Good evening. I call to order this regular meeting of the Verona Township Council for Monday the 23rd of March, 2026. Madame Clerk, would you please read the Open Public Meetings Act compliance statement? >> The notice 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. The public notice and meeting agenda was posted on the municipal bulletin board at least 48 hours preceding the start time of this meeting. The agenda documents can be
viewed online at veronj.org/countsil meetings. Please take notice that pursuant to New Jersey Public Law 2025 chapter 72, the complete text of each legal notice of the Township of Verona, including all public entities under the authority of the township, may be
obtained or viewed by the public on our official state registered web page, veronj.org/legalpublic notices. A public comment period will be held in the order. It's listed on the meeting agenda and instructions on how to comment will be provided at the appropriate time. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Would you please
call the role? >> Councilwoman Holland >> here. Councilwoman McGrath >> here. >> Councilman Roman >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy >> present. >> Mayor Tamoro >> here. >> Mayor also present tonight is township attorney Brian Laoya, Township Manager
Kevin O Sullivan, Deputy Township Manager Michael Krauss, myself, municipal clerk Jennifer Kieran. >> Thank you madam clerk. Would everybody please stand for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> It's nice to have so many extra pledge voices in the gallery today. I think the uh our basketball players and mayor are
probably the only people that do the pledge of allegiance twice in a day. Uh we do this, but thank you for that short mayor's report this evening. The historic preservation commission met um last week and they are moving along with uh some initiatives and will be coming
forth to make some recommendations to the council on various items. Be looping in some additional support for them. On Thursday, the planning board will be having its um first hearing on the plans for 383 Bloomfield Avenue. So, anybody
interested in that property uh should tune in to the planning board. Well, visit the planning board or watch the the meeting online after um last week had a an extensive meeting with our uh town manager and deputy manager
regarding uh the budget. So, I just wanted to thank them for number one getting home a lot later than they probably wanted to that day. Um, but at the same point hearing out a number of suggestions for how we can deal with
ongoing operating expenses, keep our um our tax increases low. Really plan for the future as far as uh some of these largecale operating expenses and capital expenses as well. some really rich conversations about that and I appreciate their consideration of my comments and know some of that was
reflected and we'll talk more when we get to the budget but really just want to give you guys my heartfelt thanks for your attention and all the time that you uh offered to me on that. Um and uh finally uh before we get into Mr.
culture and our girls. Um, our township of construction code official Tom Jacobson is retiring after 50 years of service. We'll be recognizing Mr. Jacobson in another meeting with the proclamation. Um, but as mayor of
Verona, I am proclaiming Wednesday the 25th of March 2026 is Thomas Jacobson day in the township of Verona to coincide with his celebration the township celebration of his retirement. So, we'll be sending out a notification to our staff. But congratulations, Tom.
Thank you for everything you did. And I hope that everybody uh joins me in celebrating Tom Jacobson Day. On Wednesday, we'll find out his favorite color and and wear that. U we'll have our our team work on that. All right. Um
and at this point, I'll call Mr. Culture, our county leazison, to give his report. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. I usually don't have this fine group in front of me. They usually go first, but I got the spot tonight. It's great. Uh
we're going to talk about cherry blossoms in Branchburg Park and throughout the county. Um starting April 4th, there's a cherry blossom bike run in the Oval in the north division. Then we're going to the Cherry Blossom 10K
run in Cherry Blossom uh welcome center. That's in the northern division. Also, Saturday, April 18th, uh kids onemile run and family day at the Credential uh concert center. And please join us all.
It's a great day. And then Sunday, April 19th is Bloomfest and that's also in the Northern Division. I did give the handouts uh to the clerk. I also um
have another date. There's Earth Day at the Environmental Center on Eagle Rock Avenue from 11 to 3 and it's free that day and please come and join us. Um anything from the council or mayor?
>> Any questions for Mr. Culture? >> We are working on things at in the park, so they're moving forward. The birds that I've seen have been mostly alive in the park canal uh in my recent they are. >> Yeah. >> Councilwoman McGrath. >> Yes. I just want to thank the county.
There was a uh couple of trees that fell over on the rail trail uh but they were handled very promptly by the parks department led by our own uh Kate Hartwick. And so I just wanted to send appreciation to the county on that. And I did get a chance to go to the press
conference announcing the cherry blossom festival and all the activities. And it the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center is really gorgeous. So, if anyone has never been there, I encourage you to go join the Cherry Blossom uh festival. Um, and
it really is a fabulous facility and a great place to park and enjoy a beautiful walk um with uh these amazing cherry blossoms. >> Uh I grew up about a block away from there on the same block that Mr. our chief of staff and the county
executive in the same neighborhood. It is awesome when they come out. Um you come out as long as we don't get days like today it'll be wonderful. Uh anything else? >> There more cherry blossoms in Newark than Washington DC, right?
>> Yes, there's over 5,000. >> So there we go. >> So it's a great day. >> Thank you, Mr. Culture. >> Thank you. >> All right. And now it's my pleasure to recognize our uh fifth grade suburban girls
basketball team who on February 21st, 2026 uh defeated Nutley 33-13 in the Suburban Essex Travel League Championship game. This win capped a 21 win and zero loss undefeated season for
Verona who played against Nutley, Bloomfield, Milbourburn, Livingston, Cedar Grove, West Essex, and Caldwell. So on behalf of town of Verona, thank you for beating Cedar Grove. Uh especially um the the team's defense was solid throughout the season, smothering
opponents with ball pressure. Defensive standouts included Taylor Sheen, Shane Brewer, and Arya Casano. As point guard, Julia Pacero was a steady presence running the team's offense. On the floor, Leanne Selby positioned herself strategically to help the defense and got quite a few tie-ups and steals.
