Good evening. I call to order this regular meeting of the Verona Township Council for Monday the 20th of April, 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 public in the publication of the annual meeting notice. The public notice meeting agenda was posted on the municipal bulletin board at least 48 hours preceding the start time of this meeting. The agenda
and handouts can be viewed online at veronenj.org/countsil meetings. Please take notice that pursuant to NJ 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 on 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 Tambbor >> here.
>> Mayor also present tonight is township attorney Brian Aoya. Township manager Kevin O. Sullivan, >> myself, municipal clerk Jennifer Kieran, >> and uh >> did I CFO? Oh, and sorry, CFO Jeb
Mascara. All >> right. Thank you. 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 it stands, one nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. Thank you everybody for your patience and our technical difficulties. You know, technology is supposed to make things simpler. Um, and it has proved that that is not always the case. Uh,
for the mayor's report this evening, just a few things. I had the opportunity with our director community services to attend the opening of Liberty Bank of New Jersey. Uh the bank was just recently founded the entire bank and its first branch is in Verona at the
location of where the citizens and investors bank had been on Bloomfield Avenue. So it is their first branch. They're based in in Short Hills. Um and they were created by a a group of of investors looking to provide services to
business and nonprofit in this area. So it had opportunity to meet their founders and have some great conversations and and cut the ribbon. So, thank you. Um, and Liberty Bank, as one of their first acts, has agreed to be a silver p silver sponsor for the
Vono Community Pool this summer. So, uh, they, uh, it's great to have them here, and I encourage everybody to go and and meet them. Uh, I had the opportunity to attend the Verona Foundation for Educational Excellence, um, dinner on
Friday with the deputy mayor. Um, it's always a wonderful event honoring the educators who uh give their all to the the students in Verona and I encourage anybody if you have not done so recently to consider making a donation to VI uh
who helps our schools uh immensely. The Verona Baseball Softball League had its opening day ceremonies this past Saturday up at Liberty Field. It's a wonderful event. There are over 700 children uh playing in the league this
year, which is which is amazing. Um 700 I think I I might have made that number up, but I'm pretty sure it's 700 over sorry >> over 500. There were 700 people at the event. That's what I was thinking. Okay. Um and it was wonderful to to see that
and to see the first pitches. Um as well as be there for the league honoring Mrs. Prrisco, our director of community services, uh for her contributions and uh everybody is very excited for the next big event which will be the opening of Everett Field. So uh that is
wonderful as well. I had the opportunity to meet with Strand Engineering, the firm designing our Verona streetscape, and provided some uh pretty extensive suggestions on and thoughts on where we are with the project and some design
concepts and priorities. Uh and I I look forward to seeing that feedback uh in our final version. The Verona Municipal Alliance Committee met on uh this past week. There is a seminar upcoming on
April 23rd entitled Risking Rejection to Gain Acceptance. The seminar is designed to teach adults and youth to be brave and resilient. Uh so please keep an eye out for that. It should be a great program. The committee also reviewed uh
programs and and budget um and concepts for next year. As a reminder, if anybody has used or expired medication that they are no longer using, there is a drop off bin in the town hall lobby that is under camera view at all times. Please drop
off your um medication there. Unfortunately, accidental uh and purposeful overdose on prescription medications is a public health issue. Um so we have that facility there for us as well. I'd like to thank Kim Manis who
has been the chair of VIP uh who is going to remain on the committee but is stepping down as chair uh and we are awaiting somebody to step into her shoes. So thank you Kim for her great work. And finally this Thursday the planning board will meet to have its
second session on the application at 383 Bloomfield Avenue. So I encourage anybody interested in that project to join that meeting. And now I would like to take a moment to recognize the Holy
Spirit uh food pantry of Verona on their 10th anniversary. Before I read this proclamation, I know we have some representatives uh of Holy Spirit in the gallery today. I know Father Jerry's not normally used to sitting in in the pews, but uh
if uh Reverend Katherine too, she's in the front row though, Father Jerry. So you gota you got to learn from your colleague. Uh, would anybody like to address the council before I do the proclamation to say a few words about the food pantry? >> Uh, good evening everyone and thank you
for this opportunity um to really recognize and commemorate 10 years uh for the Holy Spirit food pantry. The idea really started probably about 20 years ago uh out of one of the parishioners at Holy Spirit, but it really became um an item that moved forward through township conversations.
Specifically, Connie Feifer uh from the Department of Health at the time was a big a big part of it. Um it was questionable as to whether a food pantry was needed, but we've come to see through our 10 years that yes, absolutely it is. Um, a parishioner, Cardi Mortimer, offered a rather large
donation to Holy Spirit to renovate what was a lower uh level kitchen and a dishroom that is now our food pantry. And through that uh renovation, we began small. So, it's April 23rd uh will be the exact 10 years. And that first time
in 2016, uh we uh had 18 families that we served. Um and so for that uh opening day, we really didn't know what to expect, but we had inventory. And the best part of that was we reached out to the town because we are a rather small church and we had a volunteer night and
at the time we had 35 people come forward. That list is upward of a hundred right now. So uh we are thankful to all of the Verona volunteers who help make it happen. We've estimated that in our 10 years we've given out about 36,000 bags of food. Uh, a lot of that does come from the little bin uh in our
parking lot, but also through things like the Verona fights hunger with the Verona Juniors and certainly Santa Day uh big one. Those are our two largest uh with the fire department and supported by the rescue squad and the police department. We are grateful to be able to offer this ministry to the town and
surrounding towns, but we're probably more thankful for all the support and help we've had through the years. So, thank you for commemorating our 10 years. >> Thank you, Father Jerry. I would like to read this proclamation and we'll invite anybody from Holy Spirit who is here to come up and join the council for a photograph at the
conclusion. The proclamation reads, "Whereas the congregation of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit has been a beacon of light in our community since 1932. And whereas parishioners of the Church of the Holy Spirit opened the Holy Spirit food pantry on April 23rd, 2016
and immediately assisted 18 families. And whereas the food pantry was forced to close its doors to the public in 2020 due to the CO outbreak. And whereas determined to continue to aid those in need, the food pantries volunteers implemented a drive-thru process in May
2020. And whereas as the number of food pantries shoppers continued to grow in substantial numbers, the food pantry began to accept residents of Essex County in October of 2023. And whereas the food pantry has partnered with many local organizations to provide food such
as First Preserian Church of Verona, Verona Junior Women's Club uh with their annual Verona Fights Hunger Week drive, Verona Unico, the Verona Women's Club, the local brownie boy scout and Girl Scout troops, various sporting teams, band camp, and our largest annual donation from Sand Day sponsored by the
Verona Fire Department and assisted by the Verona Rescue Squad and Verona Police Department. And whereas since its inception 10 years ago this month, over 36,495 bags of food and household items have been distributed to shoppers within Essex County while the number of people
with food insecurity continues to grow. Now therefore, be a proclaimed that I, Dr. Christopher Tambbor, mayor of the township of Rona, to hereby proclaim our appreciation to all the dedicated volunteers of the Holy Spirit food pantry for the continued efforts of serving those in need. And I ask all
residents to join me in celebrating the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit's food pantry 10th anniversary. In witness whereof, I have here unto set my hand and caused the official seal of the Township of Verona, New Jersey to be affixed on this 20th day of April in the
year 2026. Hey, how are you? This is for the newsletter, guys. Okay. >> Okay. Okay. Yes. >> Okay. And now
I'd like to invite our environmental commission chairwoman, Miss Jessica Pearson, to come forward to uh present the winners of the 2026 poster contest. Miss Pearson. >> Good evening.
