like Waldwick, New Jersey, where we are now, by the municipal clerk clerk sent to the Bergen Record. Additionally, to the extent known, the in accordance with the open public meetings act, the agenda for this meeting and whether formal action will be taken were posted in the
administration building in this building as per PL 2025 C72 was also posted on our official borough website www.waldwicknj.gov meeting dashboard. Clerk, please take the roll. >> Mayor Giordano
>> I am here. >> Uh Ms. Sara Coladonato here. Mr. Martinello >> Here. >> Mr. Richie >> Here. >> Ms. Smith >> Here. >> Ms. Wingate >> Here. >> Everyone, kindly 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. >> Let us have a moment of silence for all our Waldwick veterans, all veterans of our country who have given the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, to die
for our freedom, so that we are allowed to assemble the way we are today. Clerk, please lead the prayer. >> We thank you for everyone gathered here now. Thank you that you know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with you. We say that we are dependent on you and our trust is in you completely. As
we surrender ourselves in adoration, we ask that you would come by your Holy Spirit and inspire our hearts today. Come fill our lives with your love, fill our conversations with your grace and truth, fill this meeting with your presence. We ask this for your glory and praise. Amen. >> Amen. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to our meeting tonight.
Uh There are no [clears throat] proclamations or presentations. Uh under my report, I would like to thank the members of the council who attended the Memorial Day ceremony. I would also like to thank the members of the council who attended the 250th uh lecture uh with
the Waldwick Public Library here in Waldwick. The lecture was with George Washington New Jersey in the Revolutionary War. I'd like to thank everybody who came to the um municipal Alliance's car show. Chuck did a great job as usual. I want to thank you for that.
Also, I will be attending the ECLC in Hohokus graduation ceremony. There'll be six young adults graduating in from the high school there from the high school. And also tomorrow night, if weather permits, we will have our first concert, Bruce Chambers, which is a resident of
our borough. Also, starting next month, we will all be wearing our blue shirts. Um Mike, thank you for doing it. Uh a technical difficulty, it's the way it is, but I took my jacket off.
No, no, you don't have to apologize. Everything is all right. But we will be wearing our blues in uh our dress blues in June and until September. Also, um starting next meeting, which is in June,
uh the beginning of the meeting, before I under my report, instead of me doing a report, I'll wait for a new business, our finance chair will be talking to us about our finances and talking to us about our budget and talking to us about everything to do with finances. So, if anybody wants to know anything about how
our money's being spent and what's going on, tune in and look at the the meeting if you're not here or come to the meeting. Everything will be open for everyone to know. We are very transparent on what we do. People might think we're not, but we are. And that's all how we're going to handle it moving forward.
That's all I have to report right now. Financial Administrative Committee, Mr. Marinello. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, last week Finance Committee continued to work on its negotiations for the pilot program. We met internally um, to discuss the latest negotiations, which are still in
progress with the, um, with the developer. Uh, we remain focused on securing the best possible agreement for the town, and we'll continue to work diligently toward that goal. Um, in addition, the administrator and clerk have been working with the Board of Education to schedule a meeting. Gone
back and forth on numerous dates with uh, availability, um, tough with professionals from the, uh, financial advisor, attorneys, everybody who works, um, different jobs. So, we're still working to get a date that works for everyone.
Hopefully, we will do that in the next few days here. Um, on tonight's agenda, we'll be approving two leases for two new police vehicles. These vehicles were included in our 2026 budget process, and will allow the department to retire
and auction off three older vehicles. Uh, the funds for those leases will come from police vehicle fund, not from any capital fund, so it's separate and, um, earned income from our police department as they work for overtime jobs in other
municipalities, or for PSE&G, things that are jobs for blue, I think it's called. So, that those funds are paying for those vehicles, um, as they do a great job in, uh, replenishing that on a monthly basis. Finally, you'll see on tonight's agenda the certification of our,
uh, audit report, which was completed successfully. As always, there's a couple of small findings, which the CFO has addressed in there, but nothing material. Uh, we've clean up clean opinion as always with, uh, great financial records. And, um, that's it. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Fire and First Aid and
Protection Committee, Mr. Burnett's not here tonight. His grandchildren are at a summer concert, and, uh, as we always took an active role, our families come first. He asked me if he could be excused, and I said, "No problem." So, he'll report back to us at at our next meeting. Public Safety Committee, Ms. Wingate.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have just a few updates from Wallback. Um so, I spoke with Lucas, and they um wanted to or he wanted to give um [clears throat] a dollar amount to some of the calls that they've been
taking um to show show the savings that it saves the town. So, and for example, in May, they did take um 19 calls, which is an approximate savings of $20,000. So, we thank them for that, and that's a that's such a huge help to the town.
Um some of the events that they had recently were the car show and Crescent Day, and they uh went off without any incidents, so we thank them for being there. Uh coming up, they have uh or we have the high school graduation and the
junior PD, which they plan on um organizing with the events um um the event coordinators to make sure they can be on standby. And I just had a quick update for the uh Board of Education meeting.
>> Sure. >> Um so, I see some of the Board of Education meeting uh or Board of Ed uh members are here. So, um I just wanted to update the council that there was a lot of talk about the um
the fees for using the fields, and there's a lot of debate going around about that. Um some someone did bring up um why why doesn't the town run the fields, and my understanding is that the the and it was mentioned last night that the fields are owned by the school, so
it's it's a little bit different from other towns, but that's why we uh don't um or or control the uh run the the fields. Um so, there's a lot of debate about that, so I recommend any um anyone that's interested in that to attend the
Board of Education meetings. They are going to discuss it more and they have tabled that for for August. Um and then there was mention of the pilot program and as Councilman Martinez said that we are trying to work on that
meeting and there was some talk of why are we going to have the meeting? It's not to explain a pilot, it's just to make sure that we're all on the same page and to make sure that we have the best possible pilot if that is is what's going to happen for the town.
All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. And by the way, at the at the car show I got I had to buy two mugs from the ambulance core. Hot hot and cold mugs. They were >> Oh. >> They were >> I have to get one then. I was just about it.
>> Recreation and Health Committee, Ms. Smith. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Again, we've had a really busy month coming into June. One thing I I wanted to thank Bruce and Joanne Mitchell on behalf of the public library for the event the other night with with Joe Forcus. It was really
engaging and fun and well attended and Joe is he's a retired US Army officer and he worked at as a docent at the Morristown Washington Headquarters. So he gave a wonderful presentation about how crucial New Jersey and Washington
were to the Revolutionary War effort in in this state and it really opened my eyes and I'm a history buff but I learned I learned a lot so thank you so much for for supporting that that event. Then we had the car show. I don't think I have to say too much other than thank you to to Chuck and every all the volunteers who were there. I think it
was a great day and good weather and well so it was a great event brings lots of people together. And Mr. Mayor, did you purchase any cars? >> Uh my wife tried to get me to buy some. >> [laughter] >> Yes, you already mentioned the you already mentioned the concert tomorrow
night. Unfortunately, I will not be able to be there, but I think the weather is going to hold out for Blues Traveler to play at Board Park. Bring your blankets and your chairs, and it should be a really good night of music. Our second one will be Tim Garrison, and that happens in
August. And then, just highlight a couple things that are going on at the library. I think I mentioned this before, but I probably said the word wrong. People are going to be there. I think her name is Christine, to make a dog Bring your dog, she will actually make caricatures. I
can't say that word. Um, of of your dog. And you do have to call for space. It's on the 13th of June to be able to make an appointment for that to happen. Um, also on June 16th, we are having another Cafe in Conversation, and I encourage everybody, it is in the middle
of the afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30, but it was well attended in May, and that's another one of our residents, Megan Beasy, who established that. And so far, she got a second, you know, call back to be able to to uh, keep going. So, I would encourage everybody. And also,
congratulations. I know I'm going to leave some sports team out, so I'm just going to say congratulations to all our Waterloo athletes from all levels for their achievements as we wrap up the uh, spring um, semester and head into summer time.