Spectators erupted after Elizabeth Calfman's clutch free throw. I loved that, by the way. I watched that. Uh Ava Dropy and Molly Godfrey speed and relentless relentlessness contributed to wearing down Nutley as well. Raid Quinn
had 20 points and 16 rebounds and Parker Quick scored six critical points made key passes which made for easy baskets for Verona. The fifth grade girls suburban basketball team was coached by Kieran Quinn, Jen Quinn, Dave Armando,
and Kieran Quinn. Uh it should be noted that uh head coach Kieran Quinn atted Post University on a full basketball scholarship and played uh basketball for Ireland at several levels. Assistant coach Jen Quinn played
uh division one basketball for Colgate and assistant coach Dave Aramando played basketball for Colombia. We see a little bit of a theme here. Um, and assistant coach Kieran Quinn, who is the son of Jen and Kieran and brother of
Merade, is in his junior year at Bergen Catholic and brought um a lot of pride to the Bergen Catholic Crusaders basketball team this year who beat St. St. Peters Prep 56 to 52 in overtime, clinching back-to-back state
championship titles. So, uh, what a group of not only our our athletes, um, but also the coaches for being so generous with your time and, uh, mentoring these girls and, uh, providing an opportunity really to bring pride to
Verona, but also teach sportsmanship and all the values that come with that and, uh, and teaching how important it is to represent not only yourself, but entire community. Um, so congratulations as I, Deputy Mayor Makavoy and I had the opportunity to attend the game. Uh, and
it was really enjoyable. It was a pleasure to watch. Um, so it's really a joy to have all of you here tonight. And, uh, we're going to call up all the players. But before we do that, players, I would love you to give a round of applause to your parents who have
supported you in this journey. That's huge. Okay? They're sitting in the sidelines, but they are, I'm sure you can understand, they are feeling every basket and every rebound. They're right there with you. Um, so parents, thank you, uh, for really showing your heart
for these girls and being such a great part of the community as well. Um, so we're going to go down. We have some certificates for you. Deputy Mayor Makavoy is going to come down and help you present these. We're going to hand you your certificate after we call your name, but please, so I'm we're going to
call your names kind of in the middle and just step back. We're gonna keep everybody up for photographs. Okay. So, do one at a time and uh and do that. So, boss gets that. >> All right. Number one, Leanne Selby. Number two, Julia Pacero.
Number four, Ava Trappy. Number six, Elizabeth Palfman. Number seven, Marray Quinn. >> Number 10, Shane Brewer. Number 13, Parker Quick. Number 15, Taylor Sheen. Number 19, Molly Godfrey.
And number 21, Arya Casano and our head coach Kieran Quinn. Make sure you're in the front. >> Uh Dave Armando here. >> All right. >> Assistant coach Jen Quinn. and assistant coach Kieran Quinn.
>> If the council wants to come join us and as the council's coming down, our director of community services, Mrs. Frisco, has something to share with our team. Mrs. else. >> YES. >> Everybody in Stay girls
>> say undefeated. >> All right. >> Take that back. >> Congratulations. If you guys want to stay in the meeting and learn about the budget and you're welcome. >> All right. Take care. >> Thanks so much.
Don't tell me if >> it's not something we How you doing? >> Good. How are you doing? >> Long time. >> All right, we'll have we'll have Jan. Jan will stay >> and be in the gallery. >> Jan, there's a nice front row seat for
you here. All right, we are moving on now to the town of managers report. Mr. Russ, >> thank you, mayor. Um, I will, uh, I'll go through the highlights of some of the projects that we have ongoing.
Um, our primary clarifier pump station project is, uh, substantially complete. The pump station is up and running. Uh there are some SCADA upgrades that are ongoing and we'll need to uh move forward. It's a slight expansion from the original scope. We had some failure of some computer equipment during the
project. So we'll have a a slight change order increase at the next council meeting uh for consideration by the council. Um our Fair View Avenue well project, we are anticipating material deliveries and mobilization currently
the week of April 20th. So, we'll be lining up uh neighborhood and outreach meetings leading into that project. Um, our Clarid pump station project continues to move forward. Uh, we have completed uh substantially completed all
of the foundational pores for the building. It is expected uh the building is expected to be delivered the week of April 13th and then it will be time for insulation and connection of all the water utilities and the pumps in on the interior of the building. that point. Um
with uh storm water items, our PCman River Bank stabilization project is um it's nearly substantially complete. Uh we do have some additional shrub plantings that are scheduled in the coming one to two weeks and there is a
native seed mixture that's going to be spread along the uh the banks uh in early April and then final restoration will lead to close out of that project. Additionally, the uh shared service application for the um the DCA LEAP
program for the shared service for a jeter vacuum truck is being submitted to the state. We did have uh coinciding resolutions from Cedar Grove, Woodland Park, and Little Falls who are interested in that uh shared service as well. Uh Lynen Avenue construction is
currently underway. Uh we are moving forward with the process that was discussed. Sidewalks are being pulled and the trees are being uh assessed on a daily basis by township personnel, the township arborist and the shade tree commission and decisions are being made
based upon the conditions of the trees and the impacted roots uh on all of those trees. Uh there is a lot of work that's been going on uh and it will remain a pretty active roadway and construction project for the next several weeks.
uh Ever Field. We've had some progress finally back on that project as well. The the site has largely thawed. There's been good progress on the concrete work. Uh the sidewalk uh and curbing layout is is nearly complete. Playground equipment
installation has started and that project is moving along uh finally um now that we've broken through and thought through winter. Um, additionally, uh, we have, uh, been sitting down with, uh, Strands Engineering, who's been moving through
our Bloomfield Avenue streetscape project. Uh they will be looking to schedule meetings uh in small groups with the council based on progress um just to provide uh a checkpoint on where the design is headed and to get some
preliminary discussion points um prior to a public presentation. That'll be scheduled probably within the next one to two weeks. I'll look to schedule that with uh council me council members on an individual basis moving forward. Uh and then uh the last item um that I'll
address is the a number of the facility upgrades. Our roof project, we're getting ready to close that out. The uh inspection uh for the roof warranty is scheduled for uh later for tomorrow actually. Uh our town hall windows and repointing project, the new mason has now mobilized
to the site. So they should be wrapping that project up within the next several weeks. Uh, and then there's going to be some, uh, repairs to the town hall front steps and some masonry work at the, uh, DPW uh, garage as well. Now that we've
completed the the roof repairs, um, that completes my report. Um, aside from the budgetary items, which are we'll discuss next, unless there's any questions from the council on the items I report on or in my report. >> Any questions from Mr. Rosala? hearing none.
>> Uh then at this point I'll ask if our CFO can uh come up just to give a a brief summary on the changes to the budget. Uh again I'll just the one thing I'll highlight is the budget tonight is for the operating budget. Uh there are
still um some reviewing items and some amendments that we'll need to make through the capital budget. So at this point for tonight, the council should just be aware that they're voting on the operating budget. The capital budget will be presented for introduction in May and for adoption in June. Uh but again, it'll be subject to uh ongoing
review with each of the departments to see if there's any finetuning or any further savings uh of that capital budget. >> Good evening. >> Nice to see you. It's kind of lonely out here now. Um, as you know, we've um reduced the
2026 budget um down from 5.76% to 2.84%. Um, those changes included an additional $130,000 in surplus being used. Um, $200,000 being moved from current to
water and sewer. um an employee budgeted in one of our departments um has been cut um and we've um worked through water and sewer as well in those changes. Um
so before you is the 2026 budget. Um you also have the cap index in front of you which I believe has to be adopted or introduced first. That correct? Yes. >> Correct. order of of business. >> I just want to clarify one thing. MCAR,
you said that >> a an employee was cut. No active employee was cut. >> Correct. Yes. >> The there was a proposal to add a employee buildings and grounds halfway through the year which has been deferred until next year.
