully, I'm coming to you all as a mother. I do have two young children under the age of five. And there are a lot of people in the land that do have kids as well. There's also people in the land that have kids who are getting their permits next week. And for us, we just want to make it so that we are And
it's hard for me to be up here to say anything bad about the street because the best part about living in my house is actually the street itself. So we are a community with in each other. And you know my hope here today is to speak on
their behalf and see what change. Hi, my name is Ellen Le and I live on I just wanted to add a few things. Um, so we've lived there for 15 years and we love our house and we love where we live but we not love mal
prospect just as they said it's just terrible uh two years ago my husband and I had a very bad accident when we were trying to make a left turn on Mount Prospect we we were hit by a
car that was coming downhill very fast hit the front of our car and we were just lucky that we weren't very far out we were because we weren't seriously injured, but the car was
done. Um, about the second trees, it seems to be the best thing that we can think of that would help us out because you really, if you're not in exactly the right place when you get to the
intersection, you cannot see it all. And another problem, I don't This is up to the um because the volume of traffic has gotten so bad um lately, especially
rush hours, the cars start to back up from the Bloomfield Avenue intersection and sometimes they'll back up all the way across Sunset Avenue. One of the problems is the signage. Bloomfield Avenue
is so poor because no one can read the sign that says there are two lanes that go straight across. I don't know how much um can influence county like that. But I just wanted to put that out there
because people they just get in one line and then that one line just keeps going back and just thought Thank you for listening to our neighborhood's concerns and working with us to greatly reduce the traffic.
Thank you. Mr. I agree with you. Sure. New Jersey mayor council manager. Um I thought it was I start off the
attendance uh conversation today. Uh since that conversation actually started in the um in our committee back actually one year ago. We sent a a memo to the town council stating for 70% attendance
and misses. Well, things have changed in our committee and I thank the town council and I thank the vetting process and working with all of you to um bring on new members and change the membership from six to nine which made a huge difference because we had pretty much
perfect attendance every single time and we're getting a lot of stuff done. So maybe to consider I I I watched last town council meeting and I I understand the conversation and why attendance is important. I'm not saying that policy
isn't needed. I'm just saying that maybe there are other things that need to be considered. Maybe lowering the threshold a little bit from 70 to 60%. Uh maybe to consider um guidance and also some help towards chairs and also individuals that
are part of the committees because when they come on there a lot of times they're not familiar with government. They don't understand the process. So I think those kind of things might help. Instead of just doing one attendance, we have a full package. So maybe tonight maybe don't move forward on that. Go
back to a little bit some of the training, some of the code of conduct, some of the other things that maybe would be helpful to make an attendance policy better. Now another thing to look at is also, and I can say say this, the subcommittees. I know it's not an
attendance policy, but I'm on two subcommittees and I've attended at least five or six subcommittees um this um this year alone, let alone other committee members that have done very similar things. We're talking on on the phone or you know getting ready for a meeting. So, I think that I think it's
well intended and believe me, I wrote it to begin with, but I think it just need to maybe make some modifications. We don't want to have people not volunteer and um I think what we're trying to do. The merits are very good and I thank everybody very
much for their um for their work and look forward to some of the other things that we're doing in the uh committee. Just one question I forgot to ask as well. The whole construction um how is that going to be ready for Memorial Day?
Um I was there the other day and I drove by and um it looked maybe that maybe not be ready, but just want to get a um just want to That would be very similar to the splash a couple years ago. So, thank you very much for your time. Thank you.
Anybody else? Good evening everybody. Um I'm here today yet again uh because of the issues related to 10 Park Place and 544 546 Winfield Avenue. Um we've come to find out that within
the last week um they have formally filed with town but I'm not quite sure. Um so I am here for two reasons. One to ask the town council and Mr. Sullivan uh to share whatever
information they can at this stage um about uh how tenants or former tenants or the landlord or whomever uh related to venues plan to move forward um with
their I guess approval or appeal to zoning. Um and also to continue to raise awareness about the issues related to unregulated um organizations such as the
proposed place of worship at the other 10 park. So you know now we have the looming threat of uh these two organizations in the same building both which present a serious nuisance and
hazard both to the neighborhood in which I live here on behalf of my family and neighbors from Park Placeh as well as the for our community. Um, I certainly know the township council uh is taking this these issues seriously. Um, and I
do sincerely appreciate uh everything that you guys are doing in all the communication. Um, but uh I had to come here tonight because you know after a couple of weeks of peace and quiet and restoration of our quiet enjoyment of our homes uh we are now dealing with
with this threat. So uh again I'm here to raise awareness ask you for whatever you can share at this juncture and certainly appreciate the way. Thank you very much. And joining us from Zoom, Mr.