>> Good evening. >> So, you guys know we do this poster contest every year. Every year the art submissions just get better and better. Um, and this year in uh in addition to the plastic
reduction and the no idling, we added planting pollinator gardens and and native pollinators. um and some of the artwork that we got it made it utterly impossible to it was
very very difficult to choose the winning submissions. Um but what we did see in all the submissions is that these students every day they see plastic waste, they see idling cars dropping off and picking up uh their friends. They
see waste in our waterways, in our parks, in our green spaces. But they also are starting to see more native gardens, butterflies, birds, and good things. And that's really what we need to do is plant more of those
gardens. Um, some of the messages that we were given were don't pollute, eat fruit. Uh, pick up what other people put down. Please walk to your classes, don't release greenhouse gases, and when bees pollinate, flowers, celebrate. I mean
just like really adorable and witty uh statements that these kids came up with. Um I beyond the parents who obviously teach their kids a lot of good habits, I also want to thank all of the teachers
who put so much time into letting the kids express themselves on paper. It's it's really important. Um if we could do you have access >> Yeah. So, we're going to show a video of all the submissions and then we'll give
the awards. I'm kidding. There we go. I don't know how to do the volume. This is supposed to be music. >> I can hear it. I will let I
special arms Our words out of sight. out there. other arms. So you pretty good stuff. Um, thanks to
all that permitted uh that participated in this. It means a lot to us that you care enough to submit into the contest. Mayor Tampuro, could you come down and help hand out the certificates? So, the first winning submission is from
Forest Avenue. It's McKenzie Patrucha. No, I screwed that up. Anyway, um, close enough. Native blackeyed Susan and native monarch. >> I like when we have people come up that
are shorter than me. You want to stay up here? >> Yeah, you can stay up >> because we're going to take a a big picture. Perfect. >> Um, okay. From also from Forest Avenue School, uh, Landon Turnu,
this was respect. >> Oh, nice. >> Very nicely. There you go. just give it to him after. >> Okay. Um, and I will say that we had 100% participation from FN Brown
>> this year and every year just the way they do it. Um, so from FN Brown, we have Rose Poshman. Turn off your car, be the star. Oh, that's gorgeous. Well done. >> Yep. Yep.
>> And finally from FN Brown, Lotana Azma, bees have the power when you keep the flowers. Show the downtown. >> Oh my goodness. That's great. >> My goodness. >> You guys are so good.
>> Yeah. >> All right. Why don't >> Sorry, I'm gonna get one for try again. We're gonna repeat this one. >> Do you all have your gift cards >> squeeze together >> to worry about who's in the front row?
I guess we have >> student go to your >> Yeah, we're shift over. >> Yeah, I don't get that in everyone. >> I can't get it without it. Thank you.
Hold still everybody. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. Yep. >> Thank you. All right, Mr. Coltray, come on up. >> Well, good evening, Mayor and Council.
Uh before all the Earth Day people or environmental people leave, uh this coming Saturday we're having Earth Day at our environmental center which is located in Roseand.
I'll give you the address is 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Rosland and Earth Day starts at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Uh there's an abundance of things to do. canoe rides, face painting, uh, and
learning about the earth, etc. So, it's a wonderful day to be on the earth. >> Jay, what time was that again? >> 11 to 300 p.m. at uh, our environmental center, which is
621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Rosland. Uh the next thing is we are having on May 2nd our hazardous uh waste recycling which is at 99 West Bradford Avenue in
Cedar Grove which is our public works building and that time is from 8:30 to 4 p.m. Uh bring your you know disposables that you need uh paint etc.
And uh on May 16th, we're having computer and electronic day. Again, it's at 99 West Bradford Avenue in Cedar Grove. Time is from 9 to 300 p.m. And again, anything wires, you know,
batteries and things like that, old TVs, you know, old recorders, etc. And on a very positive note for the township of Verona spoke to the engineer today in within the next few weeks you will get your traffic light or start
working on your traffic light at Parson in Fairview. So that is coming along. The engineer uh made sure I I said you have anything for my meeting tonight and he said yes they'll like this. So, your traffic light will be, you know,
starting work in the next couple of weeks. Any comments, questions, or anything for me? >> Deputy Mayor, >> I know our crossing guard on the top of person that is looking forward to it. It's a dangerous corner. So, thank you. >> There's another accident there the other day. So,
>> I drive that route quite often. I have to avoid the traffic light. Yeah, >> you can now. >> Yeah. True, true, true. Anything else? >> Wonderful. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Moving on to the
attention manager report. Mr. Russell. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, >> thank you, Mayor. Uh, mayor and council, as you may recall, the budget was approved by the township council on March 23rd and subsequently advertised in the STAR ledger and posted on the
township's legal public notices web page as required by law, noting the hearing, time, and location pursuing to NJSA4A 4-5 and six. Resolution E1A
allows for the 2026 budget to be read by title. I request at this time the council pass this resolution. >> Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. Do I have a motion to move resolution E1A? >> So move. >> Motion's made by the deputy mayor. Is there a second?
>> Um I'll second it. >> Thank you. this time. >> This is this is a procedural uh motion, so we'll just uh call the role on that, please. >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath,
>> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambora, >> yes. Mayor um E1A will be numbered 2026-088. >> Okay. And now is the time for the public
hearing and adoption of the 2026 municipal budget. Madame clerk, would you please outline the procedure for the public hearing? >> Anyone from the public wishing to speak on the budget only? If you're attending by Zoom, please raise your hand by pressing the raise hand button on your
monitor. If you're dialing in by phone, please press star 9. If you are attending in person, please raise your hand and be acknowledged before approaching the lect turn. 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. You'll have four minutes to address the council and there'll be no cross dialogue during this public portion. After everyone wishing to speak has been heard, the administration or
council may address your comments and or questions. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. >> Okay. Observing no further members of the public wishing to address the council on the 2026 municipal budget. I hereby close the public hearing. Do any members
of the council have any comments on the budget? Councilwoman McGrath. >> Um, well, since there were changes since introduction, I would like for those changes to be outlined to the public. Thank you. >> Sure. Uh, mayor, our CFO is here
tonight, so I was going to ask uh, Miss Mascara to step to the podium and provide a summary of the changes for the council and for the public. >> Sure. Good evening, everybody. Um so uh we were under state review again this year. Um as our I don't know
it's been our fifth year under state review. Um during that state review the state of New Jersey uh reviews every single line in our budget. They review our audit and they review our annual financial statement um to make sure that everything that is in the budget
statement uh lines up correctly with what has been reported either in the audit or the financial statement. Um in doing so and going back and forth, it was found that our pension is not allowed to be outside of caps. Um caps
is uh an area of the budget. Um, if you're looking at at the budget sheets, it would be after sheet 20. Um, it's allowed um by municipalities to move
certain items if approved by the state of New Jersey outside of caps like our debt um is outside of caps. Um it was found in their review process that pension the amount that was moved outside of caps on sheet 20 had to be
moved back inside of caps. Because of that um we had to then reduce the budget by $155,000. After doing that and going through a second review um with the uh state of
New Jersey, I had moved the health contracts outside of CAPS again because that is a shared service and is allowed to be outside of CAPS. But since this is year one of it being outside CAPS, uh it becomes a capbased adjustment in the
appropriations cap, which then again created us uh having an issue with the appropriations cap. So we had to further reduce the budget by another 147,000. So we have reduced from the original uh
31,2855 down to 30 million two uh no 987 sorry I have it here uh 983270 which is a reduction uh caused by the
state of New Jersey in getting us in line with um state statutes of 302230 uh which creates a municipal tax levy of a 1.19% increase and the average municipal
homeowner of a $79 increase. Sorry, that was a lot. Thank you. Any other questions? Mscara comments council. >> Um so um you reduced the budget
primarily taking it out of two line items, correct? Health insurance and and um >> garbage. >> Garbage. Okay. >> Um but of course with health insurance there are a lot of pressures there and we have our prescription drug coverage um renews in the middle of the year. So,
I'm not really sure why that is and why it's not on our calendar year schedule, but we'll table that for now. I I'm sure it would be better for planning purposes. >> Definitely would be better for me. Yeah. >> Yes. If it was on this on the right
cycle. Anyho, um so just what are your, you know, um what are the pros and cons of taking out of those, you know, and projecting into the future, especially since health insurance is such a big line item. Um so last year for garbage
um garbage was anticipated at 1.7 million. We ended up spending about 1.4 a.5 million. Um so the difference there I felt comfortable with reducing garbage um slightly with um obviously
discussions with the state of New Jersey and with Mr. O'Sullivan and Mr. house um as far as what um items we can move around a little bit with the garbage. Um so I felt confident that we should be
okay with garbage. Medical, like you said, is a little bit different because our um prescription plan does um take place in the second half of of the year. Um I don't believe that has been fully
finalized yet. Um, so we will have to see. Last year we had uh about 300,000 that was left over in medical from what was budgeted and what the town contributions were with the employee
contributions were. So again felt um that was one of the lines um that could potentially be reduced moving forward. >> Okay. Thank you. Other questions,
comments? >> Dr. Mayor, sorry. Sorry. Along those lines, since we're talking about the insurance plan, >> uh, are I saw the increase is going to be like 26%. Are we covered with that come July when it renews?
