meeting of March 23rd, 2026 of the Township Council of the Township of Washington. Adequate notice of this meeting was given in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act by the Township Clerk on January 8, 2026 to at least two newspapers, and this meeting has been posted on the township bulletin board,
electronic message board, WCTV, and on Township website. Please notify the municipal clerk for any disability requirements necessary for attendance at township council meetings. The fire exits are located through the double door to your right and through the door on your left. Please silence all cell phones. If you are unable to attend the
council meeting in person and would like to and like would like a topic to be addressed at the council meeting, please visit www.twpof washington. us contact us tab, click on mayor and council, send email to contact all council members at once. Can
everyone please stand for a salute to the flag? >> 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. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio >> here. >> Councilman Sears >> here. >> Councilman Omen >> here. >> Councilman VeZ. Council President Vetta >> here. Let the record reflect also in attendance, Mayor Peter Calamari,
Township Administrator Mark D. Carlo, Township Attorney Siobhan Bailey. >> May later be on >> and township clerk Susan Wakowski. At this time, we'll have a recognition for the fire department chief, Zach Myros. Mayor >> I don't think we need I think you're
allowed. >> Mike, if you want to come back and Tom the next chief You want the mic? >> Do you want the mic? >> No, he said not yet. So,
>> so I want to start to do this uh for our volunteer first responders uh because often they don't get the recognition they deserve for what they do for our town and its residents. And even though they have dinners called fire and ambulance, I feel it's necessary to recognize them at a council meeting
where residents can see it on WCTV and it's not just limited to the people who are in attendance at the dinners. U so you again I want to start to do this. So if anyone can think of anyone who should be honored in the future, please bring it to our attention because it's something you know I think is all
deserved for anything you do that might be outstanding like an ex- chief. Uh so uh with that being said uh we had this plaque made up for Zach. It reads Township of Washington presented to Zach Myros in appreciation for your years of
outstanding service of Washington Fire Department Fire Chief 2024 through 2025. Now I'd also like to say a couple things that were said at the dinner so the public knows. Um, Zach was also acting
chief before he became chief. Uh, so he's really got more than two years, but it was official. Uh, you removed the acting and went to full chief uh, for those years. And also, uh, what was said at the dinner is you're the only chief or one of the few chiefs who when you
were no longer chief, you still respond to uh, calls and like that. And again, it's a testament to who you are and your character. and uh I enjoyed working with you very much. So uh again please accept this with our appreciation
in the middle here. And then uh since Jimmy's taking pictures, what I'd like to do is invite any of the ex or current chiefs up maybe for a picture also. Uh, you know, just don't worry how you dressed or anything like that. Come on. Just get a picture.
Oh, >> who's going to take Jimmy sick? Nobody ever sees the pictures. Thank you. >> That's awesome. Great job. Appointments. No resolution required. School crossing guard substitutes.
Danielle Thicker. School year 2025 2026. Oath of office will be administered by the township clerk in the next few days. Thank you. Payment of bills. Resolution number 26-207. Authorize payment of bills March 6, 2026 through March 18,
2026. Do I have a motion? >> Second. Roll call. >> Council Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> PSA from March 23rd, 2026.
Construction has begun on the new DPW building at town hall. With this construction, the DPWR will now remain closed on Tuesdays for household debris and recycling drop off. Residents may still drop off items on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please note during the hours of
construction, there will be limited parking to the east side of Hudson Avenue. 2026 animal license renewals are now due. The late fee is now $25. As part of their efforts to identify lead service lines in our community, Violia Water New Jersey has contracted with
Meter Tech to assist with inhome inspections of water meters to determine if your house or home is served by a lead service line. Please be advised, inspectors will be knocking on doors in an effort to schedule an appointment as a follow-up to letters that were sent to your home. The police department is
aware of this. Please visit our website for further information. New law regarding public notices. Governor Murphy signed into law on June 30th, 2025 a new law which reflects the transition from traditional print newspaper to online platforms as of March 1st, 2026. You will find on our
township website a tab on the homepage named public notices where all official public notices are required to be posted and may be obtained or viewed. These documents in addition will have a hyperlink to the secretary of state's public notice web page. The Township of Washington's Fire Department will hold
their annual pancake breakfast on March 29th at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The annual Washington Township Fire Department Easter egg hunt will take place on April 4th at Memorial Field at 10:00 a.m. The Spring into Wellness 5K run, walk, and health fair will be held
on Sunday, May 17th. Please visit our website to register. Our next council meeting will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026. Approval of minutes, none. report of the administrator. >> Thank you, Council President. Good evening, everyone. This is my update
from the March, I'm sorry, the March 9th uh council meeting. Updates. We are pleased to announce that the township of Washington has been selected and will be receiving a significant community project funding grant through the office of Congressman Josh Gotimer. This grant
award in the amount of $600,000 will be used to make much needed repairs to sections of the swap sink brook to include the removal of sholes, the repairing of bank erosion and the restabilization of exposed sanitary line manhole. Township of Washington extends
its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Congressman Godheimr for securing federal funding that will directly benefit communities here in New Jersey. We also extend special thanks to the township's grant writer, David Puno, for his professionalism and persistence in successfully obtaining this muchneeded
grant on behalf of all the residents of the township. We intend to award the bid for the restoration for the Msquapsync Brook at our April 6th, 2026 council meeting. The lowest responsible bidder is Downs Tree Service at $669,280.
Frank Mashion Paving is looking to schedule the resurfacing of the 2025 selected road program roads in April. As a reminder, those roads are Bergen, Salem, Carriage Court, and Fern Street. In 2025, the NJ required that phase one
of the watershed improvement plan be completed by the end of 2025. Phase one is identified as the watershed inventory report. This was completed by Beckmeer Engineering and turned into the NJD for review. As we await approval of
the phase one document, NJ D has identified phase two for completion as the watershed assessment plan. As the municipal storm water coordinator, I fostered a working relationship with Rucker University water resources program. Through this
relationship, Ruckers will be providing for the township free of charge the completion of phase 2 wershed assessment plan. Ruckers estimated the value of savings of taxpayer dollars at between $10,000 and $50,000. pending grant applications at this time.
2026 local recreation improvement grant in the amount of 153,550 was filed for the improvements to Memorial Field, including a walking path around the perimeter that would link various seating, restrooms, and other features. 2025 Bergen County Open Space
Park Improvement Grant was awarded, but contracts not yet received for $80,000 for improvements to Memorial Field and Clarkfield, including 88 compliant playground equipment, seating, access ramp, and parking. Fiscal year 2025, assistance of firefighters grant in the
amount of $182,320 to purchase a mass notification system. All DHS and FEMA grants are suspended um at this time and we're hoping that uh they'll be back in session soon. The BCOS park improvement letter of intent
is due by March 27th. We will be pressing funds to assist with the improvement to Memorial Field. January 23, 2026, New Jersey DCA local government services snowstorm response reimbursement amount to be determined.
2025 Burning County CDBG8A improvements to the library for $19,000, $19,600 for outdoor patio area and January 826 firehouse subs grant application the amount of $10,370
for blue door training props. And finally, application for the New Jersey DCA recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities grant of $15,000 was submitted. Thank you, Council President. homes my report. >> Do we have a status of uh 450 Pascac,
Mr. Darla? >> Yes. So, we contracted with a company that had to come in and test for asbestous. Uh that was done last week with the report that there is uh asbestous present. Now, at this time, that report will be turned over, and we're getting to um quotes from
contractors to come in and either tear the whole thing down as it is contaminated or to see what the price would be to piece out the asbestous and then demo the building. >> When what do those bids do? >> It's not necessarily bids. It's just uh
the report came in um last week from the contractor that identified asbestous and now Becky Engineering is using that report to obtain quotes from contractors. We don't think it's going to be >> Oh, you think it's going to be under the threshold? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, that's President. >> Go ahead, Mr. Mr. Alman. Mr. Alman's
first. Sorry. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Is that uh is that remediation covered by the escrow? >> No, but we do have a grant that'll pay for it. >> Thank you. Go ahead. >> On the um the brook bid,
which is the lowest I guess of of the four bits with it. Did this gentleman walk the brook on both sides? Did they? Cuz my fear is that the way the bid is, it was the lowest of
the low and I really don't expect to see any changes in this bid. U I just want to know that he walked the brook. He saw the piping that was in there. Um I >> I I understand the question. I I
wouldn't want to answer that on behalf of it. I would hope that the responsible bidder would would make sure that they assess the project based on the bid specs >> and they would give um an appropriate bid. I do know that uh Mr. Rossy from
Boswell Engineering is very pleased with this contractor. work on them with very uh large scale similar projects. You know, usually when you think of downstream service, you may think of >> No, they do more than that. They do more. >> So, they go bridge to bridge on both sides of the bank because
>> I don't know what the scope I don't know what the scope of this project is, Mr. Sears. I don't know if it's through the >> call. It's it's a big project. So, you know, again, I could I could specifically ask, but I would hope in their benefit that they would have done something because they're responsible for the bid specs, >> you know, to come out appropriately.
>> Okay. Thank you. I >> I imagine when we go to award the bid that there'll be an accompanying letter from Boswell Engineering recommending, you know, just like they normally do. >> Can we have can we have Boswell just maybe give us a map showing the limits of work for the project >> or do we have >> I can give that to you. Yeah. >> Can you send that to us tomorrow?
>> Yes, you can. >> Well, that that'll help us, >> Mr. Because there is piping that you can't see when the water's flowing in there. And I'm just concerned that as they're working along all of a sudden, oh, we need a change order or we need to
add more money, you know, we have to go around this piping. So that's why I asked the question. >> Let's see. Let's see what the limits are from Roswell's project, right? You have that, Mr. Dall? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions for Mr. uh Dal's
report? >> General public comment period. Motion to open the public comment period. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Would anybody like to come up this time? >> You're just here for entertainment.
>> Seeing seeing nobody that would like to come up in the from the audience at this time. >> Slow night on television. >> Motion to close the public comment period. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Ordinances adoption. Second reading.