The boys baseball team, I know, got to the sectional final, and it was a pretty close game. Unfortunately, they did did not come out on top, but congratulations especially to the boys for their and the girls soccer team, I think, got to the semi-finals. If I'm correct, Joe. Joe Joe would know more than I do, so.
>> [laughter] >> And that's it. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Public Works Committee, Mr. Richie. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. And good evening, everyone. So, just a few uh, updates. I think the microphone's not working so well, so I will project. I will project. Thank you.
So, uh, two all right. Two two uh two quick things. Uh you know, I've been on the Finance Committee for a few years now. I've never seen it so active. And we literally meet uh weekly to discuss uh all things kind of finance and administrative in the town.
Uh it's been a really good cadence. We uh we kind of discuss things, present them to the to the council. Um and so there's a continuous look into how we can solve some of the um uh the budget issues. But then also there's the pilot the pilot the pilot
everyone keeps talking about. And I imagine with some of the folks in the crowd tonight we'll be talking about it later. Um but hopefully we'll have an update we can talk about later. So, I just want to say thanks to Council President and uh and obviously uh Tatiana. They've really been spearheading a good uh Finance
Committee. So, uh all is well there. On the public works side, I do apologize. Uh a few times folks have come up and asked about the Sewer Authority. Those are meetings where I haven't been here. Uh I promise on the the the first time
it was brought up I was on the phone. It was like 2:00 a.m. in in England, but I was on the phone. The second time I missed it. Um and so I think you know, just to kind of touch on that for a second. Uh anyone who's who's concerned I think has a right to be concerned. When when I
think the mayor saw that I I had a concern in uh the Sewer Authority the the the the sewers that were uh treating in town and put me as a liaison, we immediately met with uh kind of senior folks within the Sewer Authority at this location and
uh like throughout the county, right? So, we we tried to get as high as we could uh on the food chain. I think the both of us were fair but firm with the the Sewer Authority that it was we were concerned. Not so much about the smell. We you know, the smell is is atrocious
and it can ruin barbecues and you know, coffee in the morning and it's not fun. But what we really expressed our concerns about the potential health hazards and kind of what do we not know? Well, you know, we don't know what we don't know and uh if you can smell the sewer facility, who knows what you're breathing. So, I
think we're we were very fair with them. Uh we were firm that we were looking for a uh for a a response to that um and then patient for for a few months waiting for a response. Uh you know, 2 months went by uh
and follow-up email led to unfortunately we're not prepared to give you a response yet. Uh and I have to admit that I thought we were very clear in that meeting that we you know, we wanted to move this quickly. So, um you know, so we'll continue to press,
but I but I think the one thing that we really need is for the residents to just continue speaking up about this. I don't think that they that they necessarily want the bad press. I don't think that most people in town even know what it is down there uh and that we have no control over it.
We are completely uh not in control of the raw sewage that is being uh filtered through our town. Um uh but it's happening at at at very high uh frequencies. That's what you smell when you drive by it uh and I think that we
really need them to to uh address this uh for safety reasons more than anything, but but if I'm emailing them and the mayor and I are meeting with them, you know, once a quarter, that's not going to move that's not going to move anything. That's just two people, all right, who are
uh you know, making a making, you know, an annoyance. We really need the community to speak up, whether it be on Holbrook United or sending emails out. There was a there was a uh a petition, right, that was circulating uh last year. We need
everybody, all hands on deck here, the whole community to get involved if we're going to make any change down there. It's going to be because everyone here started to ask why and what's happening, and I think that uh there's there's no there's just no political divide here. We all need to come together on this and figure out how
to put the pressure on them. So, we will continue to kind of I think direct that, but we but we really need your help. So, on the Sewer Authority, that's what's kind of happening there. And I guess I'm going to end I'll end my report on that matter. Thank you
>> Building and Grounds Committee, Mr. Ricardo Drake. >> Thank you, Mayor. Unfortunately, we're having an issue with a condenser on the second floor of the administration building. A contractor was there today and will be providing a quote for the repair. So, I'll keep you all updated. I also just want to thank Kelly and the
bureau administration for successfully completing another primary election. It was great to receive the prompt county committee results because those aren't available on the website like you can check everything else. So, I appreciate the accuracy and hard work as always. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Our um clerk will be speaking for the administration. >> Um I actually don't really have much of a report. >> Okay. >> I I really don't have a report. >> Okay. >> Actually, I do have one thing to say. Um the primary election went off
really without a hitch and that's really because of the outstanding board workers we have here in Waldwick. They really are top-notch. We are one of the few towns who we have so many and for these types of elections, it could
be a long day because it wasn't as as busy, but we keep bringing them back because there are, you know, general elections that get pretty swamped. So, I just want to thank all of them and especially our our super board workers for all their hard work
with this election. Again, they did a fantastic job. Our PD was able to we were able to put everything together at night and get the police department down there to bring our returns down. So, I appreciate everyone's efforts. DPW was great helping us set up and then um
breaking everything down and then uh putting it back up before 10:00 on the next day, so uh thanks to PD and to DPW as well. Uh that's all I have for that. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> I'm returning. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh no report this evening. There will be one item for close session on contract negotiations
for about 15 minutes. >> Is that to do it or is that to do it? Cuz I was told to recuse myself. >> You are. >> Yes. >> I'll be recusing myself. I will be turning it over to uh Council President. >> Thank you. Consent resolutions and resolutions of the governing body. >> Be it resolved that the following
resolutions herewith listed by consent having been considered by the governing body of the Borough of Waldwick hereby passed and approved. 2026-173 approval of consent. 2026-174 approval of minutes, regular meeting and close session meeting May 12, 2026 and
regular meeting of May 26, 2026. Policy votes. A, the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce requests to turn the town's teal for the month of September for ovarian cancer awareness month as per their letter dated May 27. B, Jessica Calucci requests to use Pavilion A on
August 15th from 1:00 to 6:30 for a birthday party with alcoholic beverages. C, Teresa Impemba requests to use Pavilion B on September 13th from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. for a family reunion with alcoholic beverages being served. D, the appointment of Christine Haddad um as
senior member of the Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department. 2026-175 authorizing annual appointment of municipal representatives to the Bergen County Community Development uh Regional Committee for the fiscal year 2026-2027 period covering July 1st, 2026 through
June 30th, 2027. 2026-176 authorize waiver of permit fees for the Waldwick Public Library for the installation of a gazebo. 2026-177 award fair and open contract to All American Ford of Paramus for the lease of the 2026 Ford Expedition vehicle in
the total amount of $70,659.60. 2026-178 award of fair and open contract to All American Ford of Paramus for the lease of a 2027 police interceptor utility all-wheel drive vehicle in the amount of $49,559.81. 2026-179
authorized liquor license renewal for a Towne India LLC. 2026-180 approval of raffle license 2026-04 to the Waldwick Baseball Association on premise draw. 2026-181 approval of raffle license 2026-05 for the Waldwick Lions Club off premise
50/50. Appointment I'm sorry, 2026-182 appointment of 2026 pool lifeguards. 2026-183 Accept the resignation of part-time clerk typist Deborah Lyon. 2026-184 Appointments for clerk one for recreation. 2026-185
Certification of the annual audit. 2026-186 Approval of corrective action plan. 2026-187 [clears throat] Authorizing the Borough of Waldwick tax Waldwick's tax collector to prepare and mail estimated tax bills in accordance with public law 1994 chapter 72.
2026-188 Payment of vouchers. >> Do you have a motion and a second to accept? Motion by Joe, second by Mike. Do you want to have a question? Nope. If not, would we take the roll? >> Mr. Coladonato >> Yes.
>> Oops. Oops. Mr. Martinello >> Yes. >> Mr. Rocchio >> Yes. >> Ms. Smith >> Yes. >> Ms. Wingate >> Yes. >> Okay, we have a couple of public hearings. We have to void ordinance number 2026-07.
>> Ordinance number 2026 number seven. An ordinance to amend chapter 63 parking and lots in its entirety. >> Anyone from the council like to comment on this ordinance that was just read? No one? >> I'll make a comment. I saw um a lot of the emails that came in with concern
about this, and I spoke with Kelly, and I I think that the fact that we haven't raised the prices in like 20 years is something that we need to remind everyone about because obviously inflation and the cost of living has gone up over 20 years. So, I think that that was an important point to note.