>> Uh, we should be. Yes. If not, then transfers in November will will happen. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman Holiday. Anything? No, I have nothing further. >> Just make a couple uh general comments. Um first of all, thank you for your
efforts in this and I know it's especially difficult when you have to go back and and uh make some arrangements. Um I, you know, I will note that the original budget called for nearly a 6% uh tax increase and uh that was um
primarily, you know, some some budget lines were drawn down. Um some of our health insurance liability was moved to water and sewer where it should have been. Um and I I think that certainly helps as far as the the tax levy increase goes. At the same time, we can
only move that into water and sewer once, right? Um, and our health costs continue to increase as is a problem in all public sector and and most private sector health insurance plans at the moment, uh, for circumstances generally beyond our control. So, I think that,
you know, very often we we start the budget process in kind of the the backside of the previous year to get to this point. It is my opinion and expectation that we'll start the budget process for next year uh in earnest now uh by looking at some ways that we can
engage in some savings especially in the health uh benefits area. this is an area of expertise I have as far as uh u and I I've met with the township manager and gone over some ideas about this and I think that working with the um the
unions that represent most of our employees uh we might be able to working with EMED our our health insurance trust we might be able to offer hopefully some alternatives that and incentives to take those alternatives that could lower the cost not only for the employee who's paying contributions but also for the
township um even incentivize going to a plan that might be more fitting for the needs of somebody who maybe doesn't go to the doctor as often as others um and potentially try to start there and see what we can do uh to be creative and that's I think the uh that's really
should be our focus in looking at that but not just healthcare really everything that we are doing how can we how can we uh minimize the the cost of some of our operations how can we um to really economize uh looking at our our staffing levels as
people uh leave by attrition. um you know really thinking forward what we want the municipality to look like but we can't wait until the time you know right before we are creating the next budget right so we need to start think about that now and have an ongoing
discussion and have it here uh in addition to you know in the administrative side as far as what can we do in order to offset because next year's could potentially be disastrous uh you know just looking at what's happening across the state um I will
note that our proposed municipal tax levy increase is very low in comparison to the municipalities in our area um and is nearly it's a fraction of what um the you know a lot of our uh a lot of our
counterparts are doing uh at this point. So, and I would also note that obviously the township um itself is only about 20 20% of the of the tax levy um what we have control over at this point. I also think as we move forward, we need to
remember that while things are outside of the the levy cap like debt service that when we are facing significant budget issues until we get a legislative solution that we also need to start thinking about anything related to capital expenses and start to really
break down the wants and needs and I've had a conversation with the the Tacha manager about this as well. Uh formalizing a process for request of capital items. uh getting more information, uh multiple quotes, more understanding of of where we are on that
as well. Um so I think that we we've done a good job here. I think we have some work to do in formalizing some of these processes. Um and I look forward to working together as we continue to do that. Um and I think that this is the
the best budget for our town at this time. Um certainly given all of the constraints placed upon it. So, I thank you for your your guidance, your willingness to make changes, your willingness to go back and look for um for the betterment of the community and Mr. O' Sullivan, Mr. Krauss as well. I
think that you all did a good job taking feedback and and going with it and then um pivoting based on circumstances beyond our control as well. So, I thank you for that and I will close discussion on that item. Um and I will yield back to the township manager.
Uh, mayor, at this point, I would ask if the council would be willing to consider the next resolutions on the agenda. Do I have a motion to move resolution E1 C?
This is the resolution to amend the proposed the approved 2026 municipal budget. >> So moved. >> The motion is made by the deputy mayor. Is there a second? >> Second. The second is by Councilwoman Holland. >> Madame clerk, would you please call the role? >> I'm sorry.
>> Sorry, Counciloman. Yeah. >> Um, thank you. Um, I just want to make a quick uh comment. I didn't realize that um the comment period before I thought we were asking questions. Um, I share some of the mayor's sentiments on this budget, but I am concerned about the
amount that we had to increase um to use surplus um in that first step. And then we had a lot of changes. Obviously, if we knew all the changes we had to make now, would we still make those uh decisions? Um so my concern is on the
revenue generation generating side. I voiced this during introduction. Thank you uh Mr. O Sullivan for your memo today. I I do think we need to get to that level of detail really pushing forward also to make sure that we are looking at both short, medium, and
long-term ways of increasing revenue. Yes, we have a lot of development coming down the pike, but that's not the only mechanism for revenue generation. Um, and I I do think we may be leaving some things on the table. Um, while we have
made progress in recent years increasing some fees, um, we have to continue to evaluate all aspects of our government. So, while we're doing this robust analysis that the mayor um outlined about cutting costs, we also have to be looking at ways that we can generate
revenue and looking at best practices in other communities. Um so, I will be supporting this year's budget, my sixth. Um but I do have reservations about long-term and what is going to happen next year. So, on that I think we have a shared sentiment. Thank you.
Madam clerk, would you please call the question on E1C? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy,
>> yes. >> Mayor Tambbor, >> yes. >> Mayor E1C, uh, will be numbered 2026-089. Thank you. At this time, could I have a motion to adopt the 2026 municipal budget resolution item E1D?
>> So moved. >> The motion is made by Councilwoman McGrath. Is there a second? >> I will second the motion. Madame Clerk, would you call the RO, please? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes.
>> Councilman Roman, >> yes. Deputy Mayor Makavoy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Tambborough. >> Yes. >> Mayor E1D will be numbered 2026-090 approving the 2026 municipal budget at a
vote 5 to zero. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. Mr. O Sullivan, would you like to continue your report? >> Sure. I will uh I'll be brief. I'll hit the highlights. Um with our drinking water system, we have the Fairview Avenue well project which is expected to
mobilize this week. That'll start the construction of the Fairview reconstruction of the Fair View Avenue well should be complete by the end of the year. A Claris Drive pump station project, the fabric uh pre-fabricated building and the booster pumps were delivered uh last week. Uh work on the
interior of the building and the rest of the site work uh including driveway, fencing, landscaping is still uh to be scheduled. Uh we did receive a copy of the updated uh asset management plan. Uh it is under review. It'll be uh
circulated uh upon its completion. Uh for our Pekman River Bank stabilization project, uh final project completion is expected uh this month. Uh the contractor is down to final punch list. uh and that will complete that project.