None. Introduction first reading ordinance number 26-05 ordinance providing for the improvement of mustapsync brook in and by the township of Washington in the county of Bergen, New Jersey and appropriating $100,000 therefore from capital fund balance of the township. Motion to
introduce and pass ordinance number 2605 at first reading by titles. >> So move second. >> Any discussion? I would just like to make sure that once we receive the 600,000 from Mr. uh Godheimer. Thank you, Mr. Godheimer, and
your staff for getting us this incredible grant. Um it's very appreciative. I I couldn't be more happy. I I know we came up with this idea to ask you for it, and I thank you from every resident in this township that you came through for us. So, thank
you, Mr. Godheimer. Um I just want to make sure that when we do get the grant that it pays off the debt that we have for this project, and it doesn't get put back into fund balance. Does every everybody disagree or agree with that?
>> Yeah, it's project specific. >> It's project specific. We year mark for this project and we pay off the debt for the project. >> I I would hope the CFO would agree, but I'd want to listen to what he has to say also. >> Well, I not necessarily his decision, but I just like him to wait. >> Well, yeah. So, we'd like to see his
decision be our decision. Yeah. Yeah. But I'm I'm always happy to listen to other opinions. >> Thank you. Motion. Uh uh roll call, please. How about you read the authorization for that line? >> You got Please read that line 26. No, >> we didn't. Look, I'm right here. I'm right here in my thing. I have to do
roll call. >> I don't have a motion in a second here, sir. >> Here. We're here. >> This is introduced. >> I know, but we didn't do roll call. >> I'll I'll get to that. Council Cass. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Council President.
>> Yes. I got in trouble for not not doing it last time, but now I get in trouble for doing it. No, we got to decide. We got to decide. >> Sue was just testing you. >> We're being we're being consistently inconsistent, right? >> Absolutely. >> Resolution number 26-208 authorizing publication of ordinance
number 2605 and schedule a public hearing. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Now you can do a roll call again. >> I can do it again. Councilman Cassio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Se. >> Yes. >> Councilman Alman. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Resolutions consent agenda. The following items have been determined to
have the unanimous consent to council and will be enacted in one motion. Should any item require independent consideration, any council member may have such item removed from the consent agenda. At this time, would anybody like to have any items removed from the consent agenda? >> Yes. >> Uh, >> go ahead, Mr.
>> 2611. >> 2611. >> Oh, no. No. Uh, 2609. >> 2609. Thank you. Resolution number 26-210 authorized refund of overpayment of property taxes quarter 1 2026 block 4101 lot 3 in the
amount of not to exceed $2,943. Resolution number 26-211 authorized refund the performance guarantee block 252.02 lot 20 in the amount of not to exceed $11,518.68. Motion to approve consent agenda
resolutions as presented. So second >> roll call. >> Councilman Casio, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> yes. >> Councilman Olman, >> yes. >> Council President, >> yes. Resolution number 26-209 authorizing emerging appropriation prior to adoption of the 2026 current budget.
Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Discussion. >> Yeah. just uh is this just to acknowledge the passage of time or have we received additional
invoices or nothing out of the ordinary. The the temporary budget is just to get us through the first quarter. Obviously, we're not going to introduce the budget by till the same the first meeting in April. So, this is called an emerent
appropriation just because by law that you know usually the uh the budget's due before, you know, the end of March, but there's always the extensions. There's been one since the beginning of time. So, there's nothing out of the ordinary. It's a 50% appropriation except for in the uh the two pension lines and the
debt statements. So, you know, nothing extraordinary, sir. >> Thank you. >> So, this is the 20 26 and another 26. >> No. Uh, so the first one's 26.25. This just brought us up to 50. So a little bit less than that. >> Okay.
>> Any other discussions? >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> No. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Council President Denn. >> Yes. >> Motion to adjourn to the conference
agenda. Do I have a motion? >> Excuse me. Council President. >> I'm sorry. I just didn't hear. Was one of the votes a no? Yes. >> Yeah. How was enough? >> Cuz I believe it has to be a fourth fifth vote. And without Miss Alleski, I don't believe that's a passing vote.
>> Hope I'm wrong. >> Ask the attorney. >> I believe it says it right in the resolution. >> Top of my head. >> Yeah. >> Is it right in the resolution? You said, Mr. Carl, >> 2/3. Yeah. and jail
>> twothirds of the entire body or twothirds of who's sitting here? >> I believe well I'll let the attorney but >> yeah I'm going to look up the statute. >> I believe it's twothirds of the the whole body. Full membership. >> Full membership. Okay, you are correct,
Mr. Depal. >> Motion to adjourn the conference agenda. So move. >> Sorry. >> Without that, we can't pay bills past the end of this month. We can't make payroll. >> We'll have to put it up for adoption when we have a full
>> Can we revote it right now? >> Bring it back. >> Why don't we wait till M gets here at 8:30 and we'll vote then. >> Okay. >> I appreciate that. >> Is that >> Yes. >> smarter thing to do? >> Yeah. I hope so
>> because I think the vote was just held. It's not going to change. If I I can't twist the arm then Mr. Wes gets here. That would be great. >> Thank you. Motion to adjourn the conference agenda. Mr. Sears. Anybody second it? >> I'll second it. All in favor? I >> I.
>> Next regular meeting of the township council will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 beginning at 7 p.m. Sign up for Nixl. Text 07676 to 888777 key code TWWP Bergen.
Let's go to conference agenda. We're going to go into close session. Um we will come out of close session for the budget. So motion to adjourn to close session resolution number 26-212 employment agreement with the police
department 660 Pasc Road settlement agreement. The township council anticipates coming out of open coming back into open session. Motion to enter into close session. >> So move. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you.
>> Yes, please. I got to put the sign up. >> Agenda, we will be revoting on resolution number 26-209. Uh, let the record reflect that Miss Veles joined us at 7:35 during close session and she is now here. Resolution number 26-209 authorizing
emerging appropriation prior to the adoption of the 2026 current budget. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second >> discussion. Sure. Well, I'll discuss it. >> That's fine. >> Yeah. >> Just make sure you're talking into the mic, please.
>> Better. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, um, pri prior we voted on this and, uh, it failed because Miss Fles wasn't here and they needed a certain amount of votes. Uh, my vote was no at the time. And, uh, the reason my vote was no, cuz apparently when a council
person votes no, they wanted explanation. So, I'll give the explanation. Um in the past um there has been issues with um the administration and not um this particular all administrations that I've worked with in the past they've seemed to um spent
money that wasn't appropriated just yet and then there was an inkling that well we already spent the money we have to have it. Uh I don't think that's appropriate. The budget should be given to the council um by the statutory
uh time frame which is January 15th according to our our uh charter. Uh most of the time since I've been here has not been given on the 15th. If it is given on the 15th that allows us enough time to be within the quarter year uh
appropriation and we could uh appropriate and delegate that money properly. So that is why I am voting now. >> Thank you, Mr. Okay. >> I'm sorry. I have to correct that. >> In our in our ordinance, it says January 15th. >> Yes. >> Since I've been mayor, the state can and
does push it to a different date. So don't make it seem like we are neglectful and not doing what we're supposed to do. >> You you understand, Peter, that what whatever the state does is a state. You know, the the charter says the 15th.
if you understand government that it you have to be within the state limit but you cannot exceed their their statutory um deadline and that's what has happened when you were mayor and also miss it's not directed towards you Peter it's what's given
>> well you said current administrations so I consider part of that >> but I'm not not just you Janet did as well >> okay so I'm not singing you out >> it's a habit that we've gotten into and it's inappropriate and That's all I'm going to say. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Um, we have a motion. We have
a second. Any other discussion? Roll call. >> Councilman Cassio. >> No. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Owen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ.
>> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. Thank you everyone. At this time, we're going to go into the budget discussion. I I uh Mr. Kalamari I'd like to uh I think Mrs. uh
Siobhan can leave. >> Mr. Bailey >> Mrs. Bailey >> council I I leave that up to her. >> Well I you know I I I don't think she needs to stay but if you'd like her to stay you're more than welcome but I don't we don't need Thank you, Miss
Daily. Mrs. Daily. >> So we'll go to page 26. We >> have to get Mr. Ralph on here. >> We're going to go. >> Mr. Dorin, did you Mr. Dorquin? >> Oh my gosh. Mr. Dorwin, did you reach out to Mr. Corkin or are you doing that
now? But thank you, Mr. >> We are on the uh we were on the on We're starting on page 26, ladies and gentlemen. That's where we finished off last meeting. >> Recording in progress.
Mr. Parker's on or >> we we don't need him for do we need Mr. Corker for any particular reason, Mr. Darla? I mean, he usually, you know, attends when we're going over the budget on it. I mean, >> available. >> Yeah, you should. All right. If >> you want to get started, unless you have
questions. Yeah. Can I can we get I'm asking, can we get started? We don't need them to get started. Okay. All right. Yeah. >> All right. So, we're going to start on page 26, ladies and gentlemen. The first one is a salary, so we'll skip it. Uh the next one is overtime, and the next one is police crossing guards. There's a
a request for an additional $5,000 making the line 95,000 from 2025 higher. Anybody have any objections? >> Is that uh just reflective of salaries in that line or there other expenses?
>> Chief, you want to come up and join us because we didn't even use the the total amount last year. So, we're asking for $10,000 more. Um >> we are asking for a raise for them. Um >> so it's a dollar raise. >> Yep.
>> How many how many employees do we have? How many questioning guards do we have? >> We have six right now. We're still trying to fill one spot. >> So seven total. We fill the one spot. >> Correct. We have to be a little bit more competitive with our salaries. We uh lost one of our good employees to hold
the pan. They pay a lot more. >> By a lot, what is a lot? >> Like $13 more an hour. >> $35 an hour. >> $13 more an hour. >> That's what I'm saying. $35. So, it's $35 an hour. >> $34 an hour. >> Wow. >> It's impressive.
