Good evening. I call to order this regular meeting of the town council for Monday 20th October. Would you please read the public? >> The donor's requirements of the open public meetings act have been satisfied with respect to this meeting of the
township council. Specifically, the time and date were included in the publication of the annual meeting notice. This information along with the public public internet link and telephone call-in information was sent to the official newspapers of the township, the Verona Cedar Grove Times
and the Star Ledger at least 48 hours preceding the start time of this meeting. The agenda can be viewed online at vereronj.org/countsil meetings. Public comment period will be held in the order it is listed on the meeting agenda and instructions on how to comment will be provided at the
appropriate time. >> Thank you, Madam Cler. Let's call the vote. Councilwoman Holland >> here. >> Councilwoman McGrath >> here. >> Councilman Roman >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy >> present. >> Mayor Tamborro >> here. >> Mayor also present tonight is uh township attorney Brian Aoya. Township
manager Kevin O Sullivan myself municipal clerk Jennifer Kieran. >> Thank you. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands one nationisible
and justice for all the mayor's report today. Uh just a few items we had a wonderful celebration of Italian American Heritage Month. Just want to thank Ron Unico for being president helping raise the flag. If you don't know Ron Unico should they're a
very active and engaged service organization of Italian Americans in Verona who provide financial support to high school seniors and former scholarships. They uh help community members in need. They have provided the
uh safe crossing light on Avenue by Brown. They're always happy to help. They participate in our recreation programs. some of the things they possibly can. So, please take a look at that. We also had a great Diwali celebration last night. So, thank you for all the
organizers for putting that together. That's always a really fun celebration to honor to get to be able to help um and some great dancing music and really nice way to ending a week or starting.
I hope that everybody will be able to join us. our Veterans Day commemorates on high school level and any of our other municipal leagues best wishes as they enter. And at this point, I'm going to ask our
court to provide an election. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, the November general election season is upon us. Early voting will begin this Saturday, October 25th, and run through
Sunday, November 2nd, um, at 11 different locations across the county. One of them being the Verona Community Center Ballroom. Hours for voting for early voting are Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
And all registered voters of the county can vote at any early voting location. Um, the municipal election will be held during this November election. Um, election day is on Tuesday, November
4th. The polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm. Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities. Um, if you have received your mail-in ballot, just a reminder to return your ballot to the secured ballot dropbox. Veronis is
located at the um community center at 880 Bloomfield Avenue. If you have it not already have a vote by mail ballot, but wish to have one, you may apply for the vote by mail ballot by completing the application and returning it to the county clerk by uh
November 3rd in person at 3 p.m. Um I think that's >> there's no early voting on November. >> There's no early voting on November 3rd. That's our day off. Um the last thing I
just want to mention is um that the township has put together a mailer being it's the first municipal election to be held in November for the township. Um all registered voters of the township will be receiving that probably Friday or Saturday. If you have any questions,
you can call the municipal clerk's office at 973-857-4770 or visit vote.nj.gov. gov for all um information regarding this election. Thank you.
>> And they all have attended training. >> They're training right now, too. >> Oh, very good. >> There's a six o'clock class. >> All right. Mr. going on. I'm back to see on vacation and a wonderful vacation.
That being said, uh really fun thing, I've been through it several times, is this Saturday, October 25th at Brookdale Park, struck your month. It starts at 9 a.m. registration. The parade is at 9:30
and there are some unbelievable sites that you can see. Uh and then that afternoon on the same date, Saturday, October 25th at 1 p.m. uh registration 1:30 is the parade. That's at Grover
Cleveland Park. Again, it's amazing what some of the billers come up with and it's really a fun day. So, bring your children
will enjoy it. Um, November 1st and 2nd at Riker Hill Park in Livingston Avenue just little ways up from having Open house from 11 to 5 p.m. Uh,
fine arts, jewelry, glass blowing, sculpturing, photography, been up there a few times and there's a lot of combination business, but it's a wonderful open house.
And then uh this I thought was very interesting when I was opening up November 15th at the environmental center from 11 to 100 p.m. learn how to make a holiday. So if you like
million dollars now like everything else uh you can learn how to make your front door like put it from 15 years old and up and $30. That being said
to you >> thank you mayor. Uh this evening I'll have a a few updates from my report. Uh the we'll we'll pause the discussion on the pool rate study for this particular meeting. Uh we have new gen updating their financial models to overlay the
actual 2025 financials and the 2026 uh recommendations. We'll have a presentation at the November 10th council meeting. uh with our wastewater utility. We have our primary clarifier pump station project that's uh that construction is kicking up in high gear. The project
should be complete this December. And for our UV disinfection system and microscreen project, those designs are ready to be submitted to D4 permits. On the drinking water system, our Lind Drive well, we received the final closeout documentation earlier today.