Um as far as Ever Field goes, uh we discussed that briefly earlier with BBSL's opening day, but um the construction is ongoing. There's been a lot of progress uh in a variety of avenues, uh fencing, playground equipment, irrigation,
uh the dugout shade structures, the brick pavers, the field sign at the front along Greenfield Avenue, uh parking lot lights, uh and more. So the next progress meeting is scheduled for uh Thursday this week. Uh we are uh hoping to receive a sad delivery date at
that point. Um and then from there we will have an anticipated three to four week look ahead on when the uh the field should be complete and ready for playing. Um and in a similar note, the field
maintenance RFQ is currently out. We will be receiving uh bids for the maintenance of Everett Field on April 29th. Uh we anticipate making a recommendation to the council at the next meeting. Uh and then um just a few updates on
some of our facility needs projects. Uh our roof replacement project is in final punch list. That's expected to be complete uh later this week. Uh the and then we'll close out that project. Similarly, the town hall windows and repointing project uh punch list is uh
substantially complete. Uh primarily the correction on the uh grouting on town hall has been addressed. Uh and then um the front steps and uh some concrete repairs at the DPW building are
scheduled based upon uh a resolution on the agenda this evening. Uh then lastly, we did uh meet with the architect last week uh to review the uh final facility audit reports, the associated cost estimates and some online portals which
house all the documents associated with that. Uh we will be bringing solutions in for a brief presentation on that at an upcoming meeting. Um having said that, I know we still have a few items on the agenda. I'll uh be happy to answer any questions from the council. I
just I have one question um on the pool memberships. It's in Mr. Krauss's report, but just want to get a sense of where um if you describe where we are now, if maybe Mrs. Presco would like to jump in on that as well, but I'm not going to put you on the spot. Um where we are
now, where do you are we where we think we should be? um what we are doing at this point to to pivot on any changes in in marketing um and where we would like to be at this point. >> Sure. The uh I will say that uh we are
we're at an interesting point in the pool membership. Uh this week and next week are the uh are the based on last year's data the biggest uh pool membership weeks of the pool uh enrollment season. Um based on the
memberships we've received from January through now, uh it it does appear as if we are uh on track or close on track to at least matching what those membership numbers were uh last year. Uh but again, the next two weeks will be largely
telling of what the final um prem pool memberships uh do look like. We have another meeting scheduled with the pool marketing committee uh I believe it's May 8th. uh to review what the pool membership uh numbers look like at that
point and to see if there should be some uh additional focused marketing based upon the demographics that either might be joining or might not be joining. Um so we um the the positive news on the the memberships is obviously the um the
additional class of memberships uh sold out within uh the first couple of weeks. So that was an additional 100,000 in revenue that wasn't uh received last year. And we've been uh very strong on the sponsorships received to date. Uh we
are currently at $39,250 in received sponsorships and there are uh approximately 8,000 in verbal commitments from uh other sponsors. So we are closely approaching $50,000 in
sponsorships. Um but again that is uh we still have uh one to two pretty busy weeks ahead of us >> and the numbers that are presented here these are inclusive of the out of town memberships. >> There's family memberships and then
there's the total memberships. So the total memberships would be uh in would be inclusive. So, one of the things I think we need to consider is when we're looking at the at the revenue targets, right, that we
really want to have $100,000 more at all times than we had, correct, in the past, right? So, um I I am I'm just going to put it out there. I am just a little nervous about um where we are at the moment. Um and
because know that we're looking at a potential, you know, we're hoping for a big jump in the next couple weeks, but some of some of those people have already signed up. So, we have to consider that. But, um, you know, I hope that we can, I think, more aggressively start. I know there's a meeting in May,
but I think there are some simple things that we might be able to do in the meantime, like reach out to anybody who has closed on a house in the last year and send them a personalized information sheet, which, you know, might cost us 20
bucks or 80 bucks, whatever it is, and could generate if it generates one membership, it pays for itself. Um, but start to do some simple things like that. Be a little bit more uh aggressive in social media. um and you know try to get some communication even out through
the school system um through their you know Friday folder channels or whatever it is but I think we need to be a little bit more uh add a little bit of a sense of urgency here because if we're not meeting our targets we're going to need to come up with some other ideas on the
finance of this because we know that we are in a position where we needed all that projected revenue that we have. So, um I hope that that's something that we can do, but I would definitely start to hit those untapped populations for sure, likely new residents who may not know
that this is a possibility and really start to get out there and get personalized invitations out even dropping them off or whatever. So just thoughts on it as we go through. But I think um I would look forward at the next meeting um which will be in May at
this point to get a a more detailed analysis um and some breakdowns and really put us in position where we're going to decide moving forward what our plans are going to be and how they may have to change. So that's my position. Councilwoman Holland.
>> Thank you. Um typically the or historically the drivers behind the um significant upward trend in late April is the imposition of the administrative fee in May. Um so that's historically
what drove a lot of residents to sign up you know in the latter half of April. We also would have a number of, you know, evening office hours to allow for pool signups or a Saturday sign up and that
was usually advertised through um community pass as well. Um so like you know uh residents that are already getting recreation communications would get those emails as well. So, if we're thinking about kind of communications that residents are looking for or
historically experiencing, that might be another kind of reminder that we could do. I know there's been a lot of communications already. So, I'm not disparaging what's been done already. I'm just saying that that's another way that it's happened and that is why you typically got that big bulk um at the
end of April. um just drawing on the years that I was on the rec committee that was typically what we observed at that time. Um I think what would be interesting and I don't know if we have the means or
capability to do that kind of data analysis is to look at who's already signed up, look at who has historically signed up. If they haven't signed up yet, maybe do targeting targeted outreach to those individuals. So, it's like, okay, you've historically had a
pool membership. You haven't signed up yet. We're reaching out to you to say like, "Hey, pool membership signups are available." Like, if that's possible, I appreciate that that's probably resource intensive, but that would be a way of kind of having a direct communication
with a resident that may not have registered already. So, those were just a couple of ideas. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> uh, thank you. She stole my idea. Um, I do think uh that um taking a list of who
uh signed up last year and then >> seeing if community pass can spit out a list of who's signed up this year and who um who signed up last year but has not signed up this year and then sending them an email targeted and saying, "Hey, you haven't signed up yet." Um and I'm
one of those people. So, um I will get my pool membership in before our next meeting. But um you know I think that is important using that data from community paths and you know I kept hearing about the marketing and volunteer committee. Is there an opportunity for people just to
>> volunteer to hit the phones and just call through that list and be like hey just reminding you the pool memberships you know the late fee is implemented on on X date and you know we encourage you to go to the website and sign up and there's you know these office hours. I
think that would be a great idea and help close the gap to give people a nudge. But certainly if in two weeks that hasn't helped, I think what we may be looking at broad maybe some broader economic trends. I don't know. But um I'm I'm hopeful that's going to work out. So thank you, >> Council Roman.
>> Thank you. Um I share the mayor's concerns. >> I'm trying. I don't I tried. >> Is my Is my audio not very uh >> very good? >> I'm going to try and crank my mic up here real quick. One second. We have to address it anyway in case somebody calls in. But >> Mhm.
>> All right. One second. I'm going to turn my mic all the way up. Is this any better? >> Nope. >> Nope. >> I don't have >> We're just trying on our end. Just wait one second. >> All right. >> Mike any better? >> Just Just wait one second. I'm trying to
adjust it on this. I am being told it's fine on Zoom. So, it's just in the room. >> So, we just need to turn up the speakers in the room. >> Yeah, I know. I don't have that capability. I don't have remote. >> Does that work?
Give us a test, Alex. >> Is this any better? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> No. >> A little bit. Yeah, we can hear >> now. >> Okay. All right. Um I'm being told I can be heard uh on Zoom. Fine. So, just my statement basically for the record. I
tend to agree with the mayor's comments that um certainly I'm a little nervous and watching this closely and I still feel like there's broader economic trends going on here. Um we have raised the prices. Um I really do hope that uh the membership will turn out between uh
now and end of the month. Uh but we would you know we want to see some reporting and to understand if this is happening. Um but we want to try and track this really carefully and figure out if we need to pivot and do anything else in the intervening weeks uh to try and make sure that the pool has a uh strong financial year. Uh I would also
add my agreement to uh the other council members that have uh talked about targeted communications to non-renewals. I was going to bring that up. Uh I think we all kind of came up with the same idea all at once. But uh I would highly encourage uh us to try and find a way of uh tracking that and reaching out
independently to those non-renewal members and try and see if they are planning on renewing and also if they are not the data point. Okay, why aren't you renewing? Uh we really kind of would need that information to guide us as to uh as to how we manage the pool going forward. So I hope we are uh successful
this year and uh appreciate all of the administration's efforts. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Roman. Anything else, Mr. O Sullivan? I'm sorry, Deputy Mayor. >> Yes. Uh, without being redundant, uh, I I just want to go back. Let me adjust the number since Councilwoman McGrath is
joining us. >> Yeah. Right. >> Uh, we we did have a $200,000 uh deficit here that we were trying to make up and we did it with 100 members uh out of town members. Uh, and just to be clear, they're out of town members, but they're
referrals from members. You have to have a member that's joined to refer that person. A lot of those people are prior Verona residents. Uh, we were very successful with that 100 and it came very quickly. I do understand there's a a short uh waiting list for that. Uh,
maybe we want to tap into that and be ready at the next meeting. It is two weeks from now. uh and then might work out before Labor Day if we want to expand that list. Uh we don't we made great strides moving forward by doing
that and we've counted on $50,000 from sponsors and we're close to that. Uh maybe if that goes over a little then we can cut the number of other memberships down, but let's see what the next two weeks bring. But we really need to be
ready at the next meeting should that not happen. We obviously have people, everyone in this town loves the pool that uses it. Uh and we want to make sure we we keep it going and uh somehow get that gap covered and I think that's a way we can do it. So just a thought.