>> Correct. Yes. >> Um, and that $200,000 in that move to current account uh to water and sewer was to pay for the health premiums of water and sewer employees, which is where that should be anyway. >> Correct.
>> Um, but it had not been reflected in there in the past. Um, so just want to clarify that's what those things were for >> for the publication. Councilman McGrath, >> thank you. So, you know, we've been pretty steady on using $4 million in
fund balance over the last few years. So, this is a change to our current practice. Normally, we uh regenerate $4 million and then we spend the 4 million in the fund balance to help reduce the tax burden on the residents. So, can the administration kind of go through the
rationale and the implications of increasing that um by 135,000 this year in order to reduce the um tax increase? >> Sure. So, um the last few years, as you stated, we've been using about 4 million. Um I think three or four years
ago, we were at 3,650, which was increased a couple years ago, um to 4 million. Um the rationale behind it is um we have been pretty much bringing in the same about about the same amount of
revenue about four million um so using 4 million and in our budget every year and then bringing in 4 million is regenerating surplus. If that changes um then obviously we need to increase our revenues um in order to continuously
have surplus for future years. >> So I mean we're going a little bit more aggressively on using surplus this year. Is it the administration's intent that we're going to find a way of raising more revenue this year to regenerate
that or is this going to be like dipping into fund balance and going more in the negative direction long term? >> The the target would be to uh pursue the revenues to maintain a balance on that surplus. Again, it would
be we would have to re-evaluate it at the end of this year. If we fall short of the amount of surplus we're relying upon in next year's budget, we would certainly have to pull back on the amount that we're relying on for surplus. But the intention would be to pursue revenues a little bit more strongly. And there have been some
revenue uh some some fee adjustments that have been adopted by the council recently. Uh so it's it's a balance and a blend of uh assuming some of the increased fees over the re the past 12 months uh and also pursuing revenues
moving forward and then a reevaluation at the end of the budget year to see if if we over project it or if we are hitting the right target. >> So before we um if we do successfully introduce tonight there's a 30-day period. I would love a summary from the
administration on what are the revenue opportunities that you'll be pursuing o over the year that you're going to be looking for the council to get buy in on. And I do agree we did just pass a few small things. Um but what are the those more significant opportunities? Um
you know and and I've been big on revenue generation over the last few years. So I think we need to get really serious about you know doing that because this dipping into fund balance for me is a temporary thing. It can't be sustained. Thank you.
>> Other comments. >> Okay. Um at this time I will hear a motion on uh ordinance number I'm sorry actually before we do that. Madame clerk would you please read the title of ordinance E1A into the record. an
ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank pursuant to NJSA 484-45.14. >> Thank you, madam clerk. Would somebody move the ordinance? >> So moved. >> Motion is made by Deputy Mayor. The second is by Councilwoman McGrath this
time. Is there any council discussion on just the cap ordinance? Hearing none. Madam clerk, would you call the role, please? Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Chambro, >> yes.
>> Mayor E1 will be numbered 2026-14. Um, it will be posted on the legal notice website and a public hearing will be heard on April 6th. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. And the I'll hear a motion on resolution
E1B, the introduction of the municipal budget. So motion is made by Councilman Roman. Is there a second? I'll second that. At this time, I will open for public comment. Actually, I'm sorry. We do that at the uh the next meeting. So, any council discussion on
the budget introduction? I I will just say about our discussion, I think moving those funds to offset the tax increase and uh was was helpful. and looking at some of these positions was also helpful. I I know people are
hurting uh right now with having significant inflation over the last six years. Um and some people especially the our older American population Verona is starting to get priced out. Um so we need to do whatever we can to keep those those uh increases down and I think we
we did what we can. Um and I think that in future years we're going to have to do more. Um that's one of the conversations that I I had with uh touch administration was looking at some of the big cost drivers and seeing how we can uh plan uh using some creative ways
to uh incentivize some um lower expense in there. Um and uh I think we keep going with that. I noticed that uh uh the administration's already scheduled some meetings based on the report on some of these items uh with
our our uh experts and advisers. So I think that's really helpful. Um and I look forward to sharing my experience in uh health benefits and collective bargaining and all of that to support those efforts. um because now is the time I think that everybody can work
together um to to make some uh the savings that'll really work hopefully for all involved and so our our um residents, our staff, our operations. So I I thank you for looking at those items and for your expertise and and uh for
being willing to make changes and which is always helpful. Council Roman, >> just also wanted to say thank you. I had an extensive discussion with our CFO, township manager, and deputy township manager about all aspects of the budget. So, I just want to say thank you for spending the time going over things with me and uh for the efforts in uh trying
to bring down the tax rate increase. I share the mayor's concerns about the fiscal realities that everybody is uh facing. You know, we talk about affordability and the cost of housing. This is a a big chunk of the cost of housing. So, we here in Verona are, you know, very cautious with expenses and we
do the best that we can to maintain a stable tax rate. um inflation hits us too. You know, all the cost of goods and services that we buy uh go up and uh our CFO spends a lot of time. I know that she is very particular about expense control throughout the year. Um so I
appreciate all those efforts. We've made some choices here as to you know things we you know shouldn't and we can and can't do this year. Um I had some suggestions for you know back half of the year and following years as to other areas where we can look at for enhanced efficiencies. Um but uh look forward to
that process going on. But I just appreciate all the work that went into this and the time you spent uh in the discussion. >> Thank Councilman Roman, Councilwoman McGrath. >> Um thank you. I also want to thank our CFO. I too had extensive questions and asked for follow-up information, so I
really appreciate it. I'm going to reserve some of my comments for adoption. Um but I share uh the council members concerns about affordability. Uh certainly when we went through the budget workshop, the total increase did not sit right with me. sit right with
me. Um, and so I appreciate that this has been lowered uh since then. However, we um are making up for a lot of missed investment opportunities over years. So, we still need to uh make sure that we are being prudent and investing in key departments that have been historically