So, we'll have the final resolutions to close it out at the November meeting. And then for our Fair View Avenue well rehabilitation and the Clarish Drive pump station projects, both projects are waiting on delivery of materials. So there's going to be a little bit of a a lull on the construction schedule for
both of those. Um, as far as the storm water items, um, there we held a flood control advisory board meeting uh, last week with Cedar Grove, Little Falls and Woodland Park
were also in attendance. Um both of those communities expressed uh that they have communicated with their uh their governing bodies and they would like to uh expand the flood control advisory board to have it be a joint for board
committee. I think that strengthens the township's position in planning future grant applications and a number of storm water initiatives that uh we can collectively work on together. also allows the four townships to u
consolidate or uh to um combine materials and and um equipment for shared service opportunities. Uh that would require an amendment to the township's ordinance. Um it is not specifically listed on the agenda this
evening, but I would recommend to the council unless there's any questions or objections to um to move forward with those uh amendments to the ordinance in the upcoming meetings. Um it would be simple amendment to the resolution change uh to the existing ordinance
where Verona and Cedar Grove would be amended to renew Verona Cedar Grove, Woodland Park and Little Falls. And then Woodland Park and Little Falls also advised or recommended that the four munville representative should be uh increased to five with the addition of
the OEM coordinator as the fifth. Um I think those are were both I think that was a good recommendation from both those communities. So unless there's any questions from the council, we'll finalize that uh ordinance amendment and bring it to the council in upcoming coming meeting. Any objections?
>> I I think we should discuss it more in new business. I do think that there's value. So having been at the flood advisory meeting, I do think that there's value in us discussing our ordinance and the Cedar Grove ordinance um the memberships involved and making
sure that that you know we're satisfied with the way that looks. So I do think we can have like kind of an introductory discussion and then hopefully the administration can circulate some red lines and then we could have a more meaningful discussion in November. I think that would be helpful. I know that
uh Woodland Park and Little Falls in particular wanted to see their Cedar Road number before they moved forward with their ordinance as well. >> Storm water is Can you touch a little bit more on bank stabilization for that?
>> Sure. The uh the We held the pre-construction meeting uh about three weeks ago. Uh the contractor is working through their submittals. Uh the um the item in that project that will really
dictate the schedule will be the approval and then the delivery of the um of the uh concrete revetment uh bedding of the st the stream bed. that those materials are typically a 8 to 12 week
lead time. So the contractor is working through the submitts on that project currently. Um when they do receive the materials on site, it would likely be in the middle of the winter. So assuming that we have weather that's cooperative, which means
temperatures above freezing and rising and weather dry enough, the contract the contractor will begin construction this winter. Otherwise, we'll wait for appropriate weather conditions to start construction. And the other item in storm water that
uh is also on agender tonight is the um is regarding the Verona Lake. Verona OEM and Essex County OEM continue to coordinate protective measures in advancing all storms. Uh during declared states of emergency, this often includes lowering of Verona Lake to increase upstream capacity. The county is
currently applying for an NG NJD Lake Lauren permit to formalize this process moving forward and the flood advisory board again when we discussed this collectively last week. Uh there was uh full support of that action. There's a resolution on the agenda for the council
to consider tonight to also further support the county's efforts on that permit application. Uh the regarding a few uh the road projects we have going on uh Lynen Avenue uh we received nine bids on October 15th. There is an award contract
recommendation on the agenda this evening and we are also waiting for uh review comments from the DOT on our dot terrace afterlowway summit road project before that project can be put out to bid
regarding ever field retaining wall installation is nearly complete. Uh utility work and snack bar foundation is being scheduled in the coming weeks. Uh we are still working with the contractor and shade tree commission on the tree replacements. Contractor is trying to
locate the trees for planting this fall. There are a few varieties that he's having a hard time locating this late in the planting season. Uh if he cannot plant the trees this fall, they would be just deferred. That portion of the project would be deferred till uh the spring planting season.
And we also did meet with uh VBSL and the contractor on site on October 15th to coordinate the construction of the snack bar fieldhouse which is expected to begin within the next two to four weeks. Uh we did kick off our community energy
plan. Uh we had a meeting with sustainable corona and we are ongoing with those efforts. Next meeting is October 23rd. Uh the upgrades to the council chambers technology is still on schedule for the week of November 12th. The new equipment
should be in place for our December 1st meeting. Regarding affordable housing, we have our um our settlement conference with the courts uh tomorrow afternoon. Uh we will have an update for the council
after that settlement conference. Bloomfield Avenue streetscape contractor uh designer continues to meet with committees and commissions. Uh they went from the initial large all-in kickoff meeting to individualized committee and commission meetings. They'll also have a
table at the uh Halloween event this weekend to start gathering public input as well on uh just general feedback from the public on Avenue Street. As far as building facility needs, uh we received 13 bids for the roof
replacement project that was in the capital budget for this year. Uh there's an award contract on the agenda for this evening. We actually held a um a pre-construction meeting earlier this afternoon. Uh assuming the resolution is awarded and the contract is awarded, the
contractor is ready to begin construction at the end of this month and expects to complete the project by the end of this calendar year. Uh the windows and repointing project is also moving forward. We're nearly complete on that project. There's just a
few minor items. There's some window uh window sill placements and one final door that is long lead time that is expected in beginning of November. So that project is nearly complete. Uh we are nearly complete with all the
remediation projects in the police department as well. Uh there's been uh mold remediation, lead paint remediation, uh HVAC uh air handler replacement, a repainting of the police department. Uh we are doing some final
repairs. The trailer is prepped and ready and we are anticipating the police department to be moving back on or about the week of November 10th. Um and we also had uh continued uh efforts with
our age friendly audit action plan and the inclusive healthy communities um grant uh the audit that we uh kicked off with our community stakeholder meeting. Uh we did kick that project off as well.