We should be ready at the next meeting in case uh we want to uh move forward with that. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor. >> Mr. Svin, anything else for your >> Thank you. I was actually going to um make a note that there was a very short waiting list for those uh some
additional non-member uh non-resident memberships. I appreciate the deputy mayor bringing that up. Um I also uh I think Miss Prrisco might be able to provide some additional context on a lot of the suggestions. There's uh efforts in some sort that are being made uh in those veins, but Miss Prrisco could
probably speak more directly to what her staff and her office is doing. >> Hi, thank you. I'm so glad I stuck around because I can answer a bunch of your questions. So, um, let me just give you some totals, too, because I had printed totals prior to tonight's
meeting of where we're at as of right as of 5:00 this evening for how many memberships we have total. We have a 710 memberships. That's excluding the 100 residents. So, we're at 810 memberships
as of today on April 15th of 2026. So just a few days ago, we had 661 memberships plus the 100. So 761. The reason why I'm giving you that as a number is because last year on from
April 1st when we opened up to April 15th of 2025, we had a total of 371 memberships. So I know that only opened up and that was on a two-e period. So, it's really not comparing the same, but it's just giving us an idea of where we were at April 15th of 2025 to April 15th
of 2026. Um, I feel that we are moving. I've been seeing a lot more phone calls. I've been seeing a lot more activity at the counter coming in, especially last week with the very warm temperatures. We had a really um people wanted the pool
actually open. Um, so we have been seeing a lot more activity. I also look back at last year's numbers from after May 1st and it was really a lot to like a lot of people joined
after May 1st and paid that $50 late fee. There was an a good amount of people joining still in the first few weeks of May. Um, our office is going to be open this Thursday, this Saturday, and then the following Thursday again to
have registration and to off also get their um, pool tags. Um, I believe an email did go out on community pass for that and was I believe on social media from Alisa Northrup so we could push that definitely out again to make sure people are aware. The other thing was
the um, communication to new owners. those postcards that just came out, they hit the mailbox um last Saturday. So, that really probably hit everybody in the community that is a new owner. So, hopefully that'll even drive more. Um I
am trying very hard to push out as much information as possible on my own personal social media page um because that I can control and I feel that pushing stuff out is a positive um as much as possible. And also um I created
a we have a great um Walter Steinman is going to be our pool manager who is here this evening and our assistant pool manager um Janice Hansen Tierney. Just to give you a little backstory on her, she her father was um the pool the first
pool committee member when the Verona pool opened up. She's coming back to Verona as our assistant pool manager. The history between Walter and Janice is incredible and so many people I've been speaking to about Janice and Walter are excited that they're coming on board. So
I have created a document that I had shared to my Verona that's going to release an article hopefully within the next day or so just highlighting um the history of everyone all all of my assistant managers and just everything
that's coming forward looking forward to what we're planning at the pool. Um, I think that is going to hopefully hit a lot of people and say we are going to be making the pool a very exciting time and we have great ideas. Walter and I were
um talking about a lot of different ways to just make the pool a fun experience for all. So, I'm hopeful that our numbers are going to increase. And with the weight list, we do have about 10 people that are sitting on the wait list. The wait list is shut down. I
could click a button tomorrow and turn that back on if we if you want me to. And if you decide to add on more out of town referrals, we can I'll do that in a heartbeat. Whatever you tell us to do,
we will do. I will try seeing if there's a way we could generate a report to see who hasn't signed up from this year to last year. Not sure how easy that'll be to do, but we could definitely look into that. So, I'm here to listen to any suggestions. I'm glad I was here to come
up and answer. Hopefully, I answered some and hopefully gave you some more positive information, but I I am hopeful that we are going to have a great pool season and those numbers are going to get to where we need them to be. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Pam. >> Welcome.
>> Great. Um, moving on to council members reports. Deputy Mayor M. >> Uh, I'll be brief. Uh I too attended the uh V inspiring excellence uh dinner the
other night. I know it's been uh they've been they celebrated 20 years uh in existence, but that was their 10th year of having that event. I congratulate everybody that won. Uh, and thank you to all the members of VIP for all the work
they do and all the grants they get that support uh the local schools and all the uh events that they plan for us. Uh, also the I guess it's like springtime and these are my new springtime events and and shows me that spring and
summer's on its way. uh pool memberships is one I guess but uh the VIP award and the VBSL parade uh I attended this weekend obviously uh Mayor Tambora was there councilwoman uh McGrath was there also it's always a great event and as
the mayor said there's over five 500 uh children in his town that are part of VBSL so it is amazing it's a great event seeing everybody on that field uh and I thank them and all the volunteers all the coaches all the parents for what they do. And uh that's actually
one more actually a couple hours early, but I'd like to wish Councilman Roman a happy birthday five hours early. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. We will uh refrain from singing by order of the mayor. Councilman Roman,
>> thank you very much for the uh birthday wishes and for not singing. But uh would you like me to go, you know, with with my report? I'll just mention from the environmental commission uh that they have a cleanup coming up uh on Earth Day for uh April 25th uh from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the
community center and just wanted to recognize all the work that uh went into orchestrating the poster contest on behalf of the commission and thank them for all of that and uh I'll conclude my report with that. >> Thank you, Councilman Roman. Councilwoman McGrath, >> thank you. Today I attended uh uh the
Essex County Executives annual press conference on annual drug takeback day um which was held in West Caldwell um with an invitation from the mayor there. Um and it was really great event. just highlighted what was already mentioned
in this meeting by the deputy mayor that Verona and other municipalities have um drug takeback bins and drug takeback day is on Saturday. And so this is the reminder to everyone that it is um
appropriate and safe to dispose of your prescription drug medications when they've expired, when you no longer need them. it is a good um exercise to go through them at least annually and you can bring them here um to town hall to
dispose of them and other locations around the county in addition at our the CVS in Cedar Grove. I recently disposed of some medication there. So they also have a bin. So the key is not to throw it down the toilets, not to throw it in
the garbage. and many individuals from um all levels of government including federal um expressed how this really helped to curb drug addiction, keep everyone safe and keep PE pets safe as well. People were telling stories how their pets ingested um medication as
well. So I encourage everyone to uh this weekend go through your medicine cabinet and where medication is stored and do um a clean out. And luckily, it's not just Saturday. You can dispose of these medications safely um at any time with
our collection bin. Um the Sha Tree Commission had a meeting last week. I want to congratulate them on hitting an important milestone on completing their community forestry plan. I believe the council will soon be getting a printed copy. Um this is a five-year strategic
planning document and this um shade tree commission is very strategic. Um and so I look forward to reading through it. There's some fantastic data in there which um will help to guide um where we plant trees in the future and what trees
to plant. With that said, I had a great meeting with Strands Engineering um on their designs for the streetscape. I did direct them to coordinate with the shade tree commission because there are some species of trees that we should not be planting anymore. We are overplanted
um and that is a a risk to our shade tree population because if a disease comes through we lose uh too much of our canopy at one time. Um and uh so I did ask the uh strands to coordinate with them before they come up with final
recommendations. and I did enjoy the um opening pitch for the VBSL uh celebration. Thank you. That's my report. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Holland. >> Thank you, everyone. Um I've been out of town recently, so I wasn't able to
attend some of the events highlighted by my colleagues, but they are always um a lovely part of the spring, especially all of the VBSL activities. So, congratulations to VBSL for their opening day. Um, and to VI for another
successful event. I do want to thank everyone who's offered kind words and encouragement for my family during this time is very much appreciated. Um, and very kind of folks to reach out. Um, I'll just also add that in addition to
the flood advisory committee meeting that was last week, there will be a MAK committee meeting coming up this week. Um and we will be discussing among other things some of the Q2 events that will be coming up which is um older Americans
um month. Um we'll be celebrating that on May 20th I believe as well as Pride and that event is scheduled for June 7th and disability pride which is um in the month of July. So we're still working on that one. And then we have some other
events that the committee is working on into uh the third and fourth quarters of the year. So definitely more on that coming up, but I just wanted to highlight that and really encourage folks that if you are interested in these events, please uh feel free to
participate in the MAK committee meetings. Um and our next one is on April 22nd. Thank you so much. That concludes my report. >> Thank you. Thank you. At this time, I'll open for public comment on any item any member of the council wishes any member of the public wishes to bring forth to the council. Madame clerk, would you please read the public participation
statement? 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 attending via Zoom. If you're dialing in by phone, press star 9. If you're attending in person, please raise your hand before and be acknowledged before approaching the lect
turn. Once recognized, clearly state only your name and township of residence for the record. They are 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. You'll have four minutes to address the council.