>> Yeah. I don't know how to do it. >> Okay. Everybody okay with the $95,000 increase? The $5,000 increase to 95. >> When was the When was the last time they got a race, Chief? >> Uh I think last year they got a small one. And I think we did 50 cents. >> 50 cents. Yeah. So,
>> if we look at the uh salary chart, it'll tell us what the last year was. >> Oh, but that's in the small binder. I don't know if you brought the small binder. >> I have the smaller. >> I think everybody has a small binder. >> I mean, it was a it was a it was a min
it was a small increase last year. >> Yeah. Uh, they received crossing guards were 19 to 21 >> and now we're going 20 to 22. >> Yeah. Right. >> Okay. I'm okay with it. Everybody else
okay with it? >> Yes. >> Mr. Alman, you okay with it? >> Yes. >> Moving on. Uh, vacation buyback stayed the same. No objection to that. anyone personal day buyback stayed the same.
Uh sick day payout is no longer existent. Uh admin assistant is uh a >> salary. >> Salary, so we'll skip that. Director of public safety is a salary. We'll skip that. Sergeant differential is the same, right? >> Yep. And it's contractual, sir.
>> Okay. Everybody okay with that? >> Yep. Specials three is is salary, but it's also an offsetting revenue. >> It's a contract with the school district. Correct. >> It is. Yeah. >> But we have a revenue for the same amount.
>> Like we're asking for 189 appropriations. We have a revenue for 189. >> So can you explain though how we went from 249 to 189? >> Yes. So I I split the lines. So I so last year all special officers
one, two, and three, classes one, two, and three were in the same line. I separated it out so the council could see exactly what we're spending on each class of officer. >> So this is so special officer three is gross of the
revenue. >> Yes. >> Why the special officer? Okay. So So there is an increase there, right? Uh >> there is so we we anticipated what they
uh gave last year. So we don't uh >> we don't have control over what the raises the schools. >> No but but the budget went up by a lot. If you add both lines if you add up officers three and two >> well don't forget we're going to
recommend a reduction in the class two. >> What was your what's your new ask and requested Mr. Dar? So, uh, did you want to do three first or did you want to talk about >> Well, let's do three. You You said you were going to give us a new one, right? You were going to resist. >> Not for special three, sir. For special
officer two. >> Okay. So, everybody okay with special officer 3? That's a contractual amount, right? You're saying that's the contract with Westwood Regional School District. >> Correct. >> Yes. Essentially. Yes. >> So, it's a pass through. >> Yes. >> All right. So, moving on to officer two. Uh, you said you were able to you were
going to make a new recommended request, >> right? So before we get to that, please just realize there is a request um to increase their individual salary. >> Why such a big why is it not following the 2.75 range? >> It's 50 cents.
>> No, it's going to 2650. It's going up. >> That's just the range. >> They're at 26 right now. They haven't they haven't had an increase in >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. So it's Last year we didn't ask for increase with specials twos and it's it's a range. It's $20.50 to$ 26.50 50
and I believe that's I I was >> Yeah, it's so when we put them through the academy that's that lower rate. >> How many special tubes did we have? >> Uh last year we had two. Uh right now we have one. We're looking for a second. >> And what was your new request in the
recommend? Um again based on the scenario I explained during close session if council was um you know up to to doing the plan as I laid out uh as Chief Pakora planned we would reduce this down to 70,000. >> So is that your is that the mayor's new
request and recommend or no? >> I I can't at this point until you execute what we spoke about and closed in good faith >> the promotion part. Oh, well, >> it's >> Well, first of all, it's salary, so we
don't we're not voting on salaries. >> Well, these are these are Oh, yeah. All right. We'll skip it. Okay. All right. >> So, you got to skip this two. >> We're going to skip officer two. Stipens is a contractual agreement, Mr. D. Carlo. >> Yes, sir. >> It stayed the same, everyone.
Uh, police special officers one is uh what is that line? >> So, that's a new line. Uh, we separated. The chief does not expect to spend more than $2,700. I believe chief do you currently have a class one? >> Yes. He's a police dispatcher. >> Correct. >> Correct.
>> So we use them for like parades and stuff like that. So >> Okay. >> Town day. >> Was this in something else before and we just broke it? >> New new line, sir. Yes, it was in it was in >> say. Was this salary somewhere else and we moved it? >> Yes, it was in 240-193 with all the other CLO.
>> Yes. There was one line for all the CLEOs. Okay. >> They separated into three. >> Everybody okay with that? >> The next line is the chief salary which is a contractual amount. Right. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Everybody okay with that? >> Going to page 28.
Uh office supplies went up by $400, but they didn't spend all of 2025. Anything we see foresee that we need to increase off? >> Yeah, we had so we have different people, different offices. We do need a couple of new items like printers.
Printers are a minimum of $500 now. So, um, >> why did we buy them in 2025 when we had all the money? >> I wasn't in charge of the police department at the time. >> What a good answer. >> Everybody okay with the 4,400 >> or 4,000?
>> $4,400. >> Everybody okay? Yes, a question on the printer. Don't we use uh centralized printers? >> We do for for basic black and white copying, but then officers in within their offices, they need you like their
own printer for like color and stuff like myself and the ink is just crazy nowadays. We try to keep it at a minimum. >> Everybody okay with that? >> Mhm. accreditation stayed the same 13250.
>> Now, is that every year that that cost? >> Yes. Uh we're up for reacredititation next year. >> What does that look like? >> Uh a lot of work for our department. So what we do is each year this cost goes
towards keeping us up to date each year and putting in our proofs um that we're following all our our policies and SOPs. Um so we do have an officer that stays on top of that with the company Lexiple
um and they help us stay in line, stay within each year because it is a three-year process. Next year we will have another inspection of our headquarters and they'll review all our policies to make sure that we were doing
everything and um that you know our policies say and that we fix the things that we had initially you know come to light that we needed to fix. So >> what does that expense look like though? Do you know offhand? Is it >> um for the reacredititation? I I don't
have that number off the top of my head, but it, you know, um it'd be similar to last time. Um I I don't know the exact numbers, honestly, off the top of my head. I wouldn't want to guess. I can get you that number.
This is just to keep the maintenance program going and uh they help manage it with our officer that's dedicated. >> What did we What did we spend for the accreditation? 50 60 >> I believe initially was like a almost a
$50,000 ask. >> Yeah, but we didn't have any SOPs. We were we were we were Yeah, we we don't want to Yeah, that was that was uh >> that was a catch up that No, that wasn't first step. That was the beginning of >> that was dinosaur age for
>> it. It really was. >> And I tell you moving dividends over the these last couple years. >> Absolutely right. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Yeah, cuz we had zero SOPs and all that. I remember that was >> we had 16 policies. That was it when we started. >> So, it was it was a heavy lift to get it
off the ground. Now, it's not as heavy of a lift to keep it going, but they also scrutinize you more, you know, when you go for reacredititation because now you've been through it and they're like, "Okay, those things that we asked you to fix, make sure you fix them, you know,
make sure everything is spot on." >> We have a we have a plan to address, right? So, we we monitor that plan, right? Correct. >> Okay. That's what we were promised. I just want to make sure I know you aren't chief and I don't want to >> make you live somebody else's promise, but that was the promises we were made. >> Correct. >> What happens if you lose accreditation?
>> Uh it doesn't look real good for the town or for the department. Um once you achieve that level, um you know, everybody else is going to it. So to get to that level and then let it lapse, um
it's not great. Does it affect the town any legal? >> You will lose um your insurance that you uh get a discount on for us being accredited. >> It was important like I was on council when we made this happened. Uh and it just so happens I just followed the
curtails at Westwood cuz Westwood had just gotten it. >> They just got reacredited again. >> No, they just got it yesterday. But but the original time when I was on council my first time, I said, "Why aren't we accredited?" And I opened up Pandora's box and we paid for it and we had no problem paying for it because I thought it was very important that and when we
found out what it entailed, I thought it was a good thing because it made the department better. Right. Right chief because you had all your SOPs, you had all your policies, you had all your manuals and everything and Lexipole is good at doing that. That's why >> it keeps the entire department functioning at a much higher level. It's
going to keep your exposure to lawsuits at a much lower level as well. And that's where insurance break comes in. Y >> So what does it save us in insurance? >> I think it's like $4,500 a year. >> Sounds correct.
>> It's it saves you $4,500 a year in insurance. >> I believe our reduction is somewhere around that that amount. It's listed right on our bill. I believe >> 135 to say 45. >> Gentlemen, we live in New Jersey. What' you expect?
Well, it's insane. >> Yeah, >> it's it's really insane. >> It is. >> Now, if if you had only 16 SOPs and now we're up to speed, how many SOPs do you have now? >> 120. >> Okay. How many is the maximum you can have or >> That's pretty >> about that. So, now now you're there,
right? You're pretty much where you should be. >> Correct. >> So, how much would it be to for you to internally maintain >> new SOPs and the SOPs they have? Well, we could we could definitely maintain them. Absolutely. But then we wouldn't get the newest updates as to what keeps
you at the accreditation level. Then you're not accredited by the state >> or you know further. >> I think the problem was you don't get your you don't get your insurance credit after that. >> Um >> but I think the problems I'm not really worried about. >> Yeah. But I but I but
>> it's more like an insurance policy. >> Well, it was you had all the attorney general updates is what Right. Yeah, I don't know if I'm supposed to be saying all this, but like the >> that's what we were missing in the beginning. We weren't getting that. >> Yeah. Like we weren't getting that. Like so if the attorney general decided
tomorrow like, "Hey, you can't do this." And our SOPs, we didn't get it from Lex because somebody didn't see it on the whatever Lex is going to tell us like, "Hey, this SOP needs to be revised because >> they call us pretty much, you know, every week. They speak with my accreditation manager." >> Yeah.
>> And they forward all this information to us. Then we also do training that is part of that to keep that accreditation up to speed. Um you know you could you know cut the funding to it and you know we won't be accredited
after you know next year but you know I I wouldn't recommend it after achieving that level to lose it. Um not many departments do that. So I I I think very few do that and I think that would be a blight on not only the department but
this town to be honest with you. >> I thought I I remember you know being a big proponent of this after talking to the chief in Westwood at back you know 8 years ago. It was such an important thing to have because and I remember Mr. Tobo when he was administrator, he was
also a police chief and you know he was big on cuz we were so far behind on our paperwork and our uh SOPs and our policies and all that that it was important that we bring them up to standards and continuing to bring them up to standards in order for everybody
to have the proper backup in case something happens. Right. Is that a fair way to put it? >> Correct. >> Right. It's basically having paper behind us if something happens. Really? It's a it's it's an insurance policy for our officers and our >> rank and file in the town. Yeah.