I'll pause my report there. There's a there's a lot of updates and I don't know if there's any questions from the council. Um just a reminder on roads crest uh part of the crest is in Mont Blair and in the past when we've done paving parts effective there are sections on it they have chipped in um
so that is the same situation to ask >> we uh we actually when we had our kickoff meeting with Montlair regarding the Montlair interconnection the board um we did actually indicate that we were applying for D grants for Fresmont we
haven't received that grant yet But they did indicate that they'd be it would make for good planning as we're doing that uh interconnection when we pave the roads to split the cost based on the the shared portion in each municipality. Quick just a comment because we
mentioned tree plantings and I've noticed around all the streets that we've done I think public works do a drive by there's no deer protection on any of those trees and there's many of them which means all this money it goes
further they're going to Okay. >> Uh the last item that I have on my report was uh that we distributed these our CFO distributed the best practices inventory to the council. She's here tonight for a brief summary or or to
answer any questions from the council. >> Good evening. Um, as you know, we have to do best practices annually for the state of New Jersey. It's about 70 questions. Um, some are scored and some are unscored. Um, I believe there's 45
scored questions. Um, anything over 32 points of scored questions gets you um, your full state aid payment. We are currently at 40, possibly 41 with a pending question to the auditor um, out
of 44. So overall a very good score. Um no state aid withheld. Um is there any questions on a specific topic or specifically one of the items in in the unscored or
scored survey? >> I would ask what didn't >> um I'd have to look. I know one of them was um number 25, which is what we are looking into um with the auditor. That may change to a yes um depending on how
we interpreted it. Um I'd have to look back on the other three questions that are scored that we did not. Yes, I think one of them is about if we have a policy on purchasing vehicles um
with hybrid or alternative fuel. And question 25 that you're looking into, just to be clear, involves, you know, if we have any our benefits to our first responders. And this was a question that I raised to the town administration
today about our pool benefit and whether or not that counts towards this um new guidance out about maximum level benefits to volunteer that's what we have to account for. So
definitely interested in that. Yes. >> But I found it interesting in general that they were looking there were some unscored things that were very interesting. Did anything jump out? Things that we're going to investigate? So I took a best practice um inventory
webinar last week. Um they have a gentleman from the state of New Jersey who creates this and they were kind of questioning why did you decide to put on some of these unscored questions like especially the new questions. Um, is
this something that you're going to be looking forward, >> you know, in the years to come to progress towards? Um, and of course, that's what they're looking for is, you know, how how municipalities um what their response is to these
items. Um, opportunity zones was a big one that jumped out. Yeah. So, we'll we'll see how they score that in the future, but >> probably will change. >> Thank you. It's always a This is always
interesting. >> Reading the TV. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Have a good night. >> I look forward to reading the order. >> Just for those watching reading, >> but we all need it. >> We have to sign on.