underfunded. But more to come um as we get public input over the next 30 days. I do also want to applaud everyone in the organization for submitting this budget on time. This is not something that happens in other municipalities >> like our neighbors >> like some of our neighbors who seem to
be um struggling greatly with uh doing this process and so I do appreciate um how um uh technically accurate we are with the process. So thank you. >> You as a as another note I would remind the public that the municipal portion of
the tax levy um is what percent? Uh Jen, do you have that? Uh I don't have it in front of me. Um around 22% somewhere in that range >> which is slightly above the the county portion um of the the tax levy and the
school district budget meeting and final presentation is tomorrow at 7 o'clock. uh and you can watch on Zoom live um or attend and I encourage um anybody who is uh uh interested in municipal finance to
take a look at that meeting as the school district will be presenting um its its own budget um and discussing uh its cost drivers and concerns that it that it has and what the budget will buy and what the budget will not. Uh, and I think that's very important to
understanding since we are um not the biggest portion of the municipal tax levy or the the total tax levy. >> Thank you, Miss Mscara. >> Thank you. >> And madam clerk, would you call the role, please? >> Councilwoman Holland,
>> yes. >> Councilor McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambbora, >> yes. Mayor E1B resolution will be numbered 2026-070. Um a it will be published on the
township website and um copies will be available at no cost in the municipal clerk's office. Public hearing on this budget will be scheduled and held on April 20th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. >> Thank you, Mr. Krauss. Deputy manager's
reports. >> Thank you, mayor. Um for um town hall, we continue to have the professional cleaning of the Verona Police Department. Um that is about $1,600 a month. The bike lane at the
community center, we confirmed the um new striping with Boswell uh over the weekend. We will look to schedule the bike lane striping in the next few weeks. Um the final quote for any mold
remediation was received this morning. Uh we are going to look to schedule that with the least disruption in operations. The charging center station has not been installed yet. Um we have to move a small piece of concrete. We are also
going to be looking to apply for a I believe it's the it pays to plugin grant program which would fund some additional charging stations throughout town. Um on staffing, not much has changed in the positions we are advertising for. Um
the assistant, the second uh pool manager offer of employment was accepted this morning. The rest of staffing for the pool is on pace to have a fully staffed pool for the summer. The part-time salary ordinance does have
one slight change. Um, in the in section one, it states for a land use board. The position will actually be for any board, committee, or commission. Um, it's not limited to a land use board. Um on insurance, um Fair View will be meeting
with administration to discuss several items including um more affordable health coverage options and the prescription renewal for personnel. Um as the mayor mentioned, the building or the
construction official is retiring. Um the current building subcode/assistant construction official will take that role. Um and we will not be filling the building subcode position. The new construction official will have will
fill both roles. Um the build uh buildings and grounds vacancy is expected at the end of the year. No determination has been made on who will be filling that role. Um and we are expecting a vacancy in streets and highways and we have met with the
superintendent of public works to create a succession plan there. Um in community services and the pool registration is going well. Um there have
been no comments on the new fees. Um, I'll get to the pool later, but the uh membership purchases are going well. Um, the shade tree commission
uh has met with administration about the uh trees for schools project and we are requesting quotes to make sure we follow all public purchasing guidelines, laws, sorry. Um
and in for new ordinances, the only one since then since the last meeting has been a request from the health department for a ordinance about the feeding of wildlife um and animals on private and public
property as there have been a few complaints in the last uh in the recent past. On pool membership, we are um at approximately $380,000 in revenue.
Um a total of $29,750 has been received in sponsorships. The graphs in my report show um the week week one with the 2026 would
be the week ending I believe January 10th. Um the first week that registration was open in 2025 was week 13 of this year. The large increase in week 17 is uh the week including May 1st
where people rush to register before incurring a $50 weight fee. Um we are on a good path. The revenue is increasing every week and I believe director Prrisco sent an update. We picked up a
few more memberships over the weekend. Correct. >> And that concludes my report. >> Thank you. Um I appreciate that. I appreciate the numbers as well. I'm wondering if you might be able to give us the pull numbers as actual numbers like in a little Excel thing. The graphs
are what? >> For pool. >> Yeah, for the pool. Yeah, the graphs are nice, but if you could just like the real numbers like by category would be good just, you know, where we were and where we were at this point >> last year. Just that uh I like to be
able just to site numbers. That's all. So, we can do that. Councilwoman McGrath. >> Um, so we're going to be talking about the part-time salary ordinance in new business because I have a couple questions about that. Okay, we'll do that then. Perfect. Thank you.
Okay, quick question. >> Yep. Deputy mayor for uh deputy manager. Uh in your report you we were talking about uh the community center and we hired solutions architecture to give a uh basically do an analysis of how many
people we can put in there uh the occupancy. Do they do two different analysis as if there's a game being played or an event being because obviously with the Lunar New Year there was a lot of people in there. Are we allowed more occupancy
then or you don't have if we haven't got the report? >> I don't I have the report. I don't remember off the top of my head, but I do believe there were two different occupancy counts depending on whether the bleachers were extended or not. >> Okay, good.
>> Okay. And then one last question. in the community center. I know this this is probably going back six, eight months. We were talking about handicap access to the building because I was up there. Was the deputy was the mayor walking in with me? Someone else was walking in with me and someone was in a wheelchair. >> Yeah.
>> Going towards the door. And we still don't have those buttons on there. Yeah. >> To allow access. What What's the hold up for that? >> So, those were funded uh with the CDBG grant for last calendar year. uh due to the federal government shutdown last year, we didn't get the executed
agreements until the January or February time frame of this year. Okay. >> So, they're significantly behind schedule on when they can get those agreements out. So, we do have the agreements. We have proposals from them uh from different vendors. Uh but CDBG did say we need to wrap it up into a formal bid spec at this point. Okay. Um
so, it's it was largely hinged on that grant that we received. >> So, they're still in the works. >> Yes. >> Okay. Good. Okay. Right. >> Thank you. This time we will have our council member reports. Deputy mayor, you're >> continue.