There'll be no cross dialogue during this public portion. After everyone wishing to speak has been heard, the council may address your comments and or questions. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Could you just uh resize the screen so I can see the whole just in case anybody puts a hand
up? Thank you. See no public comment. I close public comment and we'll move on to the adoption of ordinances. The next item on the agenda, Madame Clerk, is ordinance number 2026-12
on a second reading. Would you please read the title of this ordinance into the record? Establishing a new chapter 382 of the township code entitled pest control upon demolition or moving of buildings. >> Thank you. Would somebody move the ordinance?
>> So moved. >> Motion is made by the deputy mayor. I will second this ordinance. At this time we will have the public hearing on ordinance number 2026-12. The same public comment statement applies. No comment is limited to this
ordinance only. Seeing none, I close public comment. Any council discussion? Deputy mayor. >> Just quickly, I'd like to thank my colleagues for postponing this a little bit and changing the date uh the length of time you have to bait prior to demolition. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Madam Clerk, would you call the role, please? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. Deputy Mayor Mackoy. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Tambbor, >> yes. >> Mayor, uh, ordinance 2022-12 is adopted according to law. >> Thank you. Uh, the next item on the agenda is ordinance 2026-15. On second reading, Madame Clerk, would you please read the title of this
ordinance into the record? approving an application for a long-term tax exemption and authorizing the execution of a financial agreement with ANR Skyline Properties Urban Renewal LLC related to the redevelopment of block 2205 lot 6 commonly known the street
address of 885 Bloomfield Avenue. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Will somebody move the ordinance? >> So move. >> Motion's made by the deputy mayor. Is there a second? I'll second it that Councilman Roman was doing at the same time, but you could just throw it in as a seconding that
Madam Clerk. This time I open for public hearing on ordinance number 2026-15. Same public comment statement applies. Seeing none, I close public comment. Any council discussion?
Councilwoman Holland, >> I'll just offer that um I've previously expressed um my dissent with this project and and I'm not anticipating voting in favor of it this evening either.
>> Thank you. Anybody else? I'll just note that I think um you know while this is not optimum uh the whole way that affordable housing is done in the state of New Jersey is not optimum. I uh the township did in enter in a good
faith uh negotiation with the owners of this property for a settlement agreement to avoid a builder's remedy lawsuit uh related to the affordable housing mandate that was thrust upon us of course by Trenton. Um so this settlement
agreement uh further I'm sorry this um pilot agreement furthers that settlement agreement uh and would prevent that builder's remedy lawsuit that could be disastrous for the town and I've said uh multiple times that while I do not wish to necessarily vote uh in favor of this
in order to protect the township uh I must and I lament that others do not feel the same way. Um there was some I think public comment that I just uh an email that I wanted to address. Um first of all people said were concerned that
the board of ed uh would get nothing from a pilot agreement. Uh the the percent that the board of ed may get from this has not been decided. You actually have to agree to the pilot before you can distribute a pilot. Um so any discussion on that would take place
uh in the future. As far as engaging in that we have had some conversations with the board of ed and joint meetings about this. The board of ed has stated their position um and I would look forward to including the board of ed in those conversations. now um as far as what they think would be appropriate uh in
addition to the township's uh thoughts on the balance of the shared services agreement that exists between the two entities as well related to that. It is also important to note that this does not change the uh the land assessment on
this which is of course fully paid and that one of the reasons why the the pilot agreement is done is to reduce the number of units. The pilot agreement helps the uh let's say allows the developer to sell the property at a
higher uh profit margin which reduces the need to add additional units. Um so for people concerned that about the number of units part of limiting that impact um and having forale units and town houses versus an apartment building
was to provide this agreement. And I think that's also important to note is that this helped to actually reduce the number of units. So I thank the town of manager, our affordable housing council and our planner um for their work in getting that agreement done as well to
reduce those numbers. So when we look at one of these items, we have to look at it holistically um and really pay attention to how this will prevent the township from being further disadvantaged. Uh and I look forward to working with the board of ed on uh in my
my opinion, my position is to ensure that we do give the board of ed some of that uh pilot funding as they already would get of course the the land assessment uh that they would normally get on that property. And I look forward to those negotiations proceeding uh
collaboratively. And Madame Clerk, would you call the role, please? >> Councilwoman Holland. >> No. Councilwoman McGrath, no. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy,
>> yes. >> Mayor Tambborro, >> yes. >> Mirror, ordinance 2020 6-15 passes vote 3 to2. >> Thank you. >> All right, moving on to ordinances for introduction. Madam clerk, the next item
on the agenda is ordinance I1 on introduction. Would you please read the title of this ordinance into the record? >> Amending chapter 55, land use procedures, article one, planning board, section one, establishment and composition, paragraph D2, and article two, zoning board of adjustment, section
12, establishment and composition, paragraph D. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Would somebody move the ordinance, please? >> So moved. >> Motion's made by Councilwoman McGrath. Is there a second? I will second it. Any council discussion?
Madame Clerk, would you call the role, please? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tamuro, >> yes. >> Mayor, um, I1 will be numbered 2026-16.
Um, it will be referred to the planning board, right? Because it's 55. Yeah. And a public meeting will be determined later. Thank you. The next item of the agenda is ordinance I2 for introduction. Madame clerk, would you please read the title
of this ordinance into the record? >> Adopt Oops. Adopting the redevelopment plan for 251 and a half Grove Avenue redevelopment area, block 1201, lot 12. >> Thank you. Would somebody move the ordinance, please? >> So moved.
>> Motion's made by Councilwoman Holland. Is there a second? >> Second. Second is by Councilwoman McGrath. This time I'll ask our our experts uh Miss Siobhan and Mr. Plac to
provide a a summary of the redevelopment plan and take any questions of the council. >> Thank you, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Council. Um I'm just going to give a brief introduction. This again we come back and this was uh developed as pursuant to and consistent with the settlement
agreement that was reached with the challenger who was the contract purchaser JMF properties of the 251 half growth uh street property. um weren't open. So, I'm not going to talk about negotiations, but I will say that um
planner uh did a very fine job and stood her ground and we have a plan now which is fully consistent in all respects with the terms of the settlement agreement both in specific black and white terms and conceptually as was intended and
thought of as discussed with the special adjudicator and the VAL judge that we had uh with our settlement negotiations. So, I'll turn that over to the planner, let her present the plan itself. Um, I think you'll be pleased with it and we'll go from there. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Good evening, everyone. This is the last in that series of affordable housing plans until 10 years. By then, I'll be retired. So, um, so, um, basically it's pretty
self-explanatory. Um as uh our council said we negotiated with that number uh affordable units ensured everything is as per the U-Hack Rex and uh also we um discussed the design standards given the
fact that there are single family homes around it and um you know uh what I also um ens uh ensured is whatever they come up with in terms of design is uh very um
aesthetically pleasing and um and that's about it. I mean I if you would like me to get into the details I can but this is pretty much what it is. 84 town homes with 17 uh affordable and um we've um
I've also given references in terms of how we would like this to look. It's going to be three stories um the maximum height of 45. We also negotiated that with them. We negotiated the buffers so
that um they they had originally asked 8 foot and I think last week um was it last week, right? We spoke to them and insisted on having um that 15t buffer. Um so that's important. Um we also uh
discussed the building heights with them. we you know there was a lot of back and forth that uh you know went between uh between us and that's why the plan came to you on the Thursday then Monday as I'd originally
planned to. So um apologize for the delay but uh that's about it. >> Any questions for Mr. Long? Deputy mayor. >> Uh yes first thank you very much for this extensive uh research and and study
you gave us. It's been very very well done and very well thought out and all your hard work on this as well as our attorney back there. >> Uh my my big question with this is when we look at the bulk regulations uh why if we're doing are we considering the
ground floor the first story or are we just using that for parking? >> Um I I'm >> the ground floor is one story because we're you're saying it's three stories and 45 ft. >> So um right. So there there's a combination um with the parking uh what
they're proposing is um I've included a a concept plan just so that everybody understands um all the garage all the um all the town homes all but few of the town homes are going to have um
a one one car or twocar garage. So we took that into consideration and then there is surface parking uh which is for the um a few of the ka town houses as well as for um visitors. So that's why
in in the in the plan we specified that that parking spaces should be for those that do not have a garage. And I've uh in my experience, I've noticed in other towns that I worked for um is that once
we approve a development um they tend to turn turn those garages into storage spaces and uh that then that um you there was a inclusionary um development in one of the towns I worked and it became a nuisance you know when um so
that's why that's important that they be deed restricted because parking is just enough there. It's not Bloomfield Avenue. There's no municipal parking. So, uh that was another thought that went into this. >> So, I noticed that B you had that that
you're drest deestricting the garages to just uh parking, but my what I I'll just put it this way. What I dislike about this is that the maximum height is 45 ft. If we're talking three stories and you're doing 10 foot per story, I don't
know why we even need to go above 40. >> We we I 100% agree and I think our council will agree with me too. I brought it down from 60, right? Was it 5050? >> And I basically they just don't want to
be in a position of a C uh D6 variance then because you cannot they'll have to amend. So that was my biggest concern. Um, one of the things that when we were negotiating with Pam, uh, which is a thought I had and our, uh, administrator, uh, our town manager also
had the same thought and, um, was the areas the, you know, elevations that are facing all these single family homes, it better be attractive. So if they're look So So anyway, so we they just wanted that as a way of not having to go
through an amendment process, you know. >> Okay. Then can we add something in here that res No, a restriction that you cannot have a staircase to the attic area because I've seen in some they put a staircase and then a year down the road that becomes a bedroom.