>> Yes. Yeah. >> But we sent the digital >> anything else >> almost two weeks ago. >> Council member reports. >> Yes. I was like >> I will just infended
the flag raising. I'd like to thank Munich for Italian Heritage Month uh and their participation in all they do for our community. Uh walk to school day. I participate every year uh down at FM Brown. Principal Lanzo is very much into
it. He gets all the kids out there. I think the entire class uh and he also brings high school students to to join in. So I'd like to thank them for for helping out and uh motivating the kids. He gives a little speech on why they do it. It's very nice. Uh also Dewali,
thank everybody involved for that. It was a very nice ceremony. Uh one that we should we should advertise more. very very nice. Uh lastly, I just want to uh put this
out there that uh the Verona Chamber is uh looking towards next summer and the FIFA World Cup and going to start planning events uh around uh town viewer parties and such. Uh and we'll be
meeting a couple more times with the town administration uh to get things the entire town. Look forward to a wonderful couple summer events next year. That's all. Just touch on two events. Number one was
the height sight hunger uh ceremony celebration truckloading event. Um I imagine counciloman McGrath will speak on this so I won't reveal the number. Um, but it was just a wonderful event and I was really impressed by the turnout and Verona's willingness to uh
come together for everyone who was uh was in need of food assistance in our communities. That was wonderful. And then also Dewali again was a great event, great group of people, wonderful performances and just a nice way to get together. So happy to celebrate. Thank
you for that. >> Uh thank you. Uh yes, happy Diwali everyone. Um last night was just such a special event and I want to thank the of course the township but the volunteers that really made it happen. Uh that was sort of a changing the guard of
residents who took the lead on the ceremony but the bedrock of support is also from our multicultural inclusion accessibility advisory committee which assisted with crafts and getting food. Uh so I just want to thank them and everyone involved. It was really
wonderful. Um uh Bites hunger week was a huge success. It's it's such a joyful event and really coming together as a community. I want to thank of course the Junior Women's Club, all of the sponsors and the community for donating so generously. The grand total number was
1,423 bags. Um there is, you know, a little bit of a kod to the event. Um, I think there's because of the prolonged government shutdown that there may be a disruption in SNAP benefits for New
Jersey residents. Uh, this is very alarming and our emergency food banks like the Humane Food Pantry and, uh, Church of the Holy Spirit will be incredibly challenged if this break in um, SNAP benefits does play out in the
beginning of November. Um, so I encourage, you know, everyone to be as generous as you can with, uh, donating to emergency support organizations like those two food banks and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which supports
them all. Um, and please do consider cash donations as they can uh, purchase food and and kind of get that um, that donation maximized to buy. Um, I also went to the Italian uh flag raising. It was a wonderful event. Thank
you, Unico. And I attended several stakeholder sessions for this Essex County Safe Streets for All project. Um, and I want to thank the town administration for following up after I launched some of those sessions. They had their own conversations uh with the
county on what plans are for Bloomfield Avenue. um and several members of the neighborhood traffic and safety committee um were present in those sessions as well. Uh this week the on Wednesday uh MAK um meets on Zoom at 7
p.m. Um they will be talking about their winter events including Hanukkah which will be in a new location this year. U so more on that the next meeting. Um and that's my report. Thank you. >> Thank you Councilwoman.
>> Thank you. Um, I want to, you know, congratulate the Verona juniors for another very exciting, um, and successful Verona Fights Hunger Week. Um, I won't prolong this, uh, unnecessarily. I also attended the
amazing events, um, for Italian American Heritage as well as the Dewali event last night, which was very beautiful. Um, and I'm just really grateful to have been one of the founding um, forces really behind the MAK. I think that
they've brought a lot of really enriching and engaging um events to our community and I'm really excited for it. I'm looking forward to the Halloween event this weekend that is always guaranteed to please so long as we have nice weather. Um and I will also be
meeting with a junior Girl Scout troop um to cover their democracy badge this weekend. So, I'm very excited for that. Um the deputy mayor mentioned the walk to school day. I shared that event for many years um at Forest Avenue School
and I think the high schoolers referenced are the heroes in school kids which is one of the programs that's sponsored by BMAC and we did have a BMAC meeting this past week where we did discuss a lot of our program funding. So it's great to hear that you know the programs that we put forward from BMAC
um and there's approximately 50 kids at the high school that are part of the heroes and cool kids program um really pays off and that there's a lot of added there. November is safe homes month. So I do anticipate that VMAC will be here
um on the November during our November meeting for a proclamation associated with that. Um they weren't able to be here this evening. I also attended a joint flood advisory board meeting which was covered um extensively in the township managers report but I do think
that there would be some value in maybe talking about that some more during the business. Um, notably we did discuss um the county's application for uh the dam lowering um the lake lowering permit. Um, and I did think it was worthwhile
for both the the board um which we did vote in favor of a letter to support the county as well as each of the municipalities moving forward with something. So, I'm glad to see that on the agenda tonight. Tomorrow night, we do have a recory committee meeting. Um,
I know there's been a lot interest there and it is a very full agenda. So, we are likely to go quite a few hours into the evening um tomorrow night. Um but I don't want to spoil it for everybody. So, tune in tomorrow. Um last but not least, it wouldn't be the fall if I
weren't um to mention the winter termination program for your utilities. The winter termination program commences on November 15th. And what that is is a program to prevent service uh disconnects from your electric and gas utility during the winter months. So if
you are struggling to pay your bills, please make sure that you avail yourself of the winter termination program from PSNG. Um and and make sure that you stay warm this winter. Thank you. That concludes my report.
>> Thank you. So this time open for public publications. >> Anyone from the public wishing to speak on any matter, if you're attending via Zoom, raise your hand by pressing the raise hand button on the left side of your monitor. If you're dialing in by phone, press star 9. And if you're
attending in person, please raise your hand to be acknowledged before approaching 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 meeting recordings are public record and
addresses will not be redacted for any purpose. You'll have four minutes to address the council. There will be no cross dialogue during this public portion. And after everyone wishing to speak has been heard, the council may address your comments and or questions.