Hi, can you hear me? Yes, we can. Go ahead. Thank you. Just want to thank everyone for their time. Um, my name's John Tierney in Verona. I too live on Summit Road. I just wanted to echo um uh what my
neighbors Thea and Helen both shared with the town council. I live here with my wife. Um, I have two kids, one going to Brookdale, one currently in preschool going into Brookdale next year.
completely appreciate the dynamics of Mount Prospect Road just increasing in terms of traffic and dangers. Um the the reality is though I do think there are solutions available to the town council um identified by my
neighbors on Summit Road to hopefully find solutions that that reduce the risk for my neighbors, myself, my family coming in and out of um Summit Road onto Mount Prospect. fully support some of the suggestions
that my neighbor shared and continue to to be optimistic that solutions are ahead of us. So, thank you for everyone's time. Anybody else? Run out of people. We have somebody
Emily. Hi. Hi, can you hear me? Okay, great. Hi, Emily Palitzy. Um, Verona Parkplace. My husband just spoke in person. I can't be there tonight. Thank you for letting me participate via Zoom. Um, I just want to echo what my husband shared. I'm I'm zooming in
tonight on behalf of my family and and my neighbors. Um, basically, we've been enjoying what has been some of the most peaceful weeks or or months on our street in a very long time. And um I have to say I was personally disheartened to hear that at that April
30th um passing time when we knew that Palmetto Venues had that opportunity to um submit for relief through the board of adjustments that they did in fact do so. We've seen signage coming down off of that building and we're hopeful that in light of the events in March um we
would again have peace restored to our neighborhood. But unfortunately we've been facing challenges for two different tenants in that same address. 10 Park Place pursuing um non-permitted uses. Um again, just wanting to speak out for anybody of residents who are listening,
tuning in tonight to continue to raise awareness of the um constant request for non-permitted use in our town center zone. Um those of us who reside there and reside there because it is a permitted use for us to enjoy our home. Uh we just really want to make sure
everyone is aware that not everyone lives in um a peaceful neighborhood because we live on that mixeduse street. We we do have a level of awareness of what comes with living on a street with a parking lot and a um shoe repair and the town scoop and the lakeside delide.
We are just wanting to make sure everyone understands that um we're continuing to be concerned about the threat that is presented by non-permitted uses in our neighborhood. Um I realize the board of adjustment may be the better place to voice these concerns. I did attend the meeting last
month and do plan on attending the meetings in the future. But um for anyone concerned to just be aware and additionally any questions that can be answered to in regards to the shooting incident that took place in March which
remains unresolved in regards to how that investigation has concluded, if anyone has any arrests have been made in that incident, um any of the violations that were to be addressed, really any updates as we sit and wait with baited
breath as residents, we would really apprei iate more information just so we can continue to live in peace have we as we have for the past couple of months uh not really knowing but we were hoping to get some answers tonight. Any information the council can provide
would be greatly greatly appreciated both to those of us who reside on the street and I would think to the residents of Arona at large because there was gun violence in our town and we are continuing to not receive any updates regarding the status. um that's
100 yards from my front door as we've stated in the past and it would bring us great peace and u peace of mind to know if there's any updates that can be shared with the public um in light of that very significant event that took place just months ago. Thank you.