>> It prevents us from not having something in place and god forbid something happens and then somebody says, "Well, you should have known better because this policy was amended, you know, two years ago, we don't know about it because we don't have the information." >> If there is ever a lawsuit as well, this should curtail the zeros on the end of
whatever lawsuit that is. Um, that's one of the the big selling points to being accredited. When an attorney looks at, oh, you know, we're going to sue them. Oh, they're accredited. That means they got their stuff together, so to speak. And most likely they're not going to go
after frivolous lawsuits. So, there's there's the benefit of that as well. Also holds all of our officers to a higher standard. Not that we don't, but this really enforces that. >> I'm a I'm a I'm I was a proponent back then. I'm still a proponent for it. I'm
a yes for this. I don't know what everybody else is. Uh >> Chief, are all the towns in the Pasak Valley >> Yes. >> prejudged? Yeah. And probably most of the state >> at this point, yes. We were one of the minorities. >> At the last time, we were like one of the I think we were the only Pasak Valley town that wasn't. That's why I
was upset about it. >> Correct. >> And you know, and at the time we weren't the only We were one I think of 10 in the state that weren't, which was embarrassing also. So yes, >> I don't think I think it's peanuts for the the safety it gives to our officers and
our township against liability and everything. So I'm okay with it. Everybody else okay with it? >> I am. >> I Mr. Sears. >> I agree with you, Mr. >> Yeah, I'm fine with Mr. Alman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh books and subscriptions is the same as last year. I have no
objection to it. Anybody have an objection? dues and meetings and conferences went up by $1,300. Any reason we went up so much? >> Yeah. All the all the initial um chief dues there was a higher cost because it
was my first um time applying so they they tack on a few hundred for each of those. I also plan on attending uh all the meetings and a lot more events as a chief. >> Do you also pay RDF out of this? >> Yes, we do. What's that, Mr. That's the
rapid deployment force. Um that is controlled by the chief's association. Um and uh they're they were created for like any kind of riots or any kind of uh stuff like that. Um and with FIFA this year um they're going to be utilized a
lot. So there's a there's a good chance that we might get a another um what's the increase for >> increase? Yeah. this year. Uh, one time they did that last year and they said they weren't going to do it this year, but I have a sneaking suspicion they're
they're going to do it after FIFA. Okay. Everybody okay with the 7,300? >> Yes. >> Yes. Uh, office equipment repairs 4,500 last year, 4500 this year. Uh, any objection?
Police medical went down $5,000 from last year. We only spent 3,000 last year, so we don't plan on uh needing this. >> So, yeah. So, we we had used the um the money from the the previous year to do all of our um
>> wellness visits. >> So, that's why it didn't come off of last year's because it was from the year before. Um we did cut it back. I don't foresee as many um meds and psyches this year. So, >> Okay. Thank you. >> Police copier expense, $2,000 last year, $2,000 this year. Is that a contractual
contractual? uh thing. Is that a contract, Mr. C? >> Yes, sir. Correct. >> Everybody okay with that? >> Uh furniture and equipment uh went up. >> I asked for00 Yeah, I asked for 2,000. Um >> you guys over spent last year by $1,200. So, >> yeah. So, so we did uh take over
obviously uh you guys know we took over the um old court clerk's office. Uh we turned that into our detective bureau. We were able to get some furniture for there. Um and then we did uh you know uh outfit another office. But I do have my
lieutenants office um and the bureau to finish doing some furniture. The furniture in there is like 25 years old. So >> everybody okay? >> Be a one time bump that go down there. >> Yeah, we we could bring it down after after I get the furniture this year.
That's just to try. >> We're not going to overspend the line, right? >> We did last year. >> No. >> Uh everybody okay with that? >> Sorry. uh interpreters, calibration 1,800. Uh it's an increase from last year. We did go over last year, so I guess it's to
make up to kind of meet the 2026 uh 2025 expenses, >> correct? >> Yes, sir. Yep. >> Everybody okay with that? >> Yep. >> Uh radio expense 23,000 last year, 23,000 this year. What does that entail? What does that get us, Chief? >> That is our maintenance uh program with
Goosetown. Um, it pretty much covers all the internal radios, uh, the desk radios for any warranty items that we may need. That also includes the old, uh, frequency that we still have for the ambulance corps, um, and the fire
department for the pagers. >> Isn't that, if I may, wasn't OEM looking to do that under their budget? >> No, that's something different there. Yeah, he's he's looking to um update the uh >> That's the hotspot Wi-Fi.
>> Yeah, that's that's something different. >> Thought he had radios there, don't they? >> Yeah, the the radios. He was asking for uh an upgrade to our current portable radios. He wants to do ours this year and then next year possibly do the fire department. Everybody okay with that line? Uh police
training, uh $20,000 last year, 22,000 this year. >> President, do you mind if I interrupt? I apologize. Are you going to have the dispatch outsourcing um discussion this evening? >> You want to stop here? You want to stop? >> No, no, I'm not asking you to stop. I'm just interjecting with that only because
we're getting into lines that are associated with with that expense, including the one right before it, >> the one that you just approved. So I >> Wait, radio expense has to do with dispatch. >> It has some dispatch part of the dis the
death service agreement. Yes. >> Table it. Let's table it then. >> Just the radio expense. >> Yeah. >> So, training, we we're okay with uh training. We were doing uh 20,000 last year, 22,000 this year. We didn't spend
all of it last year, and now we're asking for an increase. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, you know, the way things wound up at the end of the year, last year, we weren't able to use it all up, but um I do have a lot of officers that need leadership training. Um, it runs pretty pretty much $800 an officer.
So, um, you know, there were seven officers that, uh, changed positions, two new officers. Um, there's a lot of training that needs to be done. >> What was the, uh, 6,000 that we paid to Roger out of that?
>> So, that is part of the, um, that comes out of here. Um, that is part of the training I was explaining before. That is part of our accreditation. and they send us the new updated attorney general uh requirements. Anything that is
required goes through there and then there's like a few that are uh additional um you know electives so to speak that we we have uh it's 12 so we get one a month. >> Oh, you have one session a month? >> Yes. For the $6,000 from Rogers,
correct? >> Everybody okay with traded? Uniform allowance stayed the same. Everybody okay with that? Yep. >> It's contractual, too. >> Safety equipment and uniforms went down $1,000 from last year. Able to supplement this line with the body armor
grant. So, it's 18,000 and went down a,000 from last year. Everybody okay with that? >> Did we uh are we still refreshing the uh body armor? >> Yes. This year is a is a big year. Um,
we have 11 officers that need to get uh new body armor. So, we did half so far. We have to do the other six. >> And is that in is that covered in that amount? >> Yes. >> If you s >> between that and the uh the best fund,
we offset it with the vest fund. So, >> and I I believe I have a revenue this year for it as well. >> I believe. Yeah. Body armor grant of $4,914. >> You show that revenue. >> That's in revenue. Yeah. Thank you. >> And it it's also later on I got to show
it on the appropriation side too. So you'll see it towards the end of the budget. Plus we have a line or two that still has some money in it. >> A grant line. >> Everybody okay with safety equipment and uniforms? >> Yep. >> Uh oxygen and fire extinguishers was
1,700 last year, 1,700 this year. Everybody okay with that? >> Yep. >> Uh equipment maintenance and licenses. Uh we they were asking to double it from 10,000 to 20,000. It's for IT price increase. Microsoft update for emails. >> Maintenance agreement for live scan
fingerprinting machine $2,500. Can you explain that? >> Yes. >> Yes. Um, so our Microsoft Office has expired. Um, we need to update to the new 2024. So, we can't um we can't upgrade our Microsoft licensing anymore. Um, it has expired. So, that leaves us
vulnerable because we had no no more security patches. It's on all of our computers within the the department unfortunately. Um you know it has expired. This will carry us through to the year 2028 2029.
So it is a one-time expense of 6200 and change. I believe my math is correct is 20 computers at 322 6440. That's the lion share of that. And then the rest of it is for our emails. Our
email subscription through uh Microsoft 365 um has also come due as well. Um we're going over in this world of emails for everything. We need a larger cache for all the emails that are coming in. And
uh that upgrade is going from it's about $17 additional for 30 officers. So that's another $3,228. And then uh our fingerprint machine, it
had a like a three-year window and now we have to have the extended warranty. So that uh expired last year, the three years that you get from the from the factory, so to speak. >> So some of those things
I understand that the police department has to be maintained, the infrastructure has to be separate. Can't they all be I mean, shouldn't they be negotiated as a as a township? >> I don't know the answer to that. I I can
only tell you from when I came this was the structure the town hall side had their own it and Microsoft and all the emails and that's the real thornet and I believe the police department has Dart. >> Yes. >> Um you know I can't I can't speak of why that was done in the beginning. I can
certainly look into it but you know this is how it's been. >> Would it make sense to have one vendor for everybody? >> The problem is you need somebody who understands law enforcement in their end. Um, the town's IT guy is very good for what they need, but we need someone
who understands our end of it. And our guy works with the county and everything. And we've used him for probably 20 years at this point. Um, this is the first time he's raised his rates in probably six years and it only went up 600 bucks. So, it's not really that much for him. But,
>> no, I understanding that. But you know when I when you talk about >> updating uh OS, >> updating email, I guess I would would have thought that
there may be benefits to uh negotiating it singularly uh you know as the town verse the two separate entities. So, I think we're in
two different plateaus right now. The town just got all new computers. Our computers are a few years old. Um, and that's why we need to update to Microsoft 11. Um, I think they just all went to it. So, um, >> you know, >> Microsoft typically doesn't negotiate
their price, >> unfortunately. >> But our IT guy can't do any of their equipment. >> I don't know that. I I'm just >> I mean, wouldn't that be a savings?