Thank you. >> Anyone else? And also, just keep in mind that we don't own that lot. It's owned by Jersey Transit. And we don't have a say on what goes who goes in there and what people go in there. It's on a first come, first serve basis. Unfortunately, we'd love to have all our
village residents have first come, but we can't do it out because it's not [snorts] our lot. Anybody else? >> I I I can add. I think um also an important thing that's come out of this is that the lot has been underutilized for a number of years, really since COVID. Um and we have the
demand of both residents and non-residents um has remained steady. Um and for as many people who are upset that we're not doing an annual permit anymore, um we're getting just as many, if not more, calls telling us that
the daily parking has to be the way to go um because they can't use a lot. They're pulling up to a lot that's that's uh 3/4 of the way empty, um and we can't have that. We need a lot that is being used by everybody who can use it. So, um we have to open the lot
to everyone. Uh we can't just give preference to village residents because we don't own the lot. >> I'd like to add a little bit more to that, Mr. Mayor. Um Look at some pure math when we look at that. When you do some research
about commuters who travel from North Jersey to New York City, the majority of those go to New York about 3 days a week. There are some exceptions where they go 5 days a week, some that go only two or one. So, that's about $12 a week.
And when you look at average people who are working in New York City, you're probably talking about 48 weeks, not 52 when you take into vacations, holidays, and whatnot. So, when you do that math, it's about $576 for those days compared to where we were
at $250. And as Councilwoman Sara Coller Drake said, we haven't raised that price in many, many, many, many years. And you compare it to Hohokus, which is very similar to us in terms of proximity on the rail line, their annual pass is $500.
So, we're very much in line. And how that anecdotal evidence kind of is proved out, when you go look at the train station on a daily basis, it's sometimes half, sometimes 2/3 full,
even though we have 150 parking spots sold or oversold, but we have another 150 people who are on the waiting list who can't use it. So, now we'll be able to serve more people. And we look at the numbers even a little
further, about 60% of those 150 licenses that are sold for those spots are Waldorf residents, so about 90 people. And then we have about another 70 people who are on the waiting list who are Waldorf residents who get turned away because they can't park there. Now they
will at least have fair opportunity, and on those days where people are not commuting to work, they can use that lot. And also opens up a municipal lot for us, not right around the corner, but we have folks who are parking in the right eight lot to go travel. Our police department has to
monitor that. Our police department has to monitor a manual list daily of the parking permits by our plates that are in that lot. Now we'll have an automated system through an already metered lot. So a lot of advantages
there where they can spend more time on public safety and traffic concerns rather than looking at a list. So there's a lot of soft benefits there, too. And the dollar difference really Yes, there are some for some people, for sure. But the overwhelming majority,
it's not that big of a difference. And we are giving a benefit to a lot of other people in town who can now use that spot instead of having to travel to another community to park and pay there. So a lot of pluses and minuses. This is not a decision that the council, the
clerk, the administrator made uh without any thought. So any comment on that, it was thought out. You see we did math. You see we did analysis on all of these things. So thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Okay. I close the
council's comments and open up to the public. Anybody from the public would like to comment? Please come to the microphone, state your name and address, for the record. I'm sorry, not your address, just your name. >> No problem. >> Sorry. >> Um Magdalena Kolumbajewska, and I do
have a concern about the lot. We've been here in for years. We've been on the waiting list for a year when we first moved in. We commute, both of us, unfortunately, to the city, and we do go 5 days a week. On very rare occasion, it is, you know, four, three days a week. We use the lot
constantly throughout the weeks. And for our household, a $250 permit that is now going to cost us roughly about $1,000 a year. If you commute, you know, even with vacations, that's a lot. And there's no option whatsoever to have the
lot divided into half because there is room for it to be divided for parking permits, you know, for an annual basis or 30, you know, 6 months at a time like we just had in the past 6 months. And you're also raising the meter
prices. We paid $2.75 if you want to park right now on the street. You're raising for 16 hour day to $4 plus the fees of the meter because the app you know gives you a fee. And also you're extending the hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Right now
the meters are 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding holidays and you're including the holidays. So for a resident that is you know a medium size household that has been given this permit for about 3 years now, it's a very big change for us that we have to adjust our budget to
starting in July. So I just want to and I did write an email and I did not receive a response. So just wanted to state that I don't think the council has the best interest of the residents. I understand the fee of 250 is way too low. I'm
up for raising the price to 500 like every other, but Allendale for example, which is again going in the other direction of our town, has a $300 annual permit for a whole year. So you know >> There are pretty some major differences, right? So Allendale has a much bigger
lot and >> Okay. >> accommodate much more people. So they have a difference there. And you know in in all due respect your situation is [clears throat] one. You We have other people who commute to New York City one day a week who cannot use the lot,
right? Or can't because they can't get a permit. >> Correct. >> Even though the lot is underutilized because there's it's a third empty every day. So definitely hear your concern and do, but we are we have to look at all the >> I understand, but you're not given at
all options. You're doing a daily parking >> to remember too that we are limited in a lease agreement with the New Jersey Transit on what we can and can't do. So if even if we were to segregate the lot and say some of them are going to be for annual passes." We have no guarantee that you would get one.
>> Well, of course I know. >> a different town, uh somebody from a different area who could get that. So, there definitely is plusses and minuses to that. >> Of course, but >> Kelly, anything to add on that one? >> I don't I don't really have anything to add. I mean, the lot
We have there's several issues. So, the people who have passes, they change vehicles, they change they leave. So, we don't know any of those those things until it's time to renew. And then, "Well, I didn't get the email." So, then they didn't renew their pass, so then they get a ticket. It It
there's just no way to segregate the lot so that it's fair for everyone. There really isn't. There's just This is the This is the easiest way that we can maximize that lot. >> Yeah, but you did it in January. You renewed the passes.
>> No, we did that knowing we were going to settle with New Jersey Transit. That's why we held that pattern for 6 months. That's why. >> No, but also we were not notified about that, you know, ahead of time. >> Everyone was notified via email. Melissa was very clear.
>> about the changes after June. >> We were We sent out emails. We sent out mailings. And people called and we told them what was happening. So, >> Yeah, in June. >> So, I'm not sure why you didn't hear >> No, no, I I have a pass. I was the first one to go in January to make sure I
secure my pass for the following 6 months. What I'm saying is at the time in January, no one said that you are Yes, we were told that you're negotiating with the transit, but no one ever said it's going to be taken away. >> No, because we didn't know at that time.
We were still negotiating. >> Okay. Well, I I would appreciate if the council could put in some for the resident that do commute to the city. And I understand there's a should be an increase, but also going from down to $2.75 to $4. that's a lot
of increase for a full day you know, at the parking lot. >> it actually isn't. >> Well, for myself it is because of my household budget right now that I have to account for. >> Ho-Ho-Kus is $8. >> Okay, but we're not Allendale and we're not in Ho-Ho-Kus, we're River Edge. >> You're just trying to compare us to
Allendale. >> Yeah, I know cuz that's what I was looking for because they have available permits. So, you know, for me to make sure I can have something reasonable within you know, not paying $1,000 but paying $300 or $400 for a year. That's what I was looking at the options.
Ho-Ho-Kus has no spots available. So, you know, just wanted to make sure I adjust my opinion. That's what this meeting is for. Thank you. >> Anyone else? I close the council's up I'm sorry. >> Sorry.