Thank you. Anybody else? We have we have Ellen want to talk again. I'm guessing that's her. Okay. Hold on. Can you hear me? There goes. Yes, we got her. Laptop. Thank you. And
uh just want to add a few things that some of you and some of the town um officials, other um department heads may be aware of in the last couple of years. what our neighbors and we have done is two issues in particular. One is and I
don't want to get into the weeds here but it should be brought up now as we move ahead together with the county to try to deal with the problems we've had and that is the speed limit on Mount Prospect especially going northbound. I know from Chief Kieran and others who
have been at this for a while that that's been suggested. the county hasn't looked so far as I'm seeing fit to I'm not sure he's been maybe they've investigated it maybe they've done some sort of traffic survey but we do know that that would be very rarely helpful
and um that would be one thing another um thing that I know again neighbors and I have been pushing for a while is and this is comes under that rubric of what the uh recent meetings of the counties
Essex safe streets safe streets for Essex um program talked about and that is doing things that don't cost a whole lot of money but relatively modest steps that together are more costefficient and
address the problems head on. One of those things I believe is better signage. And by better signage, I mean maybe more signs, more signs that are specific to that particular intersection and signs that um like one
sign that every day I see it. Now, when I go on Pumpton Avenue, for instance, and we see I realize that's a state road, but we see some of these large signs overhead from this the local streets, it'll say, no, it will give the name of that street uh which intersects
with Pompton or it may not be an intersection, just maybe a dead end. That should be one of the first things that we could consider for our corner so that drivers know that there is a T intersection coming up that it's
identified as such and they know when they get to it. Um that that's something that's missing. So, it's these filling in these voids, starting with the um maybe the bases that we already have, but filling in those um those missing
links to um which together I think can make drivers, if nothing else, more aware of what is uh is going on there. And uh this this works for the northbound traffic, too. um many of our neighbors and we are
concerned that okay, you make a right turn from Summit onto Mount Prospect. Okay, that's not too bad. You know, you can work your way out. The town did up did um put up a a second do not block intersection sign. When I
mentioned that to Chief Kieran a few months ago, he said, "Oh, you mean there are unicorns?" Meaning, oh, you mean there are people actually, you know, listening and heeding that? I said, "Yes, I've noticed that people, they see that sign, it's bigger, there's a second
sign. It does help, but I think that um you know, these are some of the things that we want to um be able uh to do. And again, I don't that's why I think it becomes a combined effort on uh
neighbors um township, county to um do these things." And I was among those who spoke at the public forum that the Safe Streets program had. And I was very um it was heartwarming really. It was
very gratifying to see the interest that they took in this and other issues and the respect that they paid to residents throughout the county. They've put in a lot of work. Uh they seem to be on the right track as far as I'm concerned. And you know, so there's another body,
another entity that may without us even going beyond this get behind our efforts to make that particular stretch of road and many others of course throughout the county that much safer for drivers as well as pedestrians. So thank you. Thank
you very much. Thank you very All right. This time I'll close public comment and we'll respond a couple of these items. Uh first to the residents of S road I understand your frustration
there entirely invested squad member for a decade and a half here in Verona. I've unfortunately had the opportunity to not only visit that part of summer road quite frequently but also to get in and out
of the frustration. I think the house owns frequently. One of the challenges we have with traffic. Fortunately, our chief turn to bring
some unfortunately we're anything that sometimes I can tell you that targets the traffic as well. I think the traffic will probably slow down which
is positive. all your discuss um on relating to the investigation into uh the issue that happened in March. Um we can comment on it. Uh the public
information that is currently being controlled office. I would encourage you to contact office for information at this time. Equally as frustrated, this is not the first time I've been
frustrated, but there are procedures that they place. I'm hoping that if they're successful prosecutions that they Um, and trust me, I would I would told you a lot before we were allowed to and
frankly the council's been purposefully out of the investigation to not compromise investigation. Um, and uh I'll address Mr. Mr. Sullivan, do you want to address the
Sure. The uh the contractor has continued uh on schedule with the schedule that they've proposed. Uh the tile work and the light insulation again that will continue through the duration of this week. They were out there working through the rain
today. Uh the materials for the Mars site and the relining of the pool are on site already. They are hoping to begin lining the pool next week. Uh that should take two to three days to line the pool and then that after that it's
just a matter of filling the pool and balancing the chemicals in the pool. So the contractor is still expecting to deliver the pool on time. a question related to Summit Road mentioned that obviously the county takes care of all the signage on that road to them.