We're paying somebody already to do the IT work to handle their their end of it. >> I mean, therein is a bit of a specialty as the chief said. um you know he does need to know certain law enforcement uh as far as correct me if I'm wrong chief
without going too far backups and like that can only go >> uh so yeah he has to set up a backup system which we have um and he is the one that facilitates that or his company I should say Dart um and like I said
they know all the backend work they work with the prosecutor's office um the town IT guy u you know I'm not taking anything away from him he's good with just computers. He doesn't have the expertise in the the law enforcement end of it. So, you would need somebody that
could handle the law enforcement end um that could do both. Maybe, you know, if you wanted to keep it at one one individual. >> Okay. Everybody okay with this? >> Yes. >> Sears, Mr. Alwood.
>> Yeah. >> Medical supplies went up $700. Uh >> yeah, unfortunately the cost of everything uh defiill pads are uh skyrocketed if you know we have a few incidents where you know we're using
them and we did last year. We used them quite a bit. Um our medical supplies, you know, $1,300 is just not enough. You could see we spent $18 um last year. You know, we need more, you know, we got to buy bandages and stuff like that. Uh we
get by, but even that's not that much. Um, you know, we need to buy a new bag that holds all our medical stuff. The bag is $250. So, yeah. >> Everybody okay with this? It's a $700 increase from last year.
Uh, miscellaneous went up to from 8,250 to 13750. It's an evidence room audit. That's $4,500. Mandatory requirement due to a change in chief. Correct. >> We've never had to do this before, Chief. So, why you >> No, we did. So, where did it get? >> I got to show that in the budget before.
>> It's never written like this in the budget. That's the only reason. >> Well, I know we've done it because we did it with um with Chief Calamary as well. Um this is mandatory when a new chief comes in. The whole evidence room and process has to be audited to make
sure you know everything is good from the beginning. This way there's no issues with anything. >> Do we have that many things in our evidence room? >> It's an attorney general guideline. Correct, Chief? >> Correct. Yes. >> Okay. >> It has to be done. onetime cost >> any general pay for it. >> Yeah, I wish you >> probably that were the case.
>> So it is a onetime cost. You know, we will not ask for that for next year. So once it's done, it's done. >> But so this is not a question for you, chief. But like where is it? >> We turned over the chief >> last year and we didn't do it.
>> No, no. Well, he he was done at the end of the year. >> No, but we're saying Oh, two years ago. We >> That was two years ago. That's That's >> It just didn't come up on this line like this. I don't know where it came. I don't I don't remember which line it came out of. >> All right. >> Um before you vote on it, council
president, um there was a desire uh brought to me from Councilman Sears to potentially purchase a speedboard sign for Van Ember. If the council wishes to do that, we're estimating that uh device to be $4,500. So that line would have to
be increased by $4,500. It was we did receive an insurance um reimbursement in 2023, but the device was never purchased then. >> So where's the insurance money? >> Well, it was put back into the 2023 budget. So it lapsed into surplus in 25.
>> So can't we take it out of surplus then? >> Can we just get in 26? >> It it doesn't I mean that being >> we we uh spent some of the surplus on the budget in total. So >> I know what we knew we damaged one. Why didn't we buy a new I know you weren't
here, Mr. Dep. But that would have been a the Chief Skinner, you know, question. >> Sure. >> I know we replaced two, but we never >> we never replace that one. Um, >> we actually could use two. We could use
one on Mountain as well, but Or, you know, if you gave me one, I'd put it on Venember. That would be my first choice. >> These are permanently mounted or these trailers. >> These are permanently mounted with solar panels that charge. So, it's like the ones we have now on uh on Washington. >> It would just be an additional one.
>> They're $4,500 each. >> Yes, >> cuz the one at Washington is always out. I guess is when not enough sun. >> It's not getting enough sun because of the canopy. So, >> so we got to move it. >> Take down a tree. >> Talk to the green team. >> We have to move it. That means >> it can move it. >> Can we move it? I mean, seriously. I
mean, it's always out. It's, you know, I get upset with it every time I drive by cuz it like either tells me I'm doing 1,444 miles or it's not on. >> I don't think you should say that. >> If I'm doing,445, I'll be in space. So, >> he's got a rocket behind him.
>> Yeah. So, uh, so this is where we would add it. Somebody serious, is this your recommendation or >> Mr. Dala said it was your recommendation, not the mayor or his. So, I didn't say it necessarily like that.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, I would recommend it. Also, >> don't lie. You You asked for it, didn't you? >> Yeah. >> Or brought to our attention that it was needed maybe might be a better word. >> Can we move the one on Washington temporarily since it's not working
correctly because of the canopy? It's just >> Maybe we can do uh the IHA one that was knocked down and you got the money and never put the the sign back up. >> That's the one we're talking about. That's the one you're talking about. >> Yeah. Like, can we get it up there now? >> Well, you that's what we're asking for additional funding.
>> We'd have to purchase $45 to this. >> It's needed. >> I agree. >> It's definitely needed. >> What can we take out to make it a zero sum game? >> No. >> What can we take out of miscellaneous to make it a zero sum game?
>> So, you need the you need the 40. >> We got it from the 1033 program. >> You have to have it, right? >> Yeah. Does this 1033 program have it? >> No, unfortunately. These are private companies that sell these. >> I tell you, >> how much is How much is this sign? >> $4,500.
>> So, another 45, right? >> So, can you live with >> Because ammunition is down. Could you live with 22,000 and take out a year 2400, take 2,000 towards that? And we're halfway there. >> What you're saying, make ammunition the
same as 2025. >> Yeah. >> If you give me my capital, I ask. Yes. What's your capital ask? >> Well, can I Well, let if if I can. Oh, your guns. >> Let me open a whole new can of worms. There's a >> note on the next page. >> So, a whole new can of worms is um you
know, last year kind of the a majority of the council wished to put certain expenses in the capital. Last week, u Mr. Holman brought up kind of bringing some of those expenses back into the budget. So, one of the capital requests
is 15,000 for rifles. So if we took that theory, does the council want to bring the 15,000 requested in capital into the budget or leave it in capital? And that would be one of several things I would ask
>> discussion while we get to capital. >> Well, well, you're >> cut the rifles in half and you have enough for your sign. >> The reason why I'm bringing it up is because you're going to vote on ammunition next and that would be the most appropriate place to put the 15,000 if you wanted to move it out of
>> Well, I agree. I you know in in listening to Mr. Alman and taking it back I whether we only advertise it in the bonds for 10 years we're still paying a hell of a lot of interest on rifles that only cost us 15,000. It's a
huge credit expense to you know just like the vehicles. Those vehicles don't cost us $95,000 anymore. they end up costing us like, you know, 10020 thou $100,000 more in interest payments by putting it to capital. Mr. Corkran, is
that a fair statement? >> Yes. Um, >> yeah, it's always a tough question whether you leave it in capital or put it back. >> Oh, he's not on the big TV for some reason today. >> Is it a fair question or a fair answer? >> No, what I'm saying is I personally
think it should be probably currently Is that your recommendation, Mr. Corpin? How how have you done it in the past? Have you just made it in current fund in your prior lives before you got to watch Township? >> I mean, I have seen it done where I you know, work. Yes, I have seen I have seen
it done here. >> You can bring this >> cuz we used to do it in current fund also and then a couple years ago we >> sign up. >> I have no objection other than obviously it's going to it's you know it's a shell game so it'll increase the tax impact.
Yeah, but it doesn't but you don't you're not financing a car. >> No, I I totally understand. >> You know, you're not buying guns for 15,000 and paying60,000 when we're done because we're we're putting it into a box. >> I guess I'm just speaking out loud. I I don't mind either way. It was just last year council didn't say put rifles
there, but it was kind of the consensus that those minor expenses would go in capital. I have no problems moving it back. But the next line would be, you know, but the chief said if if he's able to get the 15 for rifles, he would be able to reduce the 24 to 22. But then it
sounds like you're asking to go down another two. So I just I just wanted all those facts to be before the council before you vote on it. That's all. >> Council President, the Senate, if I could say one more thing, too. Mr. If you take it out of capital and put it into current, >> then the budget line for for capital
improvement fund is going to go down too. >> Absolutely. >> So that so that's another that's the main reason why I think you should do it too because you know you're going to recoup some of that because the capital improvement fund is going to go down. >> Thank you.
>> You're welcome. What's the uh excuse me, chief um what's the uh lifespan of a rifle? >> Uh anywhere between 3 to
7 8 years and these are 10 years old. >> Your current >> our current Yeah. And that's why we're trying to we've been we've been slowly um swapping them out for new ones, but now we're at the halfway point and I'd like to do the rest of them all in one
shot. This way I'm not like putting it like 3 years down the road. Um you know, cuz now I got to start doing maintenance on all those older rifles. I got to start worrying about them falling apart basically. Um cuz they go into cars, they they rattle around in the trunks,
>> you know. We take them in and out every single day. So, um, and there's just better technology now. They're just better weapons. So, >> go ahead. >> I just don't understand why those rifles only last five, six, seven years. I mean, I got rifles that are 25 years old that still function.
>> We shoot them a lot. >> Yeah, >> we shoot them a lot. So, >> it just uh >> they go from their locker into the car, back into their locker at the end of the shift. Um, you know, we qualify four times a year plus all the additional
training we do. We put thousands of rounds through those rifles. >> Plus, that rifle needs the water to work. >> Yes. And like I said, you know, you know, if we don't do that, then, you know, I'll continue doing what I've been doing. Um, and and try to get one or two
each year, but then I'm going to need additional monies to get these current older ones certified. you know, I got to keep them to a certain level. Um, you know, I'm in the process of getting two of my officers as armorers so that they
can work on the minor things. But you have to be certified before you touch that otherwise. >> I think we have to have a a discussion as a council later on and taking Mr. Corkran's uh information he just gave us
into account of moving stuff around from capital and back into general fund. >> So, let's continue. We'll we'll table we'll table ammunitions and guns and I'll I made a note for the traffic speed sign and this miscellaneous item. >> Okay.