Um are we allowed to talk about the pilot program or this is >> This is just the ordinance. >> Oh, okay. >> On the public's comment you can talk. >> Okay, thank you. >> You're welcome. Anyone else to talk about this ordinance? If not, I close the um public's comments and ask for a motion
and a second to pass this ordinance on second reading and that the clerk be authorized to post this notice as required by law. Motion by Mike, second by Joe. Clerk, please take the roll. >> Mr. Saracole Drake Mr. Martinello >> Yes. >> Mr. Richie >> Yes. >> Ms. Smith >> Yes. >> Ms. Wingate
>> Yes. >> Clerk, can you read the ordinance number 2026-08? >> Ordinance number 2006-08 an ordinance to amend chapter 48 fees section 63-3 park and ride in its entirety and section 91-12.2
vehicles and traffic paid parking fees to update fees. >> Any member of the council wants to comment? This is part of the first one that we talked about. >> Mhm. >> And this is this everything just moving forward. Anyone else on the council? If not, I close the council's comments. Anybody from the public would like to
comment? If not, I close the council's uh comments and I'm sorry. >> Public's >> I'm sorry. Public's comments. And if no one is saying anything, we will uh uh ask for a motion and a second to pass this ordinance on the second reading
that the clerk be be authorized to advertise it as required by law. Motion and a second by Mike, second by Joe. Clerk, take the roll. >> Mr. Calderay. Yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Richie. >> Yes. >> Ms. Smith. >> Yes. >> Ms. White.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Last one. Clerk, would kindly read ordinance number 2026-09. >> Ordinance number 2006 uh 2026-09. Ordinance to amend chapter 48 fees section 52 Waldwick Junior Police Academy to set fees [clears throat] for
2026 with annual increase thereafter and section 65 police training facility non-participating municipal law enforcement agency use fee to increase the fee. >> Anyone from the council would like to comment on this ordinance? This is a good summer program that uh
this is our fourth year in a row. >> Yes, sir. >> Coming in and it's a good program. There's a lot of young kids from our community that uh uh sign up for it and they learn a lot from the police department especially. Then you have the fire department, you have the ambulance core.
Uh and believe it or not, they come and say hello to me. And hopefully they learn something about that, but we'll see what happens. Uh but it's a good program and I I like that it's moving forward every year. And I want to thank you, Chief, and uh police department for allowing us to keep on going. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Anybody else from the council? If not, I close the council's comments. Anybody from the public would like to comment? If not, I close the uh public's comments and ask for a motion and a second to pass this ordinance on second reading and that the clerk be authorized to post this notice as
required. Motion and a second by Katie, second by We'll give it to Angela. By Angela. Clerk, please take the roll. >> Mr. Colatrella? Yes. Mr. Martinello? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ritacco? >> Yes. >> Ms. Smith? >> Yes. >> Ms. Wingate? >> Yes. >> Okay. We have no introduction of ordinances. Any unfinished business?
Anybody from the council? Nope. >> I just had one quick thing to say that I forgot. From the Board of Ed meeting yesterday, they did award the Teacher of the Year. So, I just want to extend a congratulations to you, all those teachers. And I have their names right
here. So, we have Ms. Dozier from the high school, Mrs. Moore from the middle school, Mrs. Cohen from Crescent, and Mrs. Corbrick from Trappigan. And so, congratulations again to them. >> Uh give me their names so I can send them a little congratulation from the mayor's office. >> Okay.
>> Thank you. Any new business from the council? >> Yes, sir. I'd just like to add my congratulations to the class of 2026 for Trappigan and Crescent graduating from fifth grade to middle school, and the class of 2026 for Waldwick Middle School going up to the the high school, and the
high school graduates of the class of 2026. Look forward to seeing you at graduation next week. Thank you. >> Anyone who didn't graduate? >> I did. >> How do you know who didn't graduate? >> I don't. Those who do. >> Thanks. Thank you very much. Anyone
else? If not, I close the council's discussion and I open up to the public. Anybody from the public would like to comment, please come to the microphone. Just state your name for the record. At this time, you can talk about anything and everything. >> Hello, Wilson. I got my steps in.
Um speaking about the pilot or Laurel Ledge, I'm sorry. Laurel Ledge. Uh speaking about the pilot, I just am curious as to why it's I understand there's scheduling issues, but why it's taking so long. I went to a Board of Education meeting last night and they're
trying to coordinate schedules and why it's taking so long to speak to the Board of Education while negotiations are underway for the pilot program non-inclusive of the Board of Education. Um and do we have
any financial implications or do we have anything that we can present to the public regarding what rate is being negotiated, how much money we'll be getting, uh when is it when is it going to be when is the pilot going to be beneficial to the residents
of Waldwick rather than the developers? Is has anybody is the developer doing any other pilots anyplace else uh that we can compare it against and what's the financial viability of the developer? Because like I said, I've
been in Emerson and I look at an eyesore all day and I'd hate for that to happen to Waldwick. So I know that's a lot of questions, but >> I can give you a few answers to that. >> to have to refer everything to Joe. >> Yeah, understood. >> I can give you a few answers, Laura. On the on the Board of Education, we've been trying for 3 weeks. >> Uh-huh.
>> Right? So there's been cancellations, there's been we have a meeting we were trying to go for this Friday. >> Yeah. >> But our um financial advisor is not available, so we can't have the meeting without him. He's in a conference, he has no one else that can go. >> Shouldn't negotiations stop until the board is brought in because
>> doesn't get to negotiate the the pilot program. The board because it's a council negotiation. >> they're not So we're not benefiting, they're just going to be told what the percentage is that they're going to be getting of the pilot program? >> pilot program, the Board of Education gets their tax dollars as always.
>> And so I'm going to have to So if there's any special education needs or any other children based upon the rentals in this pilot, my tax dollars are going to go up to support that because the Board of Education budget is >> So we're going to bring in extra revenue from the pilot program which will be
more than what we would have gotten from traditional tax revenue which we can pay. The way it doesn't work where it's just 68% of your taxes go to the school. There's a tax levy from the Board of Education that we have to appropriate to them. That calculation is based upon math. If
we have additional non-tax revenue that's coming from the pilot, we can use that to pay for the Board of Education payment as well. The Board of Education budget has nothing to do with um what's happening in the pilot. It's based upon their budget for the number
of kids that they have in their school, for the number of teachers they need, for their health insurance, for whatever else. >> But the pilot program the pilot program's going to bring more children into the or the the rental the rentals are going to bring more children. >> We had a presentation on that from Phoenix Advisors when they were here.
Um their rough estimate based upon >> One point probably 1.2 1.5 children. >> five or six kids, which is actually more than what they we actually saw from the station which had more units. >> Okay. >> So based upon those math, we feel pretty
comfortable about what Phoenix Advisors is saying based upon the studies. Um furthermore, you can't control what happens. There's a house that's being built over by me. They have six kids in their in their family. >> Right. But they're not part of a pilot program. They're paying taxes. >> It doesn't doesn't matter. To the Board
of Education they're still going to collect their taxes based upon their budget. Has nothing to do with the pilot program. >> Mhm. >> Board of Ed will levy their budget based upon teacher salaries, based upon insurance, based upon the cost of school, based upon cost of education. They will levy their budget and they
will give us a bill and we will pay that bill with our tax revenue and our non-tax revenue. >> So if the Board of if there's any implication or if there's any if the Board of Education incurs any expenses there to bring those expenses to the town and the town is going to pay for
that is what I is the way you're explaining it to me that I understand it. >> So even this if if they brought in 12 new students into the the new facility. >> Mhm. >> If there was even one per grade or two per grade, does that mean we have to add another class
or another teacher for each one of those grades? >> If it I mean, they have their I'm sure they have the ratios and I'm sure they have >> around everything. >> Right. >> 100 kids can move into town tomorrow. There was also properties that were were there already that probably had kids going to school in Waldwick. Those are
offset for how many are no longer living there that are being replaced by new residents. So, I and I I think from the the numbers that I saw actually are Norman is a little bit down over the last couple years in number of students that are in Waldwick school system. So,
I don't know. I'm not privy to the Board of Education budget and how much that's going to impact it, but that is not a burden to every other tax income Taxes are always going to go up, right? Because of everything else that's happens, but that increase is being offset by the additional income we're
bringing in from the pilot program. One of your other questions is when. So, once we can get all this approved, get a pilot negotiated, get the construction started, once the buildings are built, right? Then they can start renting those units. The
proceeds from the percent of revenue that we would get would start to come in. So, we have 2 3 years, whatever it is, that before that's construction is completed before we start seeing benefit to us as a as a part >> And then but we're going to run out of the reserves. You said by 20 20 8 we're
going to run out of reserves. >> That's why we we did negotiate. We are not going to talk about the negotiations, but we are keeping in mind the need for near term money. That's about >> But why aren't the why aren't the figures or why isn't any anything being released to the public regarding the numbers?