I see John on Zoom. >> Okay. >> Um this is this is John Tierney Verona. I live on Summit Road. Good evening and and thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to speak tonight. Um, I want to begin by expressing my appreciation
appreciation uh for the time and effort that council devotes to our town and for providing residents like myself a platform to raise our concerns. I'm here tonight representing not only myself but also my neighbors who live near the intersection of Summit Road and Mount Prospect. For
the past two years, we've been actively engaged with both the town and the county, advocate for your support and the county's support in making the intersection safer for everyone who uses it. Despite ongoing conversations and and what has felt like expressed support
from both the town and county representatives, we have yet to see any tangible action. We've made what we believe are very reasonable and necessary requests requests for increased signage, visible road painting at the intersection, and most importantly, the removal of trees on
Mount Prospect that significantly obstruct visibility. These trees are on county property, but they pose a serious danger to drivers and pedestrians every single day. To make matters more urgent, Summit Road now is home to a growing number of school ch school age children
from elementary to high school. Yet, the intersection continues to operate without the basic safety measures that could and should protect them. This is a deeply concerning trend. And what troubles me most and and what has brought me here tonight is the growing feeling amongst us that despite the town
and county's awareness of these risks, nothing is being done. It seems we are waiting for something tragic to happen before real steps are taken. That mindset, whether intentional or not, is simply unacceptable. We should not be forced to wait for a serious injur injury or even worse, a death before the
situation is addressed. The town and county have a clear duty to protect the safety and well-being of their residents. When known risks go unressed, that duty is not being fulfilled. The continued inaction sends a message that our safety and especially the safety of our children seems not to be a priority. And let me be clear, the residents of
our street and of this town just simply won't accept that. We're asking not for perfection by all means, but simply for progress. We're not demanding overnight solutions, but we're just simply demanding visibility, meaningful steps towards making the intersection safer. We urge you, please do not wait for tragedy. You have the power, the
information, and the responsibility to help advocate for us on continued developments at the intersection. Now, we're simply asking for that action. Thank you. Josh res for 10 years now and uh like the res
before me and you're also talking about traffic safety. Um I think what John said was pretty clear. Uh and I also agreed that you know I want to collectively ask the council to take some action regarding traffic and safety. You know I've
reached out to the county over the past 10 years hundreds of times calls emails and there is no action. You know I attended the same street meeting last week. I've learned some, you know, a lot of stats, including at 40 miles an hour,
the fatality rate is 85% for traffic. That's pretty scary. Speed on Bluefield Avenue is 44 or more. And you know, we need some real I would say immediate action before.
You know, as a business owner, the park attracts tens of thousands of people every year, but they do not support. It's they're afraid to cross the street. It's not safe to park on one side and cross. There aren't safe crossings. And the worst part is when you
West Grove, West Orange, Montlair. You'll see a crosswalk every county did not leave because they would love for him to hear this. But what can we do to get some action from the county to make it safer for our streets? And
lastly, as parents, I don't let my kids cross out. They want to go outside and play in the Their tires are being slashed in behind Brookdale. You know, there are very few places for them to go. I'd love for them to go to the west trail, but I
do not allow that. It's just not safe to do so. So, please get together and have some Rogers. Hi all, >> this is Thea Dvita.
>> Am going to continue on the bandwagon of traffic and safety. I have uh joined you all during town hall a few times. Now I am also coming to you from Summit Road and we did ask John to so eloquently
speak on behalf of the street but I thought you know it would be worthwhile especially I'm so sorry whoever was just speaking before me. I can't recall his name, but it sounds like there is a common theme here around
>> and so my hope and ask is if we have so many members of our community with these problems around keeping our streets safe. I too attended the Essex County keeping uh the streets safe last week and there was no opportunity to speak at it.
My ask is can we get another forum other than town hall to all get together and really spend time ideulating and figure out how we make Mount Prospect and Bloom um you know Bloomfield streets safer. So, you know, as many times as we can
come to town hall and speak on this forum, I just think the next ask is can we have a private discussion about this and, you know, actually get some actionable plans put in place. So, with that, thank you for the time. I
hope to hear from you guys. And next is Cy. >> Hi everybody. Corey Shore uh Verona, New Jersey. Um I just have a quick question about uh I heard in the town manager report in
which it indicated that NextGen would be uh working on the 2025 uh financials or analyzed in 2025 the pool along with 2026.