>> Yeah, we're going to say table that too because that's a >> miscellaneous as well. >> Correct. is it's both those items are, you know, TBD because if we if we follow the guidance, we should put it back into capital into regular funds. >> I don't mean to be pushy, but we're running out of time. So, when do you
want to push it off? >> I want to continue so the chief doesn't have to, you know, I want to get through most of the chief's lines and we'll come back cuz we got to go through all the capital now because it changes everything, you know. >> Yeah, but that's that's all right up here. That was that's not a big deal. I'm telling you, I got no big deal.
>> Moving on. Page 30. Uh, traffic light maintenance and repairs is nothing. Uh, 1033 program, 10,000 last year, 10,000 this year. So, I have no objection to that. Computer supplies, we're doing upgrades. Uh, so it went up $2,500.
>> Uh, we will need while chief's here. What's your wish list for 1033? Uh well, they shut down for a while last year and uh you know, so there wasn't a whole lot and now with what's going on, you know, in the world, uh we're hoping that, you know, there will be some uh
some additional surplus. Um we're always looking, you know, for anything that we can get our hands on. The road department asked for us for stuff as well. So, >> is there is there a need that you're looking for specifically? That's >> nothing specifically. Yeah, there's nothing specific right now. Do we have a
a drone and a drone operator? >> No. >> I wouldn't mind having a drone or a drone operator, but it is very costly. >> It's not a service we uh for lack of a better term borrow if
we needed it. >> Yes, >> the county has a >> county does have a very robust program. premises got a a program of their own um that they utilize in their town >> who we may be possibly enter into a shared service agreement.
>> No. Um I spoke with their drone operator. Um by the time it gets to our border, it's only got about 10 minutes of run time left. So it could only like check for a little bit and then has to go back. So So I it would not be able >> parameters. Yeah. I know the counties
can go a lot further because the >> Well, they would they would bring it here. >> Yeah. No, but they could fly from there. >> I know the operation. >> You're talking You're talking a lot. >> He's got a He's got the $18,000 drone from the county. >> I looked at a uh a static one that just a box goes up
>> on a on a tether and that was $25,000. It was crazy. I was like, so >> but it is the county does have a Mr. Alman, the county does have a robust uh I think if we were an emergency, the county would fly their drone to us,
Chief. Right. Is that fair statement? >> Yes. If we had somebody lost in >> Yeah. >> say the woods or or somewhere. Yeah. >> Cuz I know one of my co-workers works on the county. Uh he he's got he's a licensed drone operator and he works for the county. >> He's spotted people in the alpine cliffs with the drone with the infrared. So
>> all right. Computer. So $2,500 extra this year for computer supplies. Everybody okay with that for the upgrades? >> Yes. >> Uh moving down. Dispatch desk software licenses. So I guess we'll start with dispatch here, right? or no, this is the only line item. Um, >> no, there's there's more.
>> So, let's table this one cuz we'll do dispatch all together at the end. So, we'll table that line. Uh, community p policing website 4,000 last year, 4,000 this year. Is that a contractual amount cuz it seems like we spent exactly almost a penny. >> Yeah, that's just so we can run all our
programs that we do. Junior police academy, coffee with a cop, whatever other programs, you know, uh, town day, the things that we we give the residents and stuff. So, Car cameras uh 001. We're asking for a $500 increase from 5,000 to 5500.
Everybody okay with that? >> Yep. >> Computer software leasing 26,000 to 27500. Is that a increase in a contract? >> It's partial dispatch. >> What's that? >> It's partial dispatch. >> So, we should table this. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We'll table that one. Uh range
rental 13,000 last year and 13,000 this year. Everybody okay with that? Yep. Nixel went up $200 by contract or >> $100. >> It went up $100. Excuse me. But that's Yeah, that's contractual. >> Is everybody okay with Nixl? >> Uh dispatching salaries and wages. We'll
have a full discussion with that shortly. The next ones are all dispatchers. So, we'll table that. Um OEM, we'll do OEM really quick or do you want to stop there? Well, let's just finish the page too. Yeah. >> OEM salaries and wages 2617.
It went up uh some weird amount. >> That's a salary line. So, it's a 2.75%. >> That's what number are you skipping salaries? >> We're going to skip salary. >> Uh OEM other miscellaneous expense stayed the same as last year. Uh
portable Wi-Fi hotspot device to be purchased from this account. OEM coordinator explained device, which he did. So, everybody okay with the $4,500, which is the same as last year? >> Didn't we increase it? >> Yep. >> Didn't we increase it to 7K? >> I thought we did increase that, Mr. Mr. Omen. And because we told them to buy
the Wi-Fi, something better or something. >> Are you guys okay? >> No. >> No, we did. We did increase that line. Yeah, we I got to look at my budget proposal for Oh, yeah. Give me one second. >> Do Chief, do you remember what we were going to? >> Yeah, we went up from uh
>> I have my notes here. >> Where are we going to get them to? >> Yeah, cuz I believe we discussed >> He asked for something. Yeah, we said get them for both departments. >> Oh, for fire department. fire department. >> Fire department. >> We said get them from both departments. So, we did increase it. >> All right. Well, thank you for remembering that. So, you were good with
the seven grand. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I was okay with that. I don't know about everybody else. Everybody okay with increasing? >> Yeah, we already voted on it. Yeah. So, it's 7,000. >> I appreciate that. Thank you. >> So, this goes from 4,500 to 7,000 for both departments.
>> All right. And then, uh, first aid is next. So, we'll stop there. We'll go back to dispatch. All right. The I had two other lines. >> Where is that, Chief? >> Uh 315001. >> Oh, police. >> Police tires. >> Hold on. Give me one second. I just got to get that. >> Page 44, I believe.
Page 44. Yes. Uh, police vehicle tires. First line on page 44. From 7,000 to 8,000. >> We went through an exorbitant amount of tires. We caught so many nails last year. And um we're running into an issue
now with all the TPS sensors all going at the same time. They're $125 each. They're almost as much as the tire. So, you know, we're asking for a modest increase because we just can't get as many tires as we normally do. >> Okay. Everybody okay with that?
>> Sure. >> That gets me four tires basically. >> The next line is uh police vehicles, equipment, and repairs. If capital is approved for vehicles can be reduced to 30 23,000. So we haven't done capital. So we'll table that one until we get to the capital
>> because we got to make a decision. Well, we have to make a decision whether we're bringing it back or leaving it there. >> And yeah, there's a couple vehicles. And then did you want to do gasoline? >> Uh where's gasoline at? >> I don't got to be somewhere right in the
uh page 53. We're asking for the same amount as last year. >> Well, gas is going down. >> It just went up. >> Police gasoline diesel 35,000 last year, 35,000 this year. Everybody okay with that? >> Is that going to be enough?
>> Yeah. >> Well, if we have to do an e if we have to change it, we'll have to change it based on, you know, everybody okay with that? >> Plus, it's part of a control. We should we should be okay, I think. >> All right. >> I'm sorry. Can we just go back to police vehicle tires? The transfer
It's it's the control the that control includes the tires and the vehicle repairs. So it wasn't like we that's just the line that the uh CFO put it in. It doesn't mean that's what it was spent in. So the control is all 315.
So it was vehicle repairs that we need to put it in. Then it was mostly for DPW. If you see, we we spent 102 in DPW vehicle repairs and we only had budgeted 90. And then police vehicles went over about
10 grand as well. So right there is your your $21,000. You're welcome. All right, let's uh >> sir, I believe the miscellaneous section is going to have your uh you know the pertinent documents for dispatch >> in the small book or the big book.
>> Uh the big book in the back. I don't know exactly where, but it's >> it's in miscellaneous. >> It's a miscellaneous. Yeah. I'm just going to run grab something real quick. I put everybody's together the same. So, it should be should be after the
healthcare after the healthcare. >> Yeah, like I I followed the way the budget lines are. >> Okay. >> Transfer. >> It says Washington Police Department dispatch center outsourcing. So, I'd say it's probably the second half of the
paperwork. >> I only show like three or four pages from the back. >> Small book. >> I have more >> I might have just added mine later so it might be >> I don't have it. Oh, I did. I sent it to you, too. I
don't know how you gave it to them. >> We came out today. >> No, >> remember I promised them three documents. We're going to come later. >> So, I didn't put not put theirs in the >> probably. >> So, so it's here. I got it here. Okay. >> I think correct.
>> Oh, >> that came in an email. I don't know if this is in the >> Yeah. >> No, it's here. We got It's I We did get it. Sue did hand it out on the day, so we do have it. >> I just I forgot that I didn't put it in there. So, I don't know where where it is in your books, but it does start with
dispatch center outsourcing and then uh there should be what looks like an Excel spreadsheet accompanied with a two-page memo of uh you know, expenses and then how much the the share
service would would be. It's this right, Mr. Looks like that. >> Yes. >> With a two-page memo in front of it. Kind of >> back and front page memo. Yeah, two page. >> Oh, yeah. It was probably No, two preserved pages like that. Keep printing it out.
>> All right. You want to start, Mr. D Carly? You want to go through your memo? >> Um, sure. Is that a is that there or >> what's that? >> You or the chief? >> What is >> I think it should more come from the chief.
>> If the chief wants to start, that's fine. I know Mr. D. Carlo prepared the memo. That's why >> I don't think I have your >> the one that you you gave. I'll have a copy of that. >> It's on the day it's punched. It's the punch sheet. You you'll find it if you look for the pledge sheets.
>> Punch. What was today? >> No, previous days information. probably last week's meeting. >> Maybe last week's meeting last week. >> Yeah. Okay. >> However you'd like this to start,
council president. >> However, if the chief wants to take the helm, you want to take the helm. Doesn't you know? >> Mike, do you think you want to keep John on for any of this? >> No, we don't need John. >> Yes, that's what I thought. >> Thank you, Mr. Parker. >> Good night, everyone. >> Good night, John.