And the terms and the length. >> Let's just Can can we just take a step back for for 1 second? So, we are as I've been saying for for a couple years now, the the borough has two two things happening, right? The first is we need
money, right? As you just said, we are the the surplus is dropping down. We're we're having a hard time here. We also have vacant property on Harrison Ave, right at the corner, right? So, we 5 years ago 5 years ago deemed it an area in need of redevelopment and hoping
it was going to spur this economic growth where everyone came in and said, "Let's Let's build single-family homes in this like We had this dream that we were going to have something that was perfect." And for 5 years, we got garbage. We got
you know, apartments only, high density, six floors, seven floors. It was They were things that were rejected immediately because they they would have destroyed our town. We finally got a project where, you know, they agreed to first-floor commercial. It's not as tall as any of the others. The density wasn't as as deep and there were town homes,
right? So, uh uh you know, so we took it seriously. And I think that what we're finding is that nothing no nothing will be built there without a pilot. No developer is going to come in. It's going to sit vacant for the next 15 years. Meanwhile, we're
struggling for money. So, we have an opportunity to give incentives for a developer to come in, turn what is 60-ish thousand dollars in in tax revenue per year to, you know, I don't know what we're going to come up with on
the pilot, but let's say several hundred dollars a year in tax revenue. So, the the town >> Over how many years? >> that if we do nothing, we're going to risk it's it's going to be vacant for, you know, forever and we're going to we're going to be collecting nothing on
what is prime real estate in our downtown. I think that um I I think that we are being >> [clears throat] >> very aggressive in the negotiations because we know that we we because we know that everyone's paying attention especially.
But we also want the best deal for the town. But we're at risk of we're at risk of if we lose this if we lose this project we're at risk of like you say we're running out of money and this is a huge revenue source for us and we're at risk of
the property sit vacant. >> But I so you're telling me that that pilot program is going to save the taxes of Waldwick if we negotiate a third of the year of pilot. >> It's something, right? It's it's what we raised taxes 10% this year because we're running out of money. At least it alleviates
which is crazy. Who would have thought? 10% and and so here's an alternative revenue source to not have to do that again hopefully for a while but I'm sure you know >> but well at what point does it become burdensome to Waldwick and
>> developer wants to do more we don't want pilots. We've tried to we've avoided pilots. We've done projects in town without them. >> So >> and you know but this is a different era. This is a different era. I just don't I personally don't believe that
we will ever have anything on that property. I mean unless the real estate just collapses because it's just too expensive and without it without some tax incentive nothing will be there. We win as a town if we get this this project. We do because it's it's it's a
it goes a long way you know in addition to the tax increase this year. This goes a long way to plugging a gap which has been growing for for you know the last seven or eight years. >> We don't have we didn't have a pilot on Zizzy Street, correct? >> Yeah, we did not.
>> So why do we need a pilot? I I just I I just >> It's not financeable. It's just not financeable. There's no no bank is going to finance like you know no bank is going to finance a project that loses money. >> Is this is this developer does he have pilot programs any place else? Has he successfully implemented pilot programs
anyplace else where he's not going to run out of money and try and negotiate down >> Yeah. >> because he's going to run out of money, which is what's going on in Emerson. >> No, no, no. Listen, I I so I I firmly agree with your concern and I think that
we have two things going for us. One, in the in the redevelopment plan, there are safeguards, right? Uh for this and it and before I think we sign anything, there will be a financial due diligence, right? This is what we've hired this this party. But we also have condemnation power. Uh this is why when we did redevelopment here, we did it
right. We have condemnation power. So, we don't like what's happening as a town, we condemn it and we can figure out how to solve this problem with it. >> That's where lawyers get involved, too. And that costs the borough. >> cheap, but at least it's safeguarded. It won't be Emerson where it just sits there and you have no legal recourse at
all. >> Mhm. >> Um you know, but >> But has this developer done any other successful pilot programs? I'm sure >> Yeah, they came they came um when they when they were presenting their project and they gave us this whole pamphlet of
projects that they've done in the area and with the state, you know, they claim that they they work very closely on state-funded projects and that, you know, the finances are legit and that they do these these projects everywhere. It was a very very nice presentation um and then after that, I just have to go
with our financial consultants and and lawyers, you know, that that tell us that we've put the right safeguards in place and that the financial diligence will be done. At least we've been told this will be done We've hired professionals that do this for a living, right? Phoenix Advisors does this for a living. We hired a
separate redevelopment lawyer, let's you know, separate from Craig who's been our town council. We have Anna who's only purpose is looking at redevelopment. So, part of their uh job is to look at the financials, make sure it's viable for us as a borough and that's why we're negotiating
very hard. We can't share negotiation details with public right now because we're in negotiation. >> But at one point it was supposed to go on the ballot. You guys also said something about putting it on a ballot for the people to >> someone made a comment at a at a council meeting. That doesn't mean that that
pilot has to go on the ballot. >> Uh no. No. No. It It It It It does not. It does not have to go on the And And I think that there's probably reasons for it to not. Uh I don't think that it's it's it I I'm not a lawyer, but I don't believe
it fulfills the bar of going to a referendum. I just don't think we can legally hold it, but I don't know if >> You as a borough do There is no referendum or initiative powers in the in the borough form of government. >> And there's also something in the in the state of New Jersey that they're going
to vote on, I think it's Friday, about the Board of Education being included. So, is that being taken into consideration as well? >> Yeah, I mean the law the state changes the laws when when they do we abide by them, so >> But if they know it's coming, why would we be talking to the Board of Education
as a part of the negotiation? >> actually think it'll pass. >> But Okay. I'm just trying to I'm trying to keep everybody >> Well, I hear you. We do. And we hear a lot of the confusion. We hear a lot of the concern. >> I I I don't think it's confusion on my part. I just think that the
>> in general in general like >> The mayor's should be talking to the Board of Education because >> I think we want to. We really want to very badly find a time to meet with them. >> It's been 3 weeks, guys. >> I I hear you. >> It's been 3 weeks.
>> We tried multiple dates. >> It's not for lack of trying. And I also want to say something that I've mentioned a lot of times. People can come to meetings once and then it's like reading a book. You can't read the first chapter and then try to fit figure out what's going on when you start with like the sixth chapter. Something like this
that's really complicated has to be followed. I mean I sat out there for 6 months before I was elected and listened to everything that was going on. It's And that is the most important thing and there's a lot of people who don't do that. You know, so we encourage
engagement so that people understand the effort that's being put into what's going on with this pilot negotiation. The effort is there. It's in good faith. The negotiations that are going on, nothing has been decided, but there's
also not everything in a negotiation can be publicly released. >> So >> I I and I understand that. My thing is you're negotiating for something if if you're negotiating, let's just arbitrarily say the developers going to want a 30-year pilot because it's going to benefit him greatly. We're going to
get the payment, etc., etc., but who knows what's going to happen to Warwick in 30 years. You're negotiating for a generation in the future. >> That's our job. Correct. >> But you don't know if it's going to benefit You don't know what the future's going to bring. You don't know if it's going to benefit You're only in the here
and now to get the developer in. The developer owns his Eddy Street sold. He made his millions, multi-millions. There was no pilot. >> Yeah. >> And that tax that tax revenue >> Well, how much they pay for the the property doesn't change our tax revenue.
It's still based upon the assessment. It doesn't make a difference if I pay 1 million or 2 million, it's still based upon the assessed value. >> But isn't the assessed value going up over there? >> Well, it it can, but it's not based upon how much somebody paid for the property. >> No, I understand that. It's the assessed value of the property, but the assessed value of the property is going to go up
because you have a different dwelling there. >> Well, on the new one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, so we're right now we collect about $60,000 in revenue there. We're going to collect much more than that in the pilot program than what we would do there. >> The And when is >> percentages in the pilot program that
compare the revenue versus what the tax rate is. >> And when is that information When is When are you looking to have a have a agreement on the >> We we we want we want this to be over. We're not dragging this out for for for our health, trust me.