Um, the the county will typically maintain the roadway, the drainage within the roadway and the sidewalks and trees. They typically try to leave it up. They try
to leave us. We ask them like obviously the first tree there is 10 foot off the corner. We went to them and wanted to remove that one tree. I think there's What we did with um when we had speeding complaints on Bloomfield Avenue, we did work with
Boswell to come up with some additional striping and signage plans, we presented those to the county to get their support and their buy in. The township undertook those on our own cord after getting approval from the county. So I would I'm going to look to schedule a meeting with
both the chief and with with Boser come up with a similar game plan for this intersection. Yes, just add from our previous neighborhood traffic and safety committee meetings. Um I think that you know the chief has some ideas and again
one option is to remove a very particular tree may not be that first one but maybe a second one and they are gorgeous street trees but the issue is balancing them with you know the sightines and the pressing. So, and
there was a question like is this I think they may think there are county. So, I think if we can resolve this behind the scenes and then working with well to see what all of our options are, I think that would be great to keep it moving forward because the definitely
the chief worked through some new signage opportunities. Maybe there was some limited striping, but I think if we the more we can do the better. We do agree that target is going. Thank you. Okay, moving on to H1. Then of course, the next item on the
agenda is ordinance number- on second reading. An ordinance to amend chapter 8565-1 fees of the code of the council of Verona by amending uh plenary retail distribution license fees. Somebody move
the ordinance, please. by the deputy mayor by now it's time for public hearing on J-95 public comments discussion none important calls
councilwoman Holland yes councilwoman McGrath yes councilman Roman yes Yes. Deputy Mayor Mackoy. Yes. Mayor Tambbor. Yes. Mayor, ordinance 2025-09 passes 5 to zero. It'll be published according to
law. Next item on the agenda is an ordinance first reading lab. An ordinance amending chapter 5 article 2 section 24 of the township code to establish attendance and participation requirements for members
of the township boards, committees, and commissions. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'll move the ordinance. Do I have a second? Deputy mayor seconds. Uh there's no public hearing as this first round council discussion all uh Mr. Mr. Sh I
wanted to appreciate your comments. Um the advice committee did bring this forward that began to discuss and then was on the back burner. Um though the the issues related to the not to
just public that other areas people attending consist and I'm glad that the meeting attendance issues have been resolved on the committee but we have to
that's tend to as a legislature want to retrospective legislation so look into the future and develop a policy that this issue in the future if we have
nonparticipating members so that we're not scrambling over months long period showing up to meetings that now we have to or a solution which takes 12 months to do you know from months
because you have publish it has to go to public stuff like that we need to empower our appointing authorities our administration to address these items um they have 70% is a very
generous partic that as well. Uh I think especially in that these are not just your standard sponsors that are every but part of the job of committees
is to provide opinions and advice to the council and in order for the council to be able to take that as representative of the entire committee we have to make sure that the people are appointed to provide that
official feedback and more and more something I've been pushing the last four years for these committees to provide like your community does recommendations council uh because when I came on that wasn't always as as common and
something pushed So I think that's um that's my desire to do this. I think that as I said in the last meeting standards for doaches if your softball coach only show
practices soft and so we're asking people making policy policy to really also be president. I appreciate your comments. I appreciate comments
disagree. So I'm very comfortable with that sent to us. I don't know. Nothing was received. Well, I'm conversing forward everybody can see
process question. So um I would love to see that um because I took the ordinance packet and sent it to my chair. So if we get feedback to whom um with suggested comments to make that ordinance stronger
to whom do we send the feedback before the meeting or are we going to discuss this in new business so that we can my chairs of my committees would like to be able have a chance to provide that on this new
um I think that that's fine. I would something. We can take a look easily agreeable. We have a draft that has the agreeable items. But if you get those, you All right, we are tabled on
that and here moving on to the consent agenda and we have two sets of minutes and we have eight resolutions. We have no licensing permits this evening. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Motion made by the deputy mayor. Is there seconds? Second by the council woman. At this time for public comments on the consent agenda saying uh six um Mr. Japanese mayor, would you amend
your ordinance to for L1 through L5 and L7 through L8 and also second second that amendment still right I'm going to call for public comment on all of the items regardless
whether it's item six or not so we have public comment again same public comment say it applies but we can only comment on these items Okay, hearing none. I close public comments. Any council discussion on L one through five 73. I would just like
to uh thank everybody for putting L7 on here. Uh we've been talking about compost for quite a while. I really think that if we had areas of that we thought about it but obviously with the laws in New Jersey we can't have full
composting but for leaves and grass and things like that uh it's I think we used to do it in Verona and a lot of residents would like to get it back so I'm really in support of this how it could also it saves town a
I'm very happy about this. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Mayor. I thank Jen a lot during these meeting. Speaking of that, thank you, Madam Clerk. Call please. Yes, Councilwoman Holland.