>> Good night, John. >> Go ahead, Chief. Okay. So, the council had requested uh research to be conducted into the possibility of outsourcing our police department dispatch center. Um has decided to focus on two options available for outsourcing. Those options are the Bern County uh Department of Public Safety,
Division of Communications, and Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch. >> Who handles our current 911? >> Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch. >> Thank you. uh you'll see an Excel Excel spreadsheet that's also associated
with this. Um what we did was we kind of broke down the pros and cons of each. Um and the cost analysis that we have gotten. Um as you can see the cost is is relatively
similar in the current uh salary lines. It's not that far off once you uh add in our upfront uh startup costs and then any uh retrofitting we need to do as far as our building goes as far as uh video
upgrades, phone system uh for the outdoor um for outside the door um and then possibly a receptionist um for our headquarters that would be closed um to anyone coming here. Um selection and
custom training is one of the uh main things that you know is a focus of ours. >> Does Hilldale have a receptionist at their desk? >> Uh I don't know >> cuz they don't they don't have dispatching. >> No, they went they went to Bergen. >> They
are currently uh with Emerson. I believe Emerson and uh >> Hills Psdale share a frequency right now. Thank you. Okay. So, it's a vested interest. Currently, our dispatch officers are either residents, firemen, or former
police officers and are personally invested into the Washington Township. Outsourcing dispatch eliminates our control to hire and train. Our dispatch officers have priceless institutional and jurisdictional knowledge. Our open policy lobby, which is one of our main focuses. Currently, our police
department lobby and front window is staffed with a professional 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This allows an individual in need of emergency services, immediate assistance from an in-person staff member. If police dispatch is outsour outsourced, an
individual in need of police services will not have a direct professional to provide assistance during the time frame of 4:30 to 8:30 a.m. During the week, on weekends and on holidays, this may present a significant safety concern for
individuals that are victims of domestic violence, seeking to escape their abuser. Domestic violence incidents typically occur during those off hours. As an additional example, an individual may come to police headquarters when experiencing a medical emergency. We've
had that several times. During the time frame when the lobby is locked, individuals or residents in need of police services will have to utilize an exterior phone to communicate with the outsourced dispatch officer. That is one of the expenses I explained earlier. The
outsourced officer will have no alternative than to dispatch an officer to to headquarters. This procedure will create a delay to a person in a potential life or death situation. Commonly, an in-house dispatch officer is capable of assisting the individual
and also allowing them inside if uh they need shelter. >> How many time Excited in 2025 the desk for any of those instances? cuz I know you can't tell me what instances, but how many, you know, times has somebody visited the the desk
at those hours? Do we have a chart that would tell us that? >> I do not have a chart from that. No, I couldn't tell you that. >> Isn't there a sergeant on? So, the way our department is uh the way we're set up right now, >> don't we have like four officers with a sergeant inside here at all times?
>> So, it's four officers including a a sergeant. They are usually on >> No, no, it's four total. a sergeant with three officers, a corporal, two police officers. >> Um, and a dispatcher typically on the desk. >> Um, those four officers are typically on
the road. Um, >> including the sergeant, >> correct? Yes. We don't have a desk sergeant. Um, cuz it would take the the guy off the road. So, um, you know, there's instances during the day obviously where they they'll be in headquarters doing some paperwork. Um, but that's limited to, you know,
whatever additional assignments they have. Um, you know, the the dispatcher not only answers the the phone um for any township questions, but also uh manages the lobby where we have our drug uh box where people come like yep,
>> a revolving door to drop off their medication that they're not using. Um, we would not be able to have that anymore. Um, because it has to be um security has to be on top of that. You have to have somebody that's visibly sees that and make sure nobody's dropping any liquids in there, any
syringes. Um, people drop off their uh their applications for handicap placards. Okay. Uh, our dispatchers take that um and then they they make sure it pushes up to me and my secretary um to handle that. Um, also they monitor all
the cameras within not only this complex um to keep an eye on everything that goes on, but also all the schools. Um, I don't know if we're going to be able to forward that up to the county or even Bergen Central if we went there. Um, that is, you know, a total another
entity and we have anou just with the school for us to be able to observe all those cameras. Um, that is a huge security uh lapse if we we lose that ability. >> I think I think we do have that capability with the county. Last time I was up there years ago, they said they
had the capability of tapping into the schools. >> They're not going to monitor them. >> I didn't say monitor. Yeah, but they can they can tap into them anytime. >> Might be too late at that point though. That's the thing. like >> we have a wall with all our our video on there. Um when we redid the uh the
communications room and uh we have the schools up there and they cycle through all of our schools um and the dispatchers keep an eye on them especially during drop off um you know and they can see something coming you know and they can get our officers there
a lot quicker. Um timely dispatching of emergency services is really paramount. Currently, our own dispatch officers are capable capable of directly dispatching police, fire, and ambulance within 30 to 60 seconds. It is common to see longer time frames prior to dispatching
emergency services when outsourcing. >> But isn't our emergency services 911 outsourced right now? >> Yes. So, the 911 comes in >> kind of that kind of >> It's two different things though. It it really is. So, >> but most people do most people dial the
666 number or the 911 number? Most of them dial the normal number. We don't get as many 911 calls. Um >> Okay. It's a fair I think that's a fair question, right? Because >> Yeah. >> Because right now, if I dial 911, it's going to >> It's going to go to Bergen Central. Yes.
>> Mhm. >> And then they're going to immediately call us on the phone. Our dispatcher is going to dispatch our people right away. Um goes up to the county um you know, or any other entity. I'm just going to use the county. Um because I don't think the
other one's a viable option. Um you know, that person's got to figure out. Okay. Yeah. All right. I answered I answered this phone. It is Washington Township. Okay. Where is it? Uh who do I have to dispatch? Is it fire? Is it ambulance? Um this all takes time and
they have call takers and it's not one person doing all the jobs. That's the one thing you guys have to understand. It's one person that takes the call in or one person that takes a 911 call in. Then they move it to the dispatcher that
then dispatches the units. Okay. >> Um the way the county is going to work down the road is all the fire and ambulance is going to be dispatched out of uh Pamis. So it's not even going to be MWA. So then they'll have to transfer
it from there to Pamis to dispatch. >> Okay. Um so fire dispatch will be there which again it's too many too many processes you know you know >> one of the things that we >> excuse me
>> that process that you described >> happens today. >> Yes. >> No it h and it happens with a 911 call that it goes to the county or it goes to >> itwest. Yeah. goes to Richmond. >> Mhm.
>> And it gets routed to us >> for a handoff to be dispatched. >> Correct. >> So what you just described as happening happens today >> just for 911 calls. Yes. >> Just for 911. >> Yes. >> And it would possibly expand should we
elect to do something like this. >> Correct. >> So call comes in, it gets handed off for dispatching. >> So >> it's additional steps. Yes. We would we would We would >> only for the 911. >> Okay. But we we do
>> it wasn't our choice to to outsource 911. It was financially irresponsible not to. It would have cost $250,000 and we we explained that to this council when we were going through it to keep up with the new technology that they were
requiring us to go to. So financially it was more prudent to outsource it for $5,000 a year and that's where we're at now. That is one caveat and it works well within our department because we
have our dispatchers that then know exactly where they need to send our people. They know our people within our town and they dispatch them. I'm going to be honest with you. I'm not a I'm not in favor of, you know, outsourcing our dispatch. As a resident myself, I think
it's it's not a smart move for our town. If if you told me it was going to save hundreds of thousands of dollars, you know, you know, maybe you could change my mind, but looking at these costs, I don't think it's it's really worth the
potential issue you could have and and lives that you can jeopardize. >> So, why are other towns doing it? Why why do other chiefs disagree with you or other counselors disagree with you? >> I don't know if they disagree with it, but >> it's got to be some kind of, you know,
>> I think, and listen, I I just became chief. Speaking to some of the chiefs that are looking at it, they're being forced by their their mayor or their council to do it. I don't think it's their choice, but they also are other departments that don't have a good
dispatch system. They may still have cops on the desk. That's a different story. Um, you know, that's one of the reasons why we went to our dispatch center with dispatchers because we used to have that police officer and that was that was a huge savings to not have a
police officer and get him on the road. >> Now, I think we have the best of both worlds. We have really, really good dispatchers that appreciate this town and our residents and they do an excellent job. I'm afraid we're going to lose that excellence that we currently
enjoy. And you know, I don't >> Well, the last time this was presented, the presentation was made by I don't know what organization was here, that they would hire our dispatchers. >> They would offer them the position. >> Correct. Is that still the case, Mr. Dala? From what we heard,
>> they would they would offer Yes. The the county said they would offer them the position for about 10,000 less to start than what they're currently making. Council President, if you don't mind, but yeah, go ahead. >> Um, might sound like a wise guy question, but is is the only motiv or is the only motivation or is there more
motivation to go to the county purely financial? >> Like, do you feel >> No, absolutely not. No, I need >> it. I'm I I just want to I just want to >> I want I want I want to discuss it because I think it's a discussion worth having because I was I was here with the
pitchfork and fire cuz I didn't want 911 to disappear. How many ever years ago? I was one of the residents that was here screaming like how dare you take this away from us and we didn't take it away and then overnight it got taken away and that was that was what everybody was complaining about and we took it away from the residents kind of like
>> like I understand it was a financial thing but like that was the that was what every this room was packed. >> I mean this was standing room only out into the hallway for 911 dispatch being eliminated in this building. And you
know, it's it's an important thing that I don't think it's off. It's not financial cuz I I personally know most of the dispatchers, you know, and I I don't want them to lose their jobs. And I don't I just want to entertain this. >> You're probably saying it a different way then cuz I wasn't trying to trick you. I'm I'm asking if if the only
reason is financial, which it sounds like you mean because you're saying it's not performance-based. It's not >> efficiency. So, what I wanted to point out is based on the Excel, we're going to to to initiate this, we're going to spend somewhere around
$160,000 a this year. >> Just a onetime fee if I >> But if if our motivation is financial savings, we're going to spend $160,000. >> But the next year, you don't have that fee again. You're >> saving money. >> Different, but we're anticipating the
difference to be around 40,000. So, I guess what I'm asking is, is a $40,000 a year savings enough to give up the control and performance that >> Well, when I read your spreadsheet, when I read your spreadsheet, it was a $200,000 savings.