>> No, I believe in what I just I'm just trying to make you look at the whole picture and I know you're probably looking at the whole picture, but I'm going to speak for the whole picture because not only for Waldwick but the Board of Education, the senior citizens, the disabled people because if a person you're he's going to be
conforming those apartments to ADA compliance, etc. etc. And now what does the school have to do because they have a new student and it's going to cost them the $100,000 for a disabled student to go you know, to go to the school or what have you, the
costs associated with that. I just want to make sure that we're all cuz everybody's trying to cut here and spend here and and what have you and >> We're trying to protect We need We need to bring in more revenue to relieve some of the burden on the Waldwick taxes. We can't raise taxes 10% every year.
>> I understand, Joe. >> government changes what they're doing with the benefits program and things like that, our our costs are going to continue to rise. >> I understand, but my point to you is I'm team Waldwick. I'm not team council, team Board of Education. I'm team Waldwick. >> This is for team Waldwick.
>> So, you know, but if it's for team Waldwick, the Board of Education really should be involved in some of these negotiations so they can bring their points forward. I just Even if there's a a liaison for visibility, just for visibility, just so
that they know what's going on and they can present it because there was I was at the meeting last night when they were talking about the pilot program and they know nothing and they're sitting there they don't they know nothing because they're trying to get together for the for the meetings. I totally understand, but it's like the left hand doesn't know
what the right hand is doing and you both affect our tax base. >> The misconception I think a lot of people have when it comes to pilots is there is no impact to the Board of Ed. The Board of Ed will set their budget. If they have in your example a $100,000 increase for another
student, they will build that into their budget. When they set their budget, they submit that budget to this council, this council pays it. That's it. >> Okay. I just want to be clear >> impact to the Board of Ed whatsoever in
regards to the taxes. They set their budget, the council pays it. >> Okay. I just want to make sure that Okay. >> We are you guys. >> Yeah, of course you are. >> to look at these things to protect the people of Wolcott, right? [clears throat] And so, we want
to listen to what you have to say, but we want to also know that we're here to protect the people of Wolcott. >> I understand. >> And what we're doing. So, all the things that you're saying have already been raised. We've raised them all, you know, that we're trying to bring the Board of Education. They are not They do not need
to be an approval. Right? That's what's going through the >> They should be aware. Angela, they should be aware. >> That's what's going on. That's what we're trying to do. To bring to bring the Board of Ed so that they are aware. That has been in good faith being tried to being scheduled. Right? So, I just
feel like, you know, we are you. We are looking out for the town. That's what we were elected to do. >> I think that the communication is a little lacking from that perspective. >> the communication we can give? >> We even adjusted the the council committee members to make it work. Ms.
Wingate was going to be on the the committee to meet with the Board of Education. She was going to be out of town. So, we asked Ms. Smith to do it. She agreed, no problem. So, we tried to make adjustments and accommodate to make the schedule work. For whatever reasons, there are multiple
reasons, uh professional reasons or whatnot, we can't get a date on the calendar for over 3 weeks. >> Yeah. >> So, you're coming and questioning, so I'm being transparent and honest with you. >> That's I appreciate that, I really do. >> So, I want I have a meeting anytime, anyplace. I'm ready to have a
meeting. I'll come at night. I'll come I took calls for Tatiana four times today in the middle of work meetings. I don't care. I want to meet just as bad as anyone. Anytime that everybody's available, I am there to meet.
Virtual, phone conference, in person, I don't care. I will meet. >> Yeah. I I mean, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, but knowing that the Board of Education could possibly have more costs because of the you know, because of the rental units or what have you. Mr. Basile is saying the
Board of Education is going to present their budget here, and you guys are going to pay it. But if you don't have that much if you're not getting that much money, or your taxes are going up, or you have less on reserves, or what have you, where's the burden going to fall? And I just want to make sure that we're all looking at that. >> Right. So, if I sold my house tomorrow,
and six kids moved in with disabilities, the Board of Education would have the same problem as if six kids moved into the rental unit. They would raise their tax their their budget. >> They would raise their budget. That's right. And you would pay. >> I wouldn't be paying any more taxes than the people who bought my house.
And we would be at a deficit, which the rest of the town would have to burden. It's the same thing. It doesn't matter that it's coming from a new rental unit, or I sold my house, or Katie sold her house. She has no kids in her home. If she sold her house, and three kids moved in, now there's three new students going
to Crescent School. >> Based on population, you have to increase the fire or or you have to increase the fire department, you have to increase the costs, you have to increase the DPW, increase, increase, increase. >> And that's what we built in when when Phoenix did that presentation for us. They built in those percentages.
Worst case scenario, if you had to increase your fire budget, your police budget, whatever, you're still making money on the pilot program, which is the whole point of this. I mean, and just look at the the role of students, right? Our numbers have come down. We're not as bad as in the park, thank God, but our
numbers have come down in terms of enrollment at the school according to public information. So, unless we got 100 new kids you know, then I I don't I don't what what we're getting maybe >> you >> maybe every one of those units will bring in five kids.
>> I mean, I just have to say that I was also the Board of Education meeting and Dan had said we had a meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Dan said he couldn't come. Which it happened. >> Yeah, I understand I'm trying to meet Friday, but that professional >> can't come. So, we it's not the lack of
time. >> week, but it's three weeks in the making. >> And that's an example of what has >> I understand. >> So, there have been many meet meetings scheduled and there's many people that have different schedules that can't make it. So, we're absolutely trying >> absolutely trying to to schedule this
meeting and you say that, you know, you're concerned about 10 years down the road, 15 years down the road. I am also a Warwick resident with children, young children that will be in the school for the next 15 years. So, all these questions you're asking are going
through my head, absolutely. So, if we are not the council, we are representing everyone, including myself, including my children and my family. So, I see you have a lot of passion. I hold that same passion and I want what's best for the
town and we're going to examine all the pieces to this pilot and if it's not something that's going to be in the best interest of the town, we don't have to do it. >> Mhm. >> So, I want you to know that we are trying to meet. It's not happening and we all have the best interests of the
town. >> And and I respect that, I really do, but you're on the other side and you see what's going on in the back side. We don't because we're not It's not negotiations or or what have you. I totally understand. There's got to be something that we can Is it a five
years, is it a 10 years, is it a 30 years? There's got to there'd something out there that we can talk about or educate us on or anything. >> So, when Phoenix came here, they did educate on what >> I I understand I saw the presentation. I truly did. I'm not talking about that.
I'm talking about where we are now as a borough. >> For in regards to the negotiations, we are in negotiations. Nothing can be made public because everything is negotiable. There are a lot of moving parts and we're not going to put false information out as to where the negotiations stand
in regards to certain numbers. >> So, you can't >> I I I understand and I understand that you can't. I'm just saying that's what the questions that we're getting are. I completely understand and that's why I'm saying what's the timeline. But, if you're making a decision, if you can't get a meeting for the Board of Education
and you're making a decision, it doesn't really need to happen because you're negotiating without them any present anyway. So, >> So, what we wanted to do was educate and bring them into the process to have the professionals have a session with their Board of with our Board of Education to
make them feel comfortable about what it meant to them. The same thing that uh Mr. Basangi is saying would be told to them by the professional and by the redevelopment attorney so that they understand it doesn't have an impact on the >> Okay. Okay. >> But, that's the whole purpose of this
and, you know, the professionals suggested that we have a meeting with the Board of Education. I think Angela also suggested it so that we can communicate and give them as much information as we can. We can't share negotiated numbers. >> I understand. I understand. >> share the process so we can share um
what it means to them. >> Yeah. I think they I think they know. But, we'll see. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You think you're anxious to get up? >> Hey, I also asked for a meeting. >> I think you were out there too. >> Like five years.