>> Uh I'll start with where we just left off with uh because we had a uh rec committee meeting this week. Uh and to answer your question, Mr. Mayor, pool memberships. This came up at the meeting and they're we're doing very well right now. In the past, people couldn't sign
up till April 1. So, we're obviously way ahead of the number now, but looking forward to how April goes and hopefully people will continue to sign up early, but uh it's going good. And we had an extensive discussion on the budget. So, this this comm
and getting things done. So, I thank them for all their time that they do and uh also Miss Prrisco for her time that she puts into it all. Uh since I received two or three calls this week, uh let people know that uh every
spring uh especially after a winter like this, DPW does go around a fill pothole. So if you have one, uh you can call DPW, let them know. But I know they have a list of what they're going through. Just be patient because the uh plants don't start producing the asphalt until April
1st. So that's when they open up. So, just be a couple more weeks and hopefully we'll they'll be out there getting it done. Uh, I'd like to thank the Boy Scouts Troop Two for their pancake breakfast last week. Uh, it went very well. It's always a nice event to attend and to support Troop 2 and see
the uh uh couple of uh Eagle Scouts that did the project on the PCMAN were there and it was nice to uh have a conversation with them. Uh, and I believe that's all I have for this evening. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Thanks for mentioning the pancake breakfast. I got
that in my report, but I was there as well. Um, Council Roman, I'll be I'll wave my report this evening. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman McGrath. >> Thank you. Uh, the neighborhood traffic and safety committee had a meeting two weeks ago, uh, which was a significant
one. I went through with them all of our, um, um, future developments, uh, that were recently approved, uh, due to our, uh, settlement with Fairshare Housing. um and encourage their engagement on those projects as they come before the planning board. They are
going to be reaching out to the township manager on that and several other projects that are ongoing including uh Summit Road and Personnet um with the new light and you know what the traffic may look like on Personnet
if we open it up fully two-way and will the council consider things like a four-way stop um on certain aspects of that road. So, they should be coming your way if they haven't already. um township manager um and they are a really engaged group and with new
membership and so I appreciate their activism and I'm really excited for Sunday um it's the annual women of impact event at 3:00 at the Verona Community Center um there are several past honores in the room tonight so um
it's a great event and there are some terrific women being honored on Sunday many women who I consider friends of ours and those that have contributed so much to our community. So, I encourage everyone to attend. It's a great panel
discussion. Um it is um on Sunday and I'm sure is part of um Councilwoman Holland's report as well, but I had to give it a plug because it's one of my favorite events of the year. And that's my report. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Holland. >> Thank you. Um, I so I do really want to
appreciate everybody for coming tonight and for having our girls basketball team here. Um, I will note that March is Women's History Month and so we are closing out the month with the Women of Impact panel that Councilwoman McGrath
just referenced. Um, that event will be honoring Virginia Satrono, Kate Kelly, Lisa Lden, Mary Ellen McHugh, and Stephanie Rogers. So this is a very impactful bunch of women and I am very much excited to hear them speak. The
MYAK committee which is one of the sponsors of this event are meeting this Wednesday. So if you have interest in this event or any others, please by all means participate in that meeting. It is virtual. Um and so we'll be discussing both that uh event that's coming up this
weekend as well as some of our second quarter events um which include thing you know honoring older Americans month in May as well as our June pride se celebration and disability pride um in July. So those are just some of the
topics that we'll be discussing um on Wednesday evening. I also want to do a quick shout out for the HBW students. Um the high school recently had an excellent uh performance of MMA Mia and the middle school students will be
having their Shrek performance um this week as well. So, there are two casts and there's multiple opportunities to see the students perform. And I'm always impressed um at both our middle school and high school levels um at the amazing production value that they do for school
shows because certainly in in the 80s and 90s that was not the experience we had. So, these um are much more impressive shows um and definitely worth the watch. So, if you haven't bought your ticket, please do so. Thank you. That concludes my report.
Thank you. At this time, I'll open for public comment on any matter any member of the public wishes to bring before the council. Madame clerk, do you please read the public participation statements? >> Anyone from the public wishing to speak on any matter, please raise your hand by pressing the raise hand button on your
monitor. If you're dialing by phone, press star 9. If you're attending in person, please raise your hand before being acknowledged and approached select term. 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 be posted on the township's YouTube channel and addresses will not be redacted for any purpose. We have four minutes to address the council. There'll be no cross dialogue during this public portion. Now, for everyone wishing to speak has been heard. Council may address your comments and or questions.
>> Thank you, Mr. Shore. Thank you very much, uh, town council, mayor, administration. Just a couple things. Uh, I just want to address start with, uh, thanking, uh, the new, uh, director of community services, Pam. She's been doing a great job. uh
basketball season as we saw was very good, but the amount of complaints u about scheduling and u activities and registration has gone way down since I've been on a committee for the last three years. So, I just want to thank her for her service. Uh just a couple
things on the pool. Um I'm a little bit less I'm a little bit more pessimistic um about where we are with registration. Um, I think it's very hard to tell about where we're going to be from April last year to April this year. We're still on
a family registr still on family registration. We're still tending to be very low. So, I think we really need to look at two things. Number one is intense marketing. Uh, social media. I heard postcards are going out, but I think that's a little late at this point. I think they should have gone out
a little bit sooner. But I think if we pushing forward on marketing, I think that would help. I haven't seen anything about the um the marketing group that was supposed to take place for the pool yet. >> The second part of it is the um drive in revenue at the pool. Uh a big thing
about it was the miscellaneous revenue and there is the parking lot. Well, at the parking lot, I don't think we have any ordinances or anything about fees that the council has passed yet. So, at this point, I do not think that there's any revenue that could be driven from the parking lot in the pool. It'll be
very difficult to do that in the spring, but maybe if something is passed in the near future that can be uh used in the fall and generate revenue um all year or when the pool is not open. I believe the uh recreational committee sent a letter based on that. Um couple more things on
the budget. Um I completely agree with Councilwoman McGrath on revenue. Um I said this when I saw it about two three weeks ago. Uh I think there are departments within Verona that we need to drive revenue. Obviously not from taxes but there are areas wreck is a
good example of where revenue can be driven. There could be creative minds that do it. whether it's a working task force, whether it's uh a membership of the of the council, whether it's administration putting together a group of minds over the next year for 2027 and
saying, "Hey, we need to look at this budget and where are we going to drive those revenues." I think that's very very important to shrink that gap and not to use uh some of your fund balance. Uh the last thing um for the uh the wreck budget, another good another
another segue towards what I was just saying was that I think some of the uh fees that we do in the side and scale and the wreck uh and the rec committee just passed or just sent a letter saying, "Hey, let's look at some of our low income. Let's not rise some of the
fees. Let's but let's rise some of the fees." So that this way we had 440,000 of revenue. We had about 1.2 million in expenses. Let's try to close that a little bit more. So this way that just in case on bad years we're not using some surplus. We're not using surplus.
We're driving our revenue as much as we can. Get the 50/50 6040 the other way. I think that would be very very smart for the recck department. But not only for that for for for departments that can generate revenue going forward. Thank you very much. >> Thank you.