>> I'll be happy to write that because I don't think that's an issue >> because with the height they can they can make a steeper roof and it becomes a bedroom area. Yes. Um, I'm just going to make that right now as we speak. Uh, bear with me. >> So, obviously a pull down staircase to an attic is fine for storage.
>> However, a walk up attic is is not acceptable. >> I mean, I think just just putting it out there that the price per square foot would increase immensely if these buildings were actually 45 feet tall. So, think they're probably going to be
smaller. or they're going to have a lower profile, but they're just putting that in there at this point just so they don't have to come back. >> They right and because you know these are all concepts. So we were we spent a good hour and a half, right, discussing
um this with them. So I felt comfortable enough to not push back. There are a lot of other things that I pushed back on. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Go ahead. >> I could understand if this was if the topography of this property was different. However, it's a very flat
piece of property. So, I don't think they're going to have a pro a problem with elevations and trying to find grading and and elevate, you know, given figuring out the height based on the elevations is pretty simple when you're looking at the topography of this property. actually respectfully um the
I've actually walked the site for uh the investigation. The topo when you come in from the driveway it's at a higher level and it literally falls down where it's almost in level with PCM. Uh they are um you know they're proposing to do a a lot
of like um you know for the >> portion of it is in the flood uh zone so they are grading it and all that. So given that perspective um they they just want didn't want they didn't want to go through this process because they were
saying 50 to 55 correct and there was no way we're going to you know um and I honestly I began with 40 that was uh my original um iteration and then it changed and >> so so 5T is deminimous in my opinion.
>> Thank you Councilwoman McGrath. >> Thank you. Um, I do want to talk a little bit about the buffers. So, I see in like 4-10, um, you know, it says that there's a 15 foot landscape buffer on the back, but
then there's that caveat. Um, so can you go into that and then go into exactly? I mean, where we're most concerned, and anyone watching this video on replay, um, is going to be most concerned that live on these streets is, you know, what is what is required of the developer to
screen this property in the back and then what's happening with the decks and the steps. And so, if you can go through all of that, that would be great. >> So, um, if you go to page 22 of the PDF, >> um, I've actually included the concept plan that they had submitted to me. Um
and in that there is a small portion um you know where the where the um uh let's see to the west um where the small portion of the parking lot goes 10 ft into like it's 10 ft setback I think not
15 >> and um you know it it's difficult for them to uh basically meet that requirement but that's why when We were when I insist on 15 and then we had this conversation. Uh they said that you know
I said to them come before the board you could have a waiver for it and they were saying that you know you've looked at this concept you'll be looking at those plans uh do you mind if we put this language is why I put that sentence sentence in. What I also added because I
you know whenever there are buffer uh setbacks or requirements there is actually the letter of the law and then the intent. So what I had said okay if you're not meeting that 15 foot augment it further so it meets the intent of of
buffering all the resident backs of the residential homes from this particular development. >> Okay. >> Does that make sense? >> It does. Okay. So what if like physically what's what's going to be installed what trees on that buffer line >> that will be as a part of the site plan
right in in the concept it it's not uh what I've put in was basically a combination of deciduous as well as evergreens and shrubs um and I've also given u given re uh sort of referenced
our tree type that we have a tree list and all that but Is there a specific recommendation you have? Then I'll be happy to consider that. >> No, I just want to make sure that there's like there's going to be things that it's going to be appropriate buffered. So, there's going to be a six-foot privacy screen as well.
>> That is correct. and and very um you know my goal here is that's why when I was speaking to them I was like your rear elevations better be attractive because nobody wants to see a block monolith of like vinyl or you know so
you know when you look at buffer you look at even the aesthetic of how a building looks you know and uh much as I understand >> you know I've actually walked the site And if you read the re uh investigation
report, I saw a lot of things. Um I would say that yes, it's a little higher. Yes, they are required to have a buffer, but my professional opinion it is is that it's a marked improvement. >> Mhm. >> You know. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anything is certainly better than the
storage units that were there previously stacked on top of one another. Um I I would just note that I think the the planning board will have a very thorough site plan review of this um based on I think your design criteria and I have confidence in the in the
planning board to really look into as is their responsibility >> uh to look into the details of this and to go through all of those items as well. Um, but I think I appreciate all of your um your investigations and your
walking to site and your turning this around so quickly so that we meet our obligations as well. S uh you are a rock star. >> Oh, >> I'll get a big head now. Somebody say something mean to me right now. >> You're too good. That was that was my
meme. All right. Thank you, Sam. >> Thank you very much. Have a wonderful night. Any other comments? Madame Clerk, would you call the role on ordinance 20? I'm sorry, I two. >> Councilwoman Holland,
>> yes. Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambbor, >> yes. Mayor I2 will be number 2026-17
and it will be referred to the planning board. >> Thank you. Would somebody like to move the consent agenda? >> Do you have Yes. >> Um can we please pull um L8 please from the consent agenda? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> LA is removed. So like to move the
consent agenda. >> So move them. Motion is made by Councilwoman McGrath to move L1 through L7 and L9. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. This time I'll open for public
comment on all of the consent agenda items including L8. Same public comment statement applies though we are limited to just the consent agenda. Hear none. A close public comment. Any council discussion? Councilwoman McGre um Holland.
>> Thank you. I'll just make note of um you know resolution the first resolution that we have listed and and the use of the I bank. Um I think it's been tremendously helpful to the township of Verona to utilize the I bank. Um and so
I'm happy that we are continuing to do so. Um and so thank you. I agree and I thank our experts and our potential managers and our attorneys for getting that done. Madame clerk, would you please call the role?
>> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambbor, >> yes. Mayor, resolutions L1 through L7
and L9 will be numbered 91 through 90 N, sorry. >> Thank you. Would somebody please move resolution L8? >> So moved. >> Motion is made by the deputy mayor. Is there a second?