Is it possible that the town manager can just indicate a little bit for the rec committee about what they will be looking at in particular and the additional cost that uh that the that NextGen would be
charging the pool for additional analysis and reporting on financial matters. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Close public comment. Um a general response to
road residents. I I agree with you that that is a dangerous intersection. We don't know a number of the rest and have been for 16 years. Um and unfortunately responded to numerous accidents at that
intersection. Um and I can tell you that it's I definitely agree needs to be fixed. I'll let Mr. details on. But the big complication there is that
this is a county road and county has to agree with our solutions often implement themselves. The same goes for avenue always an issue. I know as well
directly as well and west of the park and resvenue that's the response that we However, I think that we have a pretty good example at this point to demonstrate why that may not necessarily be an obstacle because the partially
county at the intersection of Claremont Avenue was just about the same distance from Claremont as intersection to park.
We can use that to demonstrate that place signal there. is the cross for example that signal updated that intersection cars have tried to run
me over um and uh it's you know it's one of those things that people are not looking at the park is 25 miles hour the township before the county had
the street. So that was perhaps we perhaps again so I'll let Mr. Sullivan address that and Mr.
question. I know that the request to look at the full came from membersification to do that'll let traffic issues
Thank you, mayor. Uh the to to address them in the order that the comments received the the design for the summit road improvements project has been completed by Boswell. That um that design includes
traffic control safety measures that were requested in the intersection of Summit and Mount Prospect. Those proposed improvements include additional striping, addition signage and tree removal, everything that was noted tonight. Because the township is the
subject of grant from the state of New Jersey um in of about $332,000, we do need to get approval from the state before we put that project out to bid. But those designs are complete. We are just awaiting approval from the
state to put those pro uh put that design out to bid. But again, it should include all the safety measures that were discussed. Um, as for Bloomfield Avenue, um, I know there have been some,
um, efforts by the the township to both enforce speeding controls and to increase some of the striping and signage on Bloomfield Avenue to try to encourage um, better uh, traffic
responsibility and driving conditions for uh, passengers on Bloomfield Avenue. I did reach out to the county. I did have a follow-up conversation uh in um in supplement to their safe streets for all uh draft plan that
they've been discussing. Um what I was told was that the Bloomfield Avenue corridor in Verona is actually ahead of the safe streets for all action plan that they are currently working on. uh the Bloomfield Avenue project uh that
they would be looking to do from Verona and beyond Verona actually is already uh the subject of a pending grant application to NJTPA's local safety program. Uh that is the same grant uh
that the county used to implement improvements on Bluefield Avenue in Montlair. Uh that process was a process that included uh pretty substantial public involvement. Uh it included uh the requirement for municipal resolution
of endorsement. So there there was a significant amount of involvement from both the Monontlair community and the Monontlair governing body at that time and it would be the same process uh if and when uh the county receives that grant for Bloomfield Avenue. I will say
that uh they are confident in their their application. They do very well with their grant applications. So there is a great deal of confidence that the county will continue to move forward with these safety initiatives. Uh in the meantime, uh I will follow up with the chief to make sure that the enforcement
on Bloomfield Avenue continues. Uh I know the Veron Police Department has done a fantastic job of enforcing speed control, not just speeding of vehicles, but also enforcement of vehicles who aren't stopping for pedestrians and walkways as well. Um I will I will sure
uh I'll make sure I follow up with the police chief on that issue. And uh I will uh we are coordinating with the county on expanding some of the additional inroad uh striping that that delineates the parking stalls. It helps
narrow the traffic lanes and visually narrow the lane that the vehicles have to drive. So that does have a somewhat of a traffic calming effect uh when the the striping goes in. Uh but again, this is all part of um a collaborated effort with the county and it is also something
that has come up with our Greenville Avenue streetscape um committee meetings where we are looking at potential opportunities for um for elements of a streetscape project to assist with traffic control on Bloomfield Avenue. Uh
and then as for the uh the new gen report uh we are uh we did uh authorize new gen to update their financial models there uh the rate study that they provided earlier in the uh the year included a number of models which
projected um a financial solveny projection where the the the pool would be um on solid ground in 2027. We are looking at the current financials
uh based on how the 2025 pool season actually um played out both revenue and expenses. We're looking at the 2026 recommendations and dictating what those financial models are projecting for years moving forward. Uh the cost of that is uh I don't I don't have the
proposal in front of me right at this moment, but I believe it's somewhere in the three or $4,000 range for that update to those financial models and and presentation. Yes. I just want to, you know, thank the residents for once again speaking out
and it's frustrating. Things take time, especially for the Summit Road residents. They've been coming to um all of our neighborhood traffic and safety committee meetings which meet every other month. We have a meeting in November. um and speaking out and I really applaud them for their advocacy.