This is for L5 and 718. This one 578. Yep. Okay. Yes, Councilwoman McGrath. Yes. Councilman Roman. Yes. Yes. Deputy Mayor Mackoy. Yes. Mayor Tambboro. Yes.
Mayor L1 through L5 and seven and 8 will be numbered 96 through and including 102. Thank you. For the second time I will move L6. Is there a second? Second. At this we already have any council discussion. I want to discuss this. I
want our money. Yeah. And that's really what it comes down to. I'm going to make it very simple. This is our money and we should be getting this. Um, council. Uh, yes. I think they they um the league of municipalities released a calculator two or three years ago and we were short
well more than a million dollars. I think it was like 1.2 or 1.7 million that was really taken from us from the state of New Jersey to use for other purposes. Again, we need this money for municipal tax relief. Um, and this needs to be addressed by the legislature.
is really annoying. Yeah, I'll second all of those. Yes. Any other comments? Council Roman likes money. Anything that's I like money. All right, Madam Clerk, call the RO on
that, please. Councilwoman McGrath, I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm obsaining. I apologize. Councilwoman McGrath, yes. Councilman Roman. Yes. Deputy Mayor Makavoy. Yes.
Mayor Tambbora, a resounding yes. Okay. Um, so L6 will be numbered 103. It passes 40 to zero with one recusal. No, I'm not. I mean with one abstension. I'm sorry. Thank you. Yeah, there's no recusal. All right. Uh, we are moving on
to discussing our council meeting dates. This is new business and Oh, in Ma. Yes. April 4th. I will resend it right now if you want. That would be great. That would be the fastest way to All right. I remember
seeing it. Just be there. kinds of time difference. I'm not sure. Mayor, you're on first off the g. All right. Any other comments for July? Okay. August.
Mayor, if I may, I'm sorry. I have a um I won't be able to be in town on August 4th bringing my daughter to college. Okay. So, I just don't know um whether or not my assistant will be back by then. I'll check with your schedule.
We're not voting. No, I'll put something together. Manager sounds. All right, August. Any No problems. August. I I just want to say I don't um I like keeping our
council schedule. I am not sure I'm going to be able to make the second meeting of August because I too college. So summer TV I just ran into we have do we have two without have to miss the 16 18
18 sorry I can't my vision is not that great. All right. No. Okay. Let's Great. Well, I mean if we're in the interest of like just talking about our vacations like I may July 21, but like I didn't think that was
no longer four of us here. We're okay in case you have pass um and all right happening in September. So the September I only put one meeting because I was the um the 22nd is the first night
of Rashashana. Schools are closed on the 23rd. I know that we ran into trouble like having only one meeting, but I I think it was because we had two months of only one meeting. I see that we would have two meetings in October
and two meetings in November and December. I think we need to talk. Yeah. Did we look at that? Is that There isn't one as well. There's
notber there. So, so you're shifting off of the third or the second and fourth. I just don't want to have makes sense that you don't have that. That's actually kind of really December 1 would be a week after,
right? That was the question mark all day. So then it begs the question whether or not you have another month of just one meeting for November and then you do the first and December. So just again the administration would just have to be mindful of a single
meeting in September. I was a light agenda on December 1st. December 1st means preparing the packet. Well, right after the meeting of the week, how much business?