>> Hi, I'm Dan Maro, I'm the Board President. I just want to be clear, there was three meetings set up June 5th, June 10th, June 13th. Okay. I had to cancel the 5th and the 10th. I apologize for that. I said it last night, but my family's going to come first.
Okay? It's not like we don't want to meet, but you know, not for nothing, we also have a new superintendent coming. So, for her to be involved in something that she's not approved yet and her start date doesn't start till July 1, she's taking a risk. She could be sued by her district.
So, maybe we should wait till July 1 now. And we'll set up then we'll get dates in July. Okay? The that bill, just so you know, our attorney told us today is going to pass. >> We'll see. >> Well, exactly. We We're not there, so I
don't know. Anybody could say anything about it yes and that day they won't know. I get it. It's trying. But it's still being negotiated and it's fast-tracked. I think it's at the budget part now. Secondly, the budget is affected because we're only allowed to go up 2%. We could
apply for waivers for health insurance. But that comes to a burden to the taxpayer. Okay? And I I want to go and see how many kids are in those houses. I don't think we had any. Just so you know. >> I'm just taking a guess there. >> Okay. I I just I'm just saying. I don't want to bash and get into it. We're
going to get the meeting done. I apologize for the two days. It's my fault. I became a babysitter again. It's just the way the heart All right. I didn't sign up for that. Don't I don't want to start mudslinging. It's not what we're about. >> Yes. >> Okay?
We all work together. It's You're You're asking to get 10 people into a room. 10 people. Okay? We should have been doing this 5 months ago. We knew this day was going to come. Okay? And how are we waiting to graduation week to do this? It's very hard for us. We have other obligations
as well. So, I don't want to sling. We'll get a meeting set. But to say it's no impact on our budget is not true. That's per our attorney. So, we'll talk. I'm going to ask our attorney to come as well now. You're asking us to take advice from
your people and our professionals are telling us different. So, now we're in the middle. Okay, but we have no say. So, we're at your obligation. I told everybody that last night. We have no say. Whatever you guys say, that's what it is.
So, to say that you need this meeting, I came to the Phoenix thing. I know how it works, okay? Mr. Foley does more research than anybody on the board. He knows how it works, okay? Our board attorney, I asked him to come. He's going to come to the meeting probably in August now
cuz July is a little tough cuz it's 2 weeks away. Um and we'll go from there. But, July 1, we have a new superintendent. She would like to attend. She would like to be part of it per her her request. So, that's what we're going to do now. >> Okay. I just want to say that that's
something that we've been asking for for to have this Board of Education meeting that we've been trying to set up to hear your perspective. That's what we want to know. We want to know what the perspective from the board >> We have no say. So, my perspective means nothing. It's
you people have to decide what's best for both agencies. >> And your perspective means something. >> Well, obviously tonight we're being told no. You negotiate without us. We already started. >> Yeah. >> Okay? And you're you're you're you're saying it doesn't affect the budget. Everything affects budgets.
>> I'm not saying that. No. Yeah. I haven't said that. >> I agree with you. Anyone else? Jim Schultz. >> What about the pilot? >> Yes. Jim Schultz. So, I'm confused now because why is this
what is it, 18 or 7 being passed if we can use pilot money to pay for a school budget? Why do we look at the past this amendment then? >> Is that bill going to >> Right, the bill that's up there it says you be able to use pilot funding for Board of Education budget. If If we can
already do that, why are they passing that bill then? >> [cough] >> Honestly, I don't >> Okay, have you Okay, I'm just cuz now I have an idea how you going to pay for it, but I'll let you guys No, I I don't I think you're going to
divert money from somewhere else to pay for the Board of Ed budget. Right, cuz you can't Like till the what I mean well, that that's another point which I'll bring up. Now, second of all I remember a year ago and Miss Letchworth, thank you for coming. A year
ago we were going to have open conversations about this pilot. Now, on page seven of this handbook that I'm sure you're all aware cuz the state says you need to follow this there's something called an internal review committee which I'm guessing Mr.
Melloy Miss Smith you're on this internal review committee, right? Cuz that's what's set up. >> We have a finance committee that's working with the the advisors. >> Right, but is it the It's an internal review committee cuz the state says you have an internal review committee. >> We have our finance committee who's
working with the advisors on the pilot program. >> Okay, and on this it says you can invite anybody you want on this committee. You could have had the president of the Board of Ed in these negotiations. There's nothing that says he can't be in that.
And we spoke about this a year ago. Now, outside of Mr. Ritchie saying my taxes won't go up, which thank you for saying that. >> Your taxes are going to go up. They will They will never not go up. They will maybe go up a little bit less. >> Okay, thank you. >> All right, so that's the reason. >> So, you can have whoever you want on
this committee. You should have had the Board of Ed president. >> Why? Who says that? >> It says right here you can pick who you want. >> Why is your your opinion is should have the Board of Education on the committee. >> No, my opinion is in the hit the handbook says that >> that a Board of Education president should be on the committee? >> It says you can have Board of Ed
superintendent can be on it. Right, you can. >> You can have whoever you want on the committee. >> Why wouldn't we have him? >> Why would why would we? >> Because I would like him to hear from the very beginning just like I want to have the police chief, the fire chief, the EMS captain. I want them all to hear
how this works. And we said last >> we're educating everyone on how the program works. >> No, you educated the people with questions tonight. What's going on? We said a year ago we're going to be transparent. >> We we have been transparent. >> No, you haven't. >> We can't be transparent on what we're negotiating. >> You can be transparent on who you put on
the committee. >> We've told you who's been on the final >> No, why did My point is it should have been open and we spoke about this a year ago. Open it to people in the community to sit in on the negotiations. There's no reason why they couldn't be on. >> concerned about the people on the
committee negotiating anything in particular? >> What I'm worried about is the Board of Ed doesn't know what's going on. Now, we're two square miles. You're going to tell me 3 weeks ago that you don't want to cross each other in town to say can we meet?
>> Well, and we just acknowledged that we we had two meetings set. One as far back as June 5th that had to get canceled. One a couple days later had to get canceled. We are working actively to try to get something as recent I think we're trying to get something for tomorrow
night, but that didn't work. Friday, that also doesn't work. So, Thursday maybe but I heard tonight that that's not going to work. We are seriously we are trying very hard to get this meeting set in real time. I mean it's I can't believe that I'm spending this much time talking about getting a
meeting set throughout my day. >> And and my only point is if you would have included these people I'm not saying let them negotiate, but include them in the process so there's a better understanding or a whole list of people that could have been in this negotiation. >> There's a serious problem with including people not on this council because these
are closed session items that cannot be disclosed to the public. And those outside people that are not on this council will not be bound by that. >> So, can they sign a non-disclosure of anything that says I won't discuss it? >> on with non-disclosures and how they're enforceable. >> Yeah, I doubt it would fly.
>> Okay, but you could still do that. My only point is we spoke a year ago and I'm going to beat the dead horse again. We were going to be transparent. We were going to have people in the public on this committee. They were going to be involved and today it doesn't happen. And And it's not happening. And honestly,
I probably would like the pilot if it's done right because I think what it does is this pilot could pave the way for the next three. But the way it's being done now, there has to be a full cost-benefit analysis. I can't wait to see this. >> They've already provided a cost-benefit
analysis. They They came here and did a presentation for the open public. It's recorded. It's on the website. >> And it's a full complete. It shows all the municipal costs, sewer costs, water Of course. If they don't then then I need to look for that. I apologize. >> It's been done months ago. >> It's on Constant Contact as a link. It's
on the website. It's been there for uh 6 months or more. >> Okay, then that's my mistake. I apologize. I'll look for it. But again, I I think we had an opportunity to include people from the public in this and we're already doing it. >> You just told me you didn't
>> I understand and I understand you could still >> What's different about me or Mr. Ritchie or Mr. Brennick who who Mr. Brennick's lived here longer than any of us. I live in this town. I've raised my kids here. I lived in this town for 25 years. Mike is here. He has kids in the school
district school age not in our school district. >> My My wife grew up here. I've been here >> I've been here 37 >> about me than you. >> I've been here 37 years and I know nothing more about the pilot program than I found out that >> on the council, I wouldn't know either. >> Would you want to know? >> I would come to the meeting and ask
questions and listen to the presentation. >> Okay. >> But I but you're you're you're you're way it comes off, Jim. I'll be I'll be honest with you. You're accusing I won't speak for anybody else. Of me? I'm not doing my job that I was elected for. >> You're not. >> I'm doing the best I can to negotiate
the best deal I can to the point where we're pushing back constantly on negotiation. We're probably giving our attorney a headache because we're not being pushovers and taking whatever we're we're given. Uh so I >> I'm I'm not accusing but I'm accusing What I'm accusing you of is what we
spoke about a year ago when we going to involve the public in this and we didn't. >> We've we've had open presentations about it to include the public and keep the public informed. We have reasons why the public cannot be on committees to talk about it. You know, for your protection.