I'm glad that we have plans in the work but I know it's really frustrating because uh they want relief and they're concerned about the new um opening the target which is slated for March. Um but if we get the grant I hope uh Mr. O Sullivan we're talking about a spring
construction if we get the grant or is would it be later in 2026? Well, the grant for Summit Road was Summit Road, Afterglow, and um and God, >> and we've already received that last year. It's just a matter of getting the authorization to to bid the project from
the state. As soon as we have that, we would bid it this winter and we would be waiting for warm weather to start construction in the spring. >> Spring. Okay, great. and on the Bloomfield Avenue and safe streets for all. It was incredibly frustrating to hear that Verona was not one of the
final dirty streets that was picked um in their analysis. Uh they did promise that they could give a download of all of the data collected to the municipalities and I do hope uh Mr. Sullivan that you um can follow up with
them with the teams and get that data because that will also help us with our advocacy efforts with the county. This is like a great source of frustration of mine. I've also had many uh conversations with individuals that work for the county and I do think we have to
keep the pressure on and we can uh talk offline about new strategies on that especially for 2026. Um but um it was good to hear that we were in this other proposal that's further along, but it's just really painful to wait. So I do um
thank you Mr. Jacobs for advocating on Bloomfield Avenue and we do this is to be a top priority for this council and I look forward to keep moving that forward and I think data the data from the street safe streets for all project would be great to have um in house. It
also has data about some Verona roads as well. So I think it can serve a lot of different purposes. Um and I do applaud the county for you moving these projects along but we want to see actual results and it's takes a long time to wait. We're waiting for a light on person that
was approved during co still that light is still not up. Takes a really long time and it is frustrating. Thank you. I'll just weigh in on the the Bloomfield uh crosswalk. I would say the crosswalk at this park is kind of the holy grail for everyone that's been sitting up
here. I think we can say we have all been advocating for this. Um we feel it's very necessary as far as a a traffic safety measure. Um we will keep working on it. Um as Councilwoman Graph said, it uh it does take a frustratingly
long period of time to get significant traffic safety improvements through. The other example is the U light at Claremont on that was another one where yes, it took a very very long time to get that approved and then to actually get a traffic signal was something on
the order of over a year maybe 18 months for the actual equipment to show up much less the intersection being reworked. So I know that that's not what anyone wants to hear. Uh but I can tell you that that specific location we do feel pretty strongly say that there should be a
crosswalk there. Thank you for raising the issue again. Go back to the county and continue our work on this. No, sorry, Mr. Rosen. If we could reach out to the county, I know when this came up a couple months ago, I did go up to
Summit Road again and those trees along uh along Prospect there uh they do they I mean they are definitely in the sightine There's a block, but if you pull up too far, you can't see at all. So, maybe the county can at least
approve taking down a couple of trees for now. Obviously, everybody in this room knows I don't like taking trees down, but these are a hazard. Uh maybe even I don't even think it's the first one. It's the second or third one. So, maybe we can reach out and at least take that
step and make that intersection slightly >> noted. I it was part of the original project, but it can advance prior to if we can get the county to approve that. >> All right, we're moving on to hearing adoption or amendment of
the next on the agenda ordinance on second. Please read the title of ordinance H1 number 2025-16 into >> fixing the salaries and compensation of the paid officers and employees of the township for the 2025 and 2026 calendar
years. >> Thank you madam clerk. Someone please move the ordinance. Motion made by council moment. Is there a second by deputy mayor Makavoy? Now it's time for the public hearing on ordinance
number 2025-16. Same public comment statement applies. However, comments should only be related to this ordinance. See no comments and close public comment. Any council discussion?
See none. Madam clerk, could you call the vote, please? >> Councilwoman Holland. >> Yes. Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambboro, >> yes. >> Mayor, ordinance 2025-16 passes 5 to
zero and it will be published according to law. >> Thank you. The next item on the agenda is ordinance I1 for introduction. out in front of the final exempt ordinances for us >> amending the code of the township of
Verona to repeal chapter 150-8.11 massage parlors massures and massuses of the zoning code in its entirety and create a new chapter 330 entitled massage parlors barber shops hair styling cosmetology and nail salons in
the township code >> madam cler the ordinance Motion made by council woman any council discussion on this only bring to the public's attention is that we have reduced
public feedback for the massage um locations to $25 to match the Yes, thank you. But this is the body of the ordinance and
um yes, I also want to highlight for my colleagues and thank the administration for making some adjustments on the effective date. So the effective date now for the massage parlors, it is still January 1st, but it says no less are going to be assessed in 2026. Um as this
won't we pass in the 20day period is only a few days. Um, and then it seems like for the barber shops and hair styling, the effective date is July 1. So that's more firm. So you I guess as the
administration you feel confident with the um, Department of Health that they're going to be able to get everyone licensed, notified and licensed in the first six months. >> I do believe they have a a full audit of all the businesses in town. So they they will be ready to and educate all the
businesses. >> Okay, great. Thank you, >> Madam Clerk. Would you call the role, please? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Makavoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambbor, >> yes.
>> Mayor, ordinance 2025 ordinance I1 will be number 2025-17. It will be published according to law and a public hearing will be held on November 10th. >> Thank you. The next item on the agenda is ordinance I2 on first reading.