I will second that motion. This time I'll have any comments on resolution L8. Councilwoman Mira. Thank you. Um, you know, certainly this piece of legislation, um, as it's currently written is very challenging. Um, and so
I lean in support of this, uh, resolution. However, I know it's this is the template from the League of Municipalities. I just would, um, prefer that we amend some of the language at the very end. Um, the first is something that we've done before with previous
resolutions. I just like to add the caveat um on the second to the bottom par paragraph whereas S-1836 and I would like to add the caveat as it is currently written just so we're clear
that we are opposing the bill as it is today because as we know these bills get um amended often um I you know think the further language in that paragraph the egregious assault um is just a little
egregious. Um, and I just would prefer if we just simplified that to say um, override. So, it reads um, that this bill permits the pass bypassing of the local planning process which um, which overrides municipal autonomy and local
decision making just to tone it down a notch. Um, and then on the second paragraph, instead of the word defeat, I would prefer that we just say not support. Um, because again, it may be revised in the future and it could be
something that um is actually palpable. You never know. Um, and so I would I don't know how I wrap that up into >> You would need to make a motion to >> I would like to make a motion to u make those suggested edits to this resolution.
>> Is there a second? >> Second. Any discussion? >> Where was the last the defeat one? >> It's in the second line last um >> the Oh, at the bottom. >> Oh, at the bottom. I'm sorry. Yes. I
didn't realize there was more on the second page. Yeah, >> I am in favor of all of the the first item which as it is written now. I am not in favor of the second. I do think that this is an egregious assault on the municipal planning process and our
autonomy and I think we need to characterize it as such. This is the the bill as proposed is a is an end round against all of the the zoning regulations and is potentially disastrous. Um so I I don't necessarily
want to uh to limit the language, but that is uh that's my opinion on that. So, um I would be in favor of the the first and the um the the first suggestion would be the as it stands
now. Um and I'm fine with the third suggestion. I'm not fine with the second edit. So, I would vote no on this um unless it's remended. I would vote no on the amendments. >> Councilwoman Holland, >> I favor the amendments. Um, I do find
that, um, kind of the more inflammatory language isn't necessarily the most effective form of persuasion. Um, especially when it comes to, um, legislation um, and especially when it's a template resolution that's going to
potentially be repeated by several other um, municipalities. So, if there's concern that somehow our choice of words um is going to eliminate the legislaturator's receipt
of folks saying egregious assault, um I think that's unlikely since this is a template from the League of Municipalities, but I do think it indicates um you know, the way Verona would choose to advocate and I just don't think that bombastic or
inflammatory language is nec necessarily the most effective way of communicating. Um, so I do think overrides is a measured and appropriate term um to be used to be used there. And I do think that the other edits were also measured
and appropriate. >> Other comments? >> Yes, deputy mayor. >> Uh, I just want to circle back to the whole affordable housing uh process in the state. This is just >> I know just for this one. >> We're ju we're just on the amendments.
>> I know. And and this is this is this goes to my point is this is something that it's proposed for the entire state of New Jersey and every municipality is different and this is what I hate about the whole process. uh if this
legislation passes and we look at Verona with how many houses of worship we have and if I I totally agree and this is why I moved this motion. Uh I I just um I'm okay with uh exactly what the mayor said
also. The first and the third are fine. I hope there's some way we can come to an agreement on this and and find a way or some verbiage for the second that all of us will agree on because I think a 50 going to uh these organizations and
these groups would be beneficial. So I don't know what other verbiage we can put in here but uh I do agree it is it is an assault on some towns that will be very very much affected. I mean, we talk about how schools are affected by all
these developments. This is just going to open up a a crazy amount of it could possibly open up a crazy amount of developing in this town for religious institutions that we know are not profitable right now. Uh so that those
are my thoughts. I just hope that some other verbiage can be put in here so that we can say yes to one of these two or three proposed resolutions. I would be in favor of changing it to dangerous override
rather than egregious assault. I propose that as a as a uh a way of getting consensus. I think we need stronger language, but if we want to use term override, I think dangerous is the appropriate word. Councilman Roman,
>> I'm good with that. That's a reasonable middle ground, I think. I mean I you know I agree with pushing back at this bill. I think that it's you know again just going to cause further and further issues and you know in Verona and other locations. So I am not offended by using
some strong language to indicate that we can that we think that this is a real problem. Um I think that your your compromise softens it just enough while getting the point across. >> Council McGrath, would you like to amend your motion to include a dangerous override?
Um, I'm not 100% comfortable with that either. I think any language that evokes violence is where I'm objecting and I think that's why I'm like concerned. I know it's conceptual, but I just I'm a little off-put by again assault and
dangerous. Like I I um that's where I'm just like a little thrown. I am prepared to vote for this. I just the I guess the semantics really does matter to me tonight. But um um you know um
>> what about substantial a sub which is a substantial override of municipal autonomy >> substantial I don't think describes the dangerous nature of it. I think that this is a the state more and more has
interfered with the local government's right to legislate uh and saying substantial anything could be substantial you can it could be >> substantially good uh as well as substantially bad I don't think the word >> a substantial interference with the local government
>> with well a substantial interference with municipal autonomy and local decision-m Yeah. >> Say that again. >> Yeah. Substantial interference with >> Okay. >> It just be substantial interference with
>> with local >> with local government autonomy. municipal with municipal autonomy >> bypassing the local planning process which >> or we could change it to instead of an
egregious attack an egregious override and that would include egregious and override. How does everybody feel about that egregious override >> that I'm more comfortable with? >> Is that okay with you? >> Yes. >> Is that okay with you, Councilwoman?
>> Okay. Okay. So, I amend my previous um motion >> motion to amend >> to amend um to use the words um >> egregious >> egregious override override of >> of municipal. >> So, instead of assault over
>> and councilwoman Holland, since you second that, would you second the amendment to the amendment? >> Second. >> Fantastic. All those in favor of that just say I. >> I. >> I. Anybody opposed? Motion's carried. Um, Madame Clerk, would you call the
role on L8, please, as amended? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes. >> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambbor, >> yes. >> With the um edits, L8 will be number
2026-099. >> Okay. Um, and just one item of new business at this point. We uh we did get it the information from the municipal clerk about uh the reccomittee appointment. So um I would like to go into close session to discuss that and take official action uh at the
conclusion of close session. Um any other new business? Okay. Well, we will be in executive session very shortly. We will be taking official action uh when we come out. >> You do the last public. >> Oh, sorry. No, we could do that at the
end. >> Okay. Um because we're still in new and unfinished business for the executive. >> Okay. >> So we're taking the we're just doing it earlier. >> Alex >> Alex has you call me. Okay. The recording just started again.
>> Oh my gosh. >> Sorry. We're good. >> Okay. All right. We are back in open session. I will make a motion to appoint um sorry uh Mora Hefner to the unexpired
term on the Verona Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. >> Second. >> Is there a second? >> I will second that. >> Seconds by the deputy mayor. Any discussion on that? I will open for public comment on that
motion. Hearing none. I close public comment. Madame clerk, uh, do you have a date on that, Madam Clerk? Just so we can put that on the record. The term expiration date. >> Yes. Um, one second. I'm sorry. January 15, 2027.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Would you call the role, please, on the motion to appoint Miss Hefner to unexpired term expiring January of 2027? >> Councilwoman Holland, >> yes. >> Councilwoman McGrath, >> yes.
>> Councilman Roman, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Mackoy, >> yes. >> Mayor Tambor, >> yes. >> Mayor's appointment of U Hefner is approved 50- they'll be notified accordingly. Thank you, Madam Clerk, and we appreciate your management of all of
those volunteer things. That is an undertaking for sure. And I look forward to her service on the rec committee. This time, I'll for public comment on any matter any member of the public wishes to bring before the council. Same public comment statement applies.
Anybody in the gallery wish to make a public comment. >> Seeing none, close public comment. >> Mayor, I'm sorry. You want to make a public comment? >> I Well, I in a way, yes, but I I misspoke um when we introduced successfully uh ordinance 2026-16
changing the um chapter 55 in our code. >> Okay. >> It does not go to the planning board. >> It's not >> it's it's a Yes, it's a uh changing the composition. Yeah. >> So, the the public hearing will be held on May 4th. >> Okay.
May the fourth be with us on that date. >> Okay. And at this time, I'll entertain any other big motions that anybody wants to make. >> Motion to close. >> The motion to adjurnn is made by the
deputy mayor. Is there a second? >> Second. >> The second is made by Councilwoman McGrath. >> Fortunately, this is a non-debatable motion. >> All those in favor? I >> I. All those opposed, the motion carries. We'll see everybody on May 4th.