I have no Oh, you want to do the 8th and the 22nd? It's not just possible. Just had the meeting on the I would favor keeping to the first and the third of for the the first and third
Mondays for December, not doing it on the 22nd and you know the alternative would be just because you're already pushing it off of the first Monday anyway.
So I would put that forward as the alternative because like the difference between a November 24th council meeting and a December 1st is negligible because between the lead municipalities and the Thanksgiving holidays like there's not additional
business that's going to be on that December 1st. So you may as well just strike the November 24th and do it on December 1. on Thanksgiving my Thanksgiving plans. Okay. Then we go into January
publication not going into January. Okay. So, if I may, the the reorg meeting packet would actually go off earlier, not on January 1st if we had the 5th. So, I'm sorry. What? Like, I won't be I'm not going to
I'll have a packet delivered to the council earlier because January 1st is a holiday. Oh, if we have the meeting on the 5th because we'll have appointments distributed before the Thursday and Friday. I'll try in our ordinance and we
revised it. It doesn't says January 1st or another appropriate date as the council decides right but then I think the law says the first week that's why I was like just putting it then did you have
something I believe technically if you have still agend oh you want to just do the n that um I see what you're saying to think about I don't think I think it can vary. This
is a good question for Brian because I think nonpartisan governments are treated differently than what was your um statement. So So the issue is the the council term for current council expires on December
31st. If you don't have your swearing in council members until the 5th, we have no unsworn council members for four days. days. Okay. Do you want to have it on New Year's Day? Maybe a ceremonial meeting on New Year's
Day and then, you know, and leave your business meeting to be the fifth. I think why don't we hold off and get advice on that? Yeah. Whether we have to do it because I agree then we have four days count all of our terms expire. And the
the other thing to be aware of to be aware of is we changed the code swearing in council members to happen inside of the community center. on the
first meeting otherwise the council meetings have to take place in this building to they have to take place in normal place that takes place. We allow one meeting you have to potentially because you have be so well attended
with square and things like that you need a larger venue you'll be having your entire meeting your business meeting at night at the community center on so we need to before we get some answers off we have a full business
meeting at the community center is that a violation of our own state And do we need to have a ceremonial first question?
Sorry. Oh. Hey, it's going to be in the uh if it's referencing the state code statute. What's that? It's referencing the statute on when we meet and everything. So, I'll look that up and talk. We'll have an answer for
Okay. Any other business? offices. Yeah. Why don't we just we could wait until we the problem is that and that's the parks and rest. We can virtual
meeting couple. We can just wait until we see Brian take on the first meeting in January. Yeah. Okay. And then one more thing is like we for the June meeting on the 9th we'll
just have it a late agenda for the next day of election day. Yeah. So I I'm always in that's conflict. Yes. You should probably do it on the 9th because we have it available in mid July.
Introduction. the 23rd. 23rd. Thank you. Anything else? Um, we did make a motion to go pass resolution session. Any official actionbody just for legal?
No, go ahead. Um, just going back to my earlier comment, Timo, I certainly appreciate your response. However, um, I do feel like, uh, we simply talked about the investigation. However, I still have no
additional information about what has transpired, uh, with regards to 10 place, particularly the advancement since since last week. So, um, you know, I I can appreciate that there might not so much available information at this
point because attorney is not here. However, um I would love to take here anything that you can share. I know you've received letters or something from venues people. So, um I would just ask that any information that you can
share regarding venues at this point. Thank you. Any other public comments? chance. Anybody that we kicked out of the meeting that wants to comment
Sure. The uh the Paul Meadow Venues uh business has retained an attorney. Uh they've requested an application for a variance uh which was provided to them. They have it has not been returned, but they do still remain
closed because Palmetto Venus has retained an attorney. No further comment can be made and the application if it's submitted will be considered in the normal course. I think that's the extent of of what we can provide this evening.
The normal course being zoning board adjustment as I've said in previous meeting clarify the public is that we are the appellet body making obviously anything that is subject to the public records acting
Okay, now we're going to executive session. Thank you verybody.