Anybody else? All right, this time a closed public comment. Uh, Mr. Sullivan, did you want to address the pool marketing thing? I saw something in your report on that. >> Sure, Mayor. The uh the pool marketing committee is scheduled to have our uh kickoff meeting March 31st. Uh we will
be meeting with um the uh the members of that subcommittee or of that committee to discuss marketing opportunities and to uh bring that entire committee up to speed on where we currently are with both memberships and revenues and to uh brainstorm uh ideas on appropriate uh
marketing approaches. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh Mr. Shel's comment. I agree with a lot of what you said. I know I had conversation with Mr. Also with Mr. Krauss about everything related to uh the budget whether it was revenue generation or expense cutting and every
everything um possible. So I appreciate that and and I could tell you at least from my perspective um that's something that is important and uh was discussed. Um as far as the parking lot of the pool um Mr. Sivan, I don't that's is the
parking lot actually part of the utility the blue utility >> because the tennis courts the pickle ball courts and tennis courts are not that's the general recreation >> pickle ball courts were funded through the general fund the parking lot I'd have to see how that original construction and the debt for it was
structured I'm not sure if it's officially the utility or exactly where the line is drawn >> isn't some of it even county >> the side parking lot is county the one they added yeah but I believe the entire property was the property that was donated years ago.
>> So just I just don't know it falls under the um under utility or not as far as or if that revenue would even go to the pool or it would go general fund. So uh that would be a helpful uh piece to look at, but I from what I recall I don't
think it's part of the utility, but that's why I I'm asking on that piece. Um but we'll just add that onto the list. Um this point we are moving on to
our consent agenda. Um we have one set of minutes which was a separate attachment and we have 10 resolutions. Does anybody need to pull anything from the resolutions? >> Excuse me. Point order. Did we um do the
uh pest control the ordinance? >> Oh, sorry. No, just one pass that. Thank you, Councilwoman uh McGrath. Uh Madam Clerk, the next item of the agenda is ordinance number 2026-12.
On second reading, would you please read the title of this ordinance into the record? >> Sorry. Establishing new chapter 382, the township code entitled pest control upon demolition or moving of buildings. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. I will move the
pest control ordinance because I believe so strongly in it. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Councilwoman McGrath. This time we'll for public comment on this ordinance only. Same public comment statement applies.
Pan. Anything on pass? No. No. Okay. Just know for the record, Mrs. Frisco did not want to comment on the pass control ordinance. Uh I will close public comment. Is there any council discussion? Deputy mayor.
>> Yes. Is this second reading? >> Yes, it is, sir. >> It is. I didn't see this on first reading uh or it didn't catch its part, but uh I I know because unfortunately with experience in the last couple years, uh when they bait, they usually
say that two weeks is not enough and they require a 30-day uh bait before they do any type of demolition. Is there any way we can change that now or is it too late? You can change it now but you go back to first read amen next council meeting
would be the final reading >> uh because I also the other part of this I don't agree with is uh or proof of such infestation does not exist because there are a lot of times with vacant homes or vacant buildings
that there's an infestation but you you you don't know about it until you start to demo. Uh, I was actually thinking if we could remove that line and make it 30 days because they do that that period of time is just honestly not enough to
eradicate any type of infestation on a piece of property. Uh, we if we can get guidance from maybe uh our healthfield health, they would probably say the same thing. >> As an individual is not an expert in
this area, I will defer to the experts in this area. Mr. Sullivan. >> Uh, so the the recommendation did come from the Bloomfield Health Department. I think this largely reflects the ordinance as they have it drafted for the township of Bloomfield. Um, so this
was their recommendation. Um, that said, it doesn't mean that if the council is supportive of making that change. It's it's just a little bit more um uh conservative on the the requirement
for demolition of projects. Um but again, this recommendation came directly from Bloomfield Health. >> Okay. And Mr. Mayor, just ahead. Uh the reason why I brought this up now I just realized because obviously everybody knows there was demolition in the area
uh near Everett Field and that entire I would say from the golf course and Sunset Avenue all the way to Lynen. Uh the health department was getting complaints of infestations after that demolition. Uh I just think it's important that prior to they they give
an ample amount of time to eradicate any problems. Uh, and I think it's it would only be a two week extension of this and I think it should be changed to 30 days, but that's obviously just my opinion. Uh, but that's all. Thank you.
>> Okay. So, did you want to make a motion to table the ordinance or >> I would like to I would make a motion to table the ordinance and remove uh in section A the first line or or proof
that such in infestation does not exist. I think with any demolition, it should be required. I know years ago they used to just make you do it uh to bait the property and I think the the time period should be for uh 30 days instead of 14. Do you want to make a motion to amend it?
>> I would like a make a motion to amend it if anybody would join me on that. >> Okay. So, your motion is to amend it as above which would push it back to the first reading. Um, is there a second? >> I'll second the deputy mayor's motion.
>> Okay. Um, on on the motion to amend the ordinance, is there any discussion? Councilman McGrath. >> I mean, I would prefer we just pass this tonight and then it's in place. Something's in place and then maybe we
could revisit it down the line or I don't know. I mean, we talked about it in new business. We had first reading. So, you know, I would rather like we just had something in place now before spring construction begins um and so that there's some protection
in place and Boomfield Health did review it. But I understand you have an expertise um you know in in this area and you know obviously what happened with Everfield was very upsetting. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Just putting it out there. My thought
would that it would only be a two week extension of this and I don't think there's any construction that's major construction that's going to start in the next two weeks or two weeks after our next meeting >> a month. >> Two weeks we'll if if this motion passes
the it'll be two more weeks before the final read. Oh, you still have at least a month. You're correct because you have 20 days stop period. >> Councilman Roman, uh just to clarify, so uh Mr. So turning this. So this would be essentially reintroducing tonight with the amendments. Correct. Okay. So we're turning this back into first reading right now.
>> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any other comments on that? >> I apologize for not catching this at the last meeting. >> It happens. >> Mhm. >> I mean my comment is I I don't know the answer to this question. So, I would
love to just get an, you know, another opinion maybe from our construction code official to look at this as well. Uh, I know Deputy Mayor Mackoy has extensive experience as a as a builder and inspector. So, um, I would defer to him uh on this like I know he would defer to
me on certain issues. So, I I'm fine with amending this and uh getting some feedback back from the uh the health department and the construction office. >> Madam Clerk, could you call a role on the amended ordinance, please?
>> Was there a second on the amendment? >> It was uh the Councilman Roman. >> Was it that for table? Oh, sorry. Okay. >> No, that we turned the table motion into an amendment motion. >> Okay. Counciloman Holland. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath. Yes. >> Councilman Roman. >> Yes.