We're taking advice of counsel. We hired independent people to come in and do the financial advising. It's not me on the back of my notebook figuring out what percentage I can charge. We have people who do this for a living. We're we're doing this. I I think we're doing as much due
diligence as we possibly can. >> That's your opinion but I disagree. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead, Mikey. >> No, no, I appreciate your I do appreciate your >> I just have one more question and I want to do a follow up. You just said you're negotiating and pushing back. If they
ain't meeting your number, why we continuing to negotiate? You should have a set number when we go in there and that's it. Why we going under our our set number that we were winning with? >> We're just trying to get as much as we can. >> know but if you presented a number and they said no, why are we pushing back and saying, "Okay, we're going to come
down for you." We should have >> You can't be negotiating in the public realm. Do not >> Well, no, I'm just asking a question. Why are we continuing if you >> the negotiation. >> Well, you you go you gave them a number, they said no, right? So why are we negotiating down? I would negotiate up.
>> You know what, Jim? It's not anything that's being negotiated. >> Don't read into that that way. >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> Please. Please. >> Many moving parts to this. >> You just said you're pushing back. That means it's no. >> It doesn't mean that. It doesn't. Anybody else from the public
>> push back on it. Yes? >> Anybody else from the public would like to comment on anything? >> This is about the pilot. >> Uh Chuck Wanamaker, Just want to let you know how successful our car show went.
All because you guys, of course. And this man back there, the chief of police, and the police department, and the ambulance. It means a lot. The people see it. I know after 18 years of doing it, they see it and it's like it's really it opens their eyes and they say, "Holy mackerel, this little town sticks together."
So, I just want to let you know a good note. And what I'm going What I'm going to ask of you next is, can we get the Jersey Transit online about what's coming down the pike? And the reason why I want to say this is that they don't know what's giving back is is
all about. We give back. I give [clears throat] back 20 years of my life to do things here. Down street service brings a crane that's worth about $300,000 to fly a flag for a little car show that nobody knows hardly anything about. And you know, you have Paul Moore with
his We couldn't afford that. This is all stuff the guys were doing for giving back. Now, >> [laughter] >> I'm kind of laughing. I got to laugh. Drew, it's out there in New Jersey Transit giving back. We put that building together for them, not for us so much. The building to make
the New Jersey Transit look good. Now they're going to make us pay to park there? I mean, for 2 hours or whatever we end up want end up using it for. It just doesn't make sense. I think they got to give back a little bit somehow if we could do it. I don't know if that's
possible, of course. It's probably trying to have a little chance to see in God, of course, but maybe, just maybe. >> At the end of the public You know, because you got to look at the fact that the VFW they've used that block on for the from day one because there never
was any spots for parking. And we take it over, we made it better for the vessel over have a better place to put elevator in there for handicap which it never has so we can get the handicap people in. And now they're going to make them pay to come and use the VFW. That just doesn't make sense. I mean, if we
can do something that maybe get the I don't know. I'm not sure what we can do. That's why I'm asking if there's possibility. Okay. You know what? I'm just I'm just blabbering to go. Because I feel you hear stuff you want to let yourself be exposed to know what you're hearing. I don't know what
they're going to do, but only hear what they're asking for money. Usually Usually what's going to happen it puts a dent on a lot of stuff, but they should realize that building is used for people that need the help and you know what we're talking about. The Sunday night, Tuesday night, and the Thursday
night they're all for help and and we're So, you know, just just asking. But anyway, thanks for the communication. The chief and the animal control it works. And you guys have And of course, you guys were there, too. So, you see, a little town that has nothing going for it, we got a lot going for us. We got a
lot going for us. Thank you. Thanks a lot. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Yes, we do. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening, everybody. Joanne Mitchell. I have a question about the pedestrian crossing right out here on Prospect
Street by the library. As we all know, that's an east-west exposure, and we have the lovely signs, which have the tiny little lights on them, which are virtually invisible. Thank you, Mr. Richie. They are Can we
improve the lighting on those signs so that they are visible to the oncoming traffic? I will say anecdotally, because I spend a lot of time at our library, as you all know, I spend a lot of time at that crossing.
And there have been times where half of the traffic stops and the other half does not. And it with the lighting as it is, it is not as effective in keeping the pedestrians safe. >> I will I will reach out to our administrator, and she'll reach out to
our police chief, and they'll all discuss this, and you know, we will figure out something. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Anyone else? I'll help her up, Gina. We teamwork. >> We have to come together. >> I'm glad that Chief is here, though.
He'll He'll help us. >> Hi. Um Esther and Gina Moralia, and I'm on Harrison Ave. Um I first I want to thank Chuck and the alliance for doing a wonderful job with that car show. I never got so many compliments of people
coming and going how nice this town is and how much they love the car show. Um so that that's that. So thank you, Chuck, for everything. Okay. And okay, that's enough. >> not It's not as complicated as the
restaurant, but it's real to the point. Harrison Ave used to be a peaceful street. And since they opened up the new place there, >> Was the asphalt company. >> Asphalt and the the other place was the the car that
>> Yeah, they auto body. >> Auto body. I count the other day 17 trucks going through there. >> Uh with uh with stuff on it. I mean a pickup truck went by with all kinds of material flying down the street. Flying. My ring
camera picks them all up. A white and green truck and an auto part truck goes flying down the street. I mean it's just we could just about get out of our driveway. >> the reason is it should not be >> Oh yeah. >> because of that in street when she lived
there, she still stay. And it it should be that quiet. Not that I'm not talk that they want to do that. I said well big truck, little truck, it's ridiculous. And then we eat breakfast, the ring camera.
You can enjoy it anymore. You know, what's the beauty of Harrison Avenue? It used to be one of the most beautiful street. That's what they told me. I didn't know. >> Now what is it? >> told me >> It was nice, you know. >> We should I think we should bring it back. You know, we sign with the change
sign. Maybe at at when they go there, put sign there, no trucks here. >> Yeah. >> And then at the beginning, no trucks there. And they still do it. I know you guys do a great job. Maybe you have to see somebody there and give couple of fine.
I go like that like this >> [laughter] >> The other day that they got Today, tonight come out yesterday I was what are you doing? I said I got No, you don't belong here. You got to go right that way. >> They probably >> I just want to bring >> Maybe you should deputize Gino. >> Yes, yes, maybe, yeah.
>> [laughter] >> No, is there something that you can do so >> Oh no, no, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> No, it should be important >> Yeah, you got it. >> It should be important >> You want to come to a meeting and you go after that. >> We've We've an influx of trucks with the newer business that opened in the corner. >> Oh god. >> On Wooster, Wooster is a dedicated truck
route for vehicles. >> Yeah. >> Um I think it might be easier for them to exit the lot and go out on Harrison, but we've we've spoken to the owner of that property and we'll speak to him again and we'll get some enforcement there. >> Yeah, and the auto body place. >> And the auto body, oh my god, the
trucks. >> Sometimes they have cars in the morning and they drop the car. >> So when you see this, you can call us anytime. Don't jump in front of the car. >> No. Thank you. I thank you, Mr. Thank you. >> Thank you very much for your time. It was nothing much. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? If not, I make a motion to go into close. >> Motion by Joe, second by Courtney.