>> An ordinance to amend chapter A565-4 titled health department fees of the township code. >> Thank you madam cler the ordinance please by councilman. Is there a second? I guess I'll
discuss council. >> Thank you. I do have a question for Mr. O. Sullivan. So the late fee on the massage and bodywork facilities, it says $10 per license. Is that a hold over
when the previous version of this we were charging per license? It doesn't match. If the intention was to match what we're doing with barershop, should we strike per license? I don't know.
Yes. And originally in this ordinance we had like a fee per employee, >> but then we removed that. I I think if you look at the first line table that's mentioned
$25. >> Okay. >> Yes. Okay. Discussion. All right. Call the on this license.
>> Councilwoman Holland. >> Yes. Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambboro, >> yes. >> Mayor, um, I2 will be numbered ordinance 2025-18. It will be published according to law
and a public hearing will be held on November 10th. >> When you said I2 will be numbered. I got a little chuckle as if we were numbering you. >> I too shall be numbered. >> Shall be numbered. Next up, we have our consent agenda. We
have two sets of minutes and eight resolutions. Anybody need to remove any resolut this time I will open for public comments on consent agenda items only. comment statement applies.
None public comment council discussion council woman. >> Uh thank you. I pointed out an inconsistency in L4 to the administration. Is there a resolution number one two three four five six
paragraphs had a different amount and then Has that been >> Yes, I I'm sorry. I replied to you. I'm sorry. Um >> Well, we get a new copy of the resolution. >> Okay, I'll email a new copy of the resolution after the meeting. Um the
>> L3. >> Oh, we did. I >> So, it's 4,000 is the same number, >> correct? 40 449, I think it is. I just want to um again reiterate the
supporting the county major for residents following the um catastrophic flooding um accompanied following hurricane Ida. It was something that we worked with the county on to make sure that it was part of our
preparedness plans um in the event of major storms uh which we are really anticipating more and more in the future. So I strongly support that supporting the permit.
Right. Madam clerk, >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambber, >> yes. >> Mayor, um, resolutions L1 through L8
will be numbered 227 through and including 234. >> Readington, you want to finish business? We have item 01. Uh, Mr. Svin, would you like to a briefing on state related to the traffic
pattern. >> Yeah. >> I apologize. It's indexed as O2 I believe, but I um it is correct on the agenda. Sorry. >> Sure. This is uh an amendment to chapter
140 of town county code to amend uh the traffic control to reflect the new traffic control measures at the community center with the new circulation traffic. So it's just an amendment to that section reflect what
was constructed. And how has the traffic pattern been looking um >> the I'm making sure your mic is on. I'm sorry. >> The feedback has been positive that the redirection of traffic has both slowed
uh travelers through the uh through the parking lot and it has also cut down on the park traffic was occurring through the parking lot. So it's been a positive Thank you. The neighborhood traffic and safety committee was heavily involved in
advocating for this new traffic pattern um after um many meetings of discussion because they observed the cut through traffic and it was of great concern to them. And also uh the recck department reporting at the new playground. Um they
were concerned about um safety because it's the new playground and its placement and its popularity. Um with that said, um as long as the council doesn't have objection, I would like um for us to wait for introduction for the neighborhood traffic and safety committee to have a chance to discuss
this ordinance and provide any feedback and vote to affirm. They do meet though after our next November meeting. So they would I would ask them to provide a timely um update to the council so that we can introduce in December if that is
okay with administration. My thought would be we could subt >> I think in both instances the neighbor traffic safety committee's ability to have treat
>> I understand that but we have given a great deference to um other committes like recation committee. So, um it would be wonderful for us to just wait and also, you know, reintroduction costs money and uh because we have to advertise a hearing. So, it would be
great if we could just wait until December. I know it's a minor thing, but this is the the an issue that's important to them. So, I just want to give them that opportunity to meet and discuss. >> Only worry is that we are now relatively quickly. That's why
you safety committee's comments served on that committee as well. Um, and I think it's important to have that, but at the same point, you can't enforce legislation that is not books. Right now,
the traffic pattern is merely advisory, which is problematic. Um, So I'm happy to make a motion until that. >> Okay, that's fine. We'll proceed with
the introduction and if they have any substantive comments, we'll have to reintroduce. >> Um on to which is the chapter 222 code flags. >> Those red flags.
>> Uh yes, mayor. That's just another um amendment to that particular se section of the township ordinance uh to allow for the raising of the armed forces flags. There was a resolution on the agenda on the consent agenda for us to
be able to raise the armed forces flags for Veterans Day. Uh this proposed ordinance change would allow for that to occur without having passed a resolution on an annual basis. Any objections to
any other items? None. I'll open up public comment. Fine. Anybody wishes to discuss public comments, do we have any executive session like to make the magic motion, please?
>> Wow, that went very quickly. Um all those in favor >> I I >> all those opposed hang >> after carried the meeting's adjourned we'll see you on time >> good time a little