>> Mayor M. >> Yes. >> Mayor Tambbora. >> Yes. >> Mayor Ordinance 2026-12 will be amended and a public hearing for um will be held on April 6th.
>> Uh our public hearing would be on Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. April 6th. I forgot what day we were in. >> Still in budget. >> Yeah. All right. Back to the consent agenda. Anybody need to pull anything from the consent agenda?
Now, would somebody like to move >> the consent agenda? >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. I'll second the consent agenda. At this time, we'll public comment on the consent agenda only. Same public comment statement applies. Hearing none, I close public comment.
Any council discussion? I I will just note that. Sorry, uh, Councilwoman McGrath, I I saw your handle call on you and then I'll speak. >> Oh, yes, you're recognized. >> Um, yes. Thank you. Um, I do just want to reiterate for the administration. I
think it would be great for the governing body to be timely notified when emergency contracts are being entered into with an email. That would be great. I I appreciate that we're memorializing them. It would just uh be good to know them as they are um when
those events are happening. Thank you. >> And that was my comment. So I second council comment and appreciate her speaking on my behalf. Madam clerk, would you call the role please? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambor, >> yes. Mayor L1 through L10 will be numbered 071 through and including 080. >> All right, we do not have any licenses,
addendums, or anything like that. So, we're on to new unfinished business. The first item would be discussion on the open burn restriction ordinance. Mr. Krauss, is this you? >> You're the fireman. So, let's hear it.
>> Don't burn your trash. It's not allowed. Um, >> good to know. That's part of it. >> It is kind of surprising that there's not a municipal ordinance on this already. Um, so I'm pleased to hear this as well.
>> Th this was brought up by both the Verona Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau. It it was I believe it happens about three to five times per year where individuals burn items in their yard that are not
supposed to be burned. um garbage, demolition materials, construction materials, leaves, plant life, rubbish. Um this is not intended to impact anyone's ability to have a uh recreational fire in their backyard
in a fire pit in an approved container or any type of other recreational fire that's not a just a big bonfire in the middle of your yard. Um they do there are um believe we all know there's fire pits that are made
for this purpose. It's not regulating that. This is strictly open burning of refu garbage, hazardous materials, plant life, things like that. >> Thank you. I have one question on maybe
a follow-up question going to section 262-21-3. Um, so if we are imposing penalties through our general penalty clause in the township code, this go to our municipal court judge in North Calwell to be heard. >> That's correct. >> But then the appellet authority seems to
be the Essex County Construction Board of Appeals, which is not an appellet authority for a municipal judge. That would have to go to superior court or the appellet division. So I that doesn't seem to to match up that
they so I think we would just need to if they're agrieved on that. Um >> we'll look at that. That's a great point. I actually didn't catch the fact that it talks about appeals in here. >> Yeah. >> So I mean I think we could probably just eliminate that part. >> Take appeals out. >> Yeah. Just take the
>> because then it would go to like you said it would have to go to superior court. Yeah. So, Council Roman. >> Yes. On the uh language regarding um fire pits, basically the provisions here will not apply to recreational fires in approved uh containers with a stack or
chimney. Um is that intended to be the exception for like a a backyard fire pit because those looking at those those are typically open vessels that don't have a a chimney on them. >> This exactly my same question. They don't have >> just be recognized if that would be helpful. >> Yeah. So, so yeah, I just, you know, I'm
Google's image searching these here. And yes, there are a very there are outdoor fireplaces that have a chimney, but an outdoor fire pit typically is just an open vessel. And then I'll also note a scrivener's error in there. The last word and there should actually be any if we were to pass this language anyway in
uh section uh D3 of open burning. So, it's very hot ordinance here. So, any other comments? Councilman Holland. >> Councilwoman and I had that exact same
concern because the way it is written is very limiting in with regard to the recreational fire pits um because they don't typically have those stacks and chimneys. So, I don't know if it's worthwhile to just strike that from both
the definition as well as subpart D3. um or but that would be my recommendation because if you just took that um if you took that out of both the definition and out of D3 then I think by
saying it does not apply to recreational fires in approved containers um that are not burning that are not burning and items prohibited above like the items prohibited ab above I believe those are that's the scrier's error I I think that
would actually cure the issue because yeah, you are inadvertently going to swoop in like everybody's small fire pit in their backyard with this. And if that's not the intention, which I don't expect that it is, then I think we do need to correct this before
introduction. >> I will make the amendment. I'll also check with fire prevention on their opinion. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments? All right. with the um the requested changes. Does anybody have
a opposition to having this on first reading at the April 6 meeting? >> Just one more quick question. >> Sorry. >> Approved containers. I mean, are these typically UL listed devices or I don't know, you know, approved by who? Approved by the Verona Fire Department.
>> That would be a another question to pass along. >> Good point. Yes. where maybe that would be a definition of approved container. >> Yeah, we might want to define what an approved container is. >> Uh
okay. Sorry for disrupting your call for approval on the ordinance. >> No, no, it's you have a point. >> All right. So with these uh might be helpful to get this maybe a little bit more in advance of the meeting um rather than with the packet just because
there's so many requested changes if we can do that a little earlier. Thank you. All right. And um moving on to 01B which is the part-time salary
ordinance. And Mr. Mr. Krauss, you said this was for any uh board, committee, commission, secretary. Uh this is a pretty wide range. Did you want to just get into the
So the this one this title is being added um in for this specific position it's going to be assisting sustainable Verona with administrative tasks and marketing. Um
the individual completing the task has a great deal of experience in assisting boards and committees. The but it can be used for any board or committee. Um the range does not mean
that someone is going to receive $50. It just means that it would be up to um any salary offered to or any hourly rate offered to an individual is going to be reviewed by administration prior to um any employee action form being
completed. >> Okay. So, could you read what the title of this ordinance >> will actually be and what the sections are because it's conflicting in a couple different places here. >> Oh, it's pretty plural. That's why
cuz I told you >> fixing the It should read fixing the hourly compensation. The title of the ordinance is correct with employees of the township of Verona. The specific title position under civil service is an unclassified
position secretary board/commission. >> Okay. So, could we change the title of the ordinance to fixing the hourly compensation of certain part-time employees because >> Yes. Okay. Just to clarify that. >> Um, and then there would be a change in
that area as well. I mean, my wondering is perhaps we would want to widen the the range actually to have a lower starting salary if it's still a range. I find it a little odd to start at $30 an hour when we might have a need in the
future to have somebody support a committee that may like somebody to like run Zoom or something for a committee that doesn't need $30 an hour and then we're coming back. So maybe have a pretty wide from like minimum wage to $50 an hour and the administration can
um can set what that is as per their right as the administration. Um, but it would seem to I when we're looking at this I I'm always hesitant to create an ordinance for one individual, right, to have a arrange for one specific person
obviously unless it's like somebody like we're doing a contract like the the manager's contract. Uh, but in circumstance, let's give ourselves the flexibility and because I don't want people to think, okay, you come in and you do you're anybody supporting a board or commission and you start at $30 an
hour or whatever. Um, so we have that. Councilwoman McGrath. >> Um, yes, thank you. Um, so the actual way this is like laid out doesn't actually say hourly salary anywhere in this
>> chart. It just says salary minimum >> of $30. Right. So it doesn't say hourly anywhere unless I'm missing this. >> If I may. >> Well, section one, it actually starts with the hourly compensation for part-time. >> Oh, okay. I see. So >> you're right. to make it clear, it
usually says per hour after after the numbers. So, >> yeah. The other question I have is does this conflict? So, we have a stipen for the rent board secretary. Is this going to create a conflict with that stipen or because again if we're
broadening the definition, >> she's the rent board administrator, not secretary. So, it is it is a different position. Well, I guess then my broader question is whether or not this just have we made sure we thought through all of the that this is not going to create
a conflict somewhere else is my question um with any other stipen positions. >> I'm not aware of any stipen positions that it would create a conflict with because >> okay >> I don't believe we have any um we don't
have anyone else serving in this title. >> Okay. So this is a unique title. >> This is a unique title. So as the council hasn't previously approved the use of this title, we have not been able to use it. So there at actually at this point there's still no one serving in the role in this title.
>> Okay. Okay, that makes sense. Thank you. >> I was wondering if you could just describe what these administrative tasks for the >> for the uh skin verona will be. >> I have a breakdown from them. I don't have it. um
memorized at this point, but I know that they are doing things helping with meetings, organizing items for both PSENG residential and commercial grants, administrative tasks related to those grants, and assisting the board with general work. I think some of the tasks
also cover marketing and all of this individual employees work is covered through those grants. So, there is no impact on the municipal budget for this position. That was my next question to to be in a position where I don't want to open a can of worms where committees
now have you know hourly staff you know everybody be requesting hourly staff so >> um so that's helpful if it's grant covered then it's fine but um but I think you know still stands there's a little room to to tighten this
up or widen it depending on on what it is so um I look forward to seeing that at the next meeting. Uh, and once again, this might be one that it would be helpful to have some of these this well in advance of the next meeting if we can versus in the packet.
And moving on to the amending chapter 55 of the township code. Um, this is amending the uh the planning board and the zoning board components. I believe the planning
board won was because the our um rotation of the vote was in conflict with the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Act. So um that's why that is being put in. Our current code says that the
alternates rotate when they vote. Uh but the MLUL says that it is always alter number one first and then alternate number two and so on. Is that proper? That's correct. >> Deputy Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh,
I think we should be a little more specific on because as you just said, there's confusion as to who votes. Uh, and we have here uh in the absence or disqualification of any regular member.
I think we should put quotations members with an sor. uh alternate number one and or number two shall vote and add something to the effect of the order to which they vote because there was others talk about well
if alternate number one votes for one then it goes to alternate number two for the next uh that's I I I just think I want to >> that's what's being stricken that rotation piece is being stricken >> got it but they they don't mention number two in here >> and I just want to make sure it doesn't
in five years from now people don't go back to it and say okay no it's number one and then number two >> yeah I think it would be fair to note I agree that if there are two absences then alter number two would also vote if alternative number one is absent alter number two would vote and it's all
outlined in the MLUL but >> absolutely >> but part of the part of the problem is people don't always look at both of those things so might as well have our code be a little more specific in that area I I tend to agree on that we do that. >> Any other
>> and then another question. Uh >> are you on planning or zoning? >> Oh, zoning now. >> Okay. So, I was just going to ask if there are any comments on zoning. So, go ahead. >> Okay. Uh on zoning, we're adding two more alternates. Is there reason for that? Is this a state change code or? >> So, the recommendation
it was that uh from the board of adjustment that a third alternate be added. Um the MLUL allows for a third alternate on uh board of adjustment. Uh it allows for up to four alternates. Actually the uh request and
recommendation from the board of adjustment was to add a third alternate for the purposes of um allowing business to proceed uh a little bit more consistently. There has not been instances with specific individuals
being absent, but as one individual rotates in in an absence over the course of several meetings in a row, it could sometimes create issues where votes and availability to vote for meetings uh hearings that last more than a single meeting become difficult. Uh the other issue is that uh as our board of
adjustment has been uh an active board over the past uh year two years uh they are currently booking several months out for uh applications. In instances they are trying to schedule special meetings but based on availability of the board
as it um as it exists today that that becomes challenging. So they did request an additional alternate for both of those reasons >> but we're we're adding two alternates. statute, >> guys. An even amount, >> but but we don't have to.
>> So, so with that said, I'm going to go back to a conversation a year, two years ago. Can we get an update on attendance? If that's an issue, then we should review members of the board to make sure that everybody's showing up at least a reasonable amount.
>> Well, I I think that the manager pointed out wasn't certain individuals not coming. It was a rotating need. >> I would be okay with extending this to three alternates. I don't think we need four. And it says may appoint which means we could only appoint one or we could appoint two. I'd rather just be
like if we need I appreciate the board's feedback on this because it is important. There's the board is doing a lot um at the moment with variances. So I would say let's look at three. Um but I would not want to extend it necessarily to to four at this point
just because it's more people to to manage and schedule and all of that. I can uh we can make those amendments and I can also follow up with the attendance records for the board >> and then mayor. >> Yes. >> Just so you know on the zoning one I just uh saw because we reviewed this on
Wednesdays that they missed the uh the voting will change on this also because it's required under the law that the voting goes in the number of the uh their number >> where our ordinance says that the chair chooses. >> So we will address that in the next with our revision.
>> That'll be the next version. >> Any problem? um introducing this with those amendments at the next meeting? >> Not at all. >> Okay. So, I'll be done. Any other new business? >> No. >> Thank you. And at this time, I'll pop up
public comment on any matter any member of the public wishes to bring forth to the council. Same public comment. Statement applies. See no public comment. I close public comment. We will be going to executive session. Thank you for being here tonight. all of our members of the
public. And if any of you want to cheer us on our way out of executive session, you're welcome to wait and watch. >> Thank you very much.