>> I don't know where you're seeing that, though. >> No, because you're not doing the onetime startup fees. >> Yes, I am. So, the the difference the total in-house cost for us to operate is 3334,000 when we up. That's everything. That's even the 911 service, the voice
recorder, everything, right? >> The total offsite that would be the reoccurring, right? It's not the initials would be 288. So the way we get to 288 is the agreement the first year and it goes up slightly. Chief, do you remember how
much it went up every year? >> Uh 2% >> 2.7 2.7 2.7, >> right? So just we'll just say it's 238 >> plus the 51. I I would strongly encourage the council to not leave a an
empty window at the dispatch during the day. So, we just, you know, we we brought a a modest salary of say $46,000 for someone to be a receptionist between 8 and 4. So, if you take the 237 and you do the 51, that's a total off-site
annual cost, a reoccurring cost of just say 290 because it's going to go up 2% next year. So that difference is about 45,000. And I and I understand that any amount of money you want to save taxpayers is important. I say that genuinely and sincerely. But the amount,
you know, if we're happy with the performance, we're there. We don't believe there's any deficiency is that $45,000 savings, it's going to take us if we spend, you know, this will be four years before we get back to zero from the initial amount of money. So in four
years, after four years, we'll start to see a savings. Well, with all due respect, you know, the receptionist, that might be a nice to have. I think that's, you know, an ask. I don't know if that's a requirement.
>> Okay. I'm sorry. >> So, if we could go back up to the 96, which is the 334 less the 237 is 96. Now when I looked at
uh some other towns and looked at what I am assuming is an equivalent of the 237 and I see Closter is has 112,000. Woff is at 205.
Richfield's 217. Midland Park is 130. Uh 140, excuse me. I mean I don't know. Is that the final number or is that the number off the sheet and is there negotiation there? So, you know, there could be other savings there.
Uh, >> wait, Mike, those those numbers negotiation though we met with >> those numbers you just stated are the 911 budgets for the dispatch budgets for those counts. >> Yes. And uh I went through uh >> Did you share that those documents with us by any chance? Do you have a copy for
us or >> No. Uh, I went through the list of county Bergen County communications who we serve and I cherrypicked a few of the
towns. I went to their websites, picked up their 25 budgets and traced the 911 dispatch expense. Um, so you know, can I politefully ask
why you did that? >> Like what was the necessity? Did you not believe the numbers we gave you or >> I I respectfully asked that. I don't I don't understand. >> Why would I Why would >> Why would a contract with another town be relevant to the contract number that they gave us?
>> Because we're contracting the same service. >> Yes, but it was based on call volume. Chief, do you remember all the information we gave? I mean, I of course respect the fact that we want to get the best price, but not everything is we get to walk in and name our own price and negotiate. This is a county agency. They
told us they'd have to dedicate how many dispatchers to this. >> You know, >> but with another town, so they already told us that if we went to them, then it would be us and Hillsdale on the same
frequency. So, that's another caveat here. Right now, our police department enjoys being by themselves like we have been since I came on the job. Now, we be sharing with Hillsdale. So, what happens every time >> Hillsdale was shaving with Emerson. >> Yeah. They're going to move Emerson over
to Oridel. So, because Oridell's looking at it, so they already have their their plan set. >> So, Hillsdale is leaving Emerson and going back. >> They the county will move Emerson to Oidell. They'll be together because they're next to each other. And they would put us, if we went to them, they
put us with Hillsdale. >> They make it a little bit more. >> But before you had said, >> but now we're gonna share this dispatcher with Hillsdale. So what happens when there's a storm in Hillsdale? There's nothing but flooding. So who do you think is going to take precedent
over our town? These are things we have to consider. Um right now, our dispatchers do a fantastic job. Um, I don't see the need to change that. But, um, we also have to look at, you know,
what they do on a daily basis, too. They don't just answer the phones, uh, answer the window. They help our officers do all the lookups. They help them with their ancillary duties when they're doing firearms checks. Um, they run all that stuff for them. That's now going to
have to be our officers doing that, taking up more time, not being on the road. They are a force multiplier for our department. They do a lot more than just sit in that room answering phones. Um, >> Chief, question.
>> Comparing the 911 calls to the 1140 calls. >> Mhm. >> What's the vi what's the breakdown? Is it more 911, more 1140? >> Definitely more 1140. >> Okay. Do you know what a percentage would be on that? >> Any just number if I did? >> Um
>> 5050 6040 30 70 >> I'd say 7030. >> Okay. >> 70 1140 and 30% 911. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> If I may, >> if it's that high. So, I've had experience, you know, as a resident
experience calling 911 versus calling the desk and the response time is there's a big difference, which is why I have it listed for all my kids. You're going to call the desk before you call
911. That's how important I feel it is to have a dispatch. >> Can you can you a breakdown on that? Let me get a chance. Thanks. And I know I call 11:40 all the time, whether it's a dog or whatever it is.
>> You're going to get immediate response. I know I get immediate. >> I know I get an immediate response. So, >> there's great value in having the desk. >> Anything else for the chief, ladies and gentlemen? I can take
would we require um Are there other costs that are not captured here like the buildout of the secondary uh dispatch at the firehouse?
Are these the are these costs the other costs uh of 30,000 are there other expenses that would not recur if not this year, next year, or the year after? Well, the
upgrade to the new video system, which I kind of looked at and said, you know, based on what we did in 2016, um I think 100,000 is probably shy of what it would be. Um I don't know what the the uh phone system for outside the front doors
would cost. Um you know, I would have to have somebody come in and and like give us a real price on that. Um, but I I you know, again, 2,000 might be might be shy. Um, it could be a little high. >> What about like any console updates or
anything? Like, do we foresee anything? >> We don't foresee any console. >> You know what I'm saying? Like just like we had with 911 all of a sudden becoming a priority that we had to spend $250,000. I know when we first started dispatch, we did have an initial outlay to do it. >> Is there do we see 10 years 10 years
from now? Yes. Um, right now the the dispatch center is four years old. Um, you know, it it's it's in relatively good shape. I mean, other than changing out a TV cuz they burn out cuz they're out all the time. A computer monitor. Um, you know, >> but you don't see any major like, you
know, like catastrophic upgrades like, you know, like $250,000 outlays like we >> I I do not. Um, you know, like I said, if if we were to close the doors, that does uh remove a lot of
uh options that the the residents have. Um, and also my department. Um, it will put a strain on our day-to-day operations and, you know, my officers will have to do a lot more than they currently do and that's going to remove them from being on the road. Um, you
know, the world's not getting any nicer. Um, you know, I'd hate to do that. I'd hate to to diminish our services for our residents. Um, I think they they have excellent services right now and I'm not taking anything away from the county.
Um, but in speaking to other agencies that have gone to them, um, they get the job done, but they don't get it done like we do. So, you know, you are going to degrade what we currently enjoy. So, you know, I would just caution that. Um,
like I said, I went into it with open eyes and, you know, when I saw the numbers, I was like, well, you know, they didn't wow me. You know, originally, you know, I thought it was a bigger bigger savings. And then I I wouldn't be able to argue so much, but
>> I think it's fiscally prudent for everybody, including yourself, to go through this exercise >> to make a decision based on what's occurred. >> And, you know, thank you. Having been an officer that that covered that desk for many many years, um I understand what it
takes to do that job. And like I said, I'm not going to I'm not going to repeat it that many more times, but they do an excellent job. >> They do. Nobody's t Nobody's And again, Chief, I just want to put it on the record. Nobody's taking away Nobody's taking away what what they what they bring to us. It's just fiscally being
fiscally uh responsible based on what's happening in our surrounding towns. M it this is a discussion we need to have because you know people are asking us well why do we need it if Hillsdale doesn't need it why does Emerson not have it you we need it like so I think we have to look at it um nobody's taken
away what anybody does not because they're sitting here um because they do a great job >> and you know it's it's something we just got to look at and and discuss because >> you know that's the comments we're getting is like hey you know Hillsdale got more problems than we do sometimes
like you said because of the flooding they don't have it anymore. So like >> why why don't they need it? >> I could tell I I could explain this to you know some of these other agencies you know they had issues with turnover
um with dispatchers keeping them we've been blessed um we don't really turn over they they stay um and that's what makes them so good because they know our our residents they know our town. Yes. >> Um you know and I think you know it's it's a great town to work for. So, you
know, they stay. You got a revolving door when you go into a large agency like the county. And I'm not trying to knock them, but you know, they turn over a lot cuz they don't pay that much and they come and go. So, you're never going to have that one
person that really knows the town. Um, they're going to tell you that. I think it's snake oil. Um, you know, I would caution against that. Um, when you compare to other towns, um, you should also look at what did they do with their
headquarters? Did they, um, factor in having a receptionist or a desk sergeant that is now part of that? Because that number would change because if you're if you're going to tell me, you know, keep the sergeant in that room to answer, you know, whatever, you know, administrative
stuff, um, that's somebody's salary now, you know. So, what are we going to do with that room? or we just going to close police headquarters. These are all things that we really have to consider if we're going to go down this road. That's that I would caution that. Um I think it's it's a huge loss of service
for our residents and I don't think they would they would like it, but that's my opinion. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Mike, may I just ask the rest of the council or Mr. Alman since you started the numbers? Does anyone else have questions on the numbers? Because the chief was instrumental in getting most
if not all of them. So, I don't want to let him go. Anyone else has questions about any of the numbers that are in the Excel spreadsheet? >> I think we got it pretty much. >> I think it's summarized very well. Excel spreadsheet. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Chief. Yes, Mr.
>> I know it's getting late. Do you want to give the chief a few minutes to discuss u the lieutenant position and organizational chart so he doesn't have to come back? >> Um, copies for everybody. Want to give him a couple more minutes to discuss Mr.
Sears's question? >> Yeah. Everybody okay with it? >> Yeah. >> Sure. >> We're here. Thank you. Appreciate >> it. She made copies of everything for me. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you, sir.
Just kidding. Do you have the next one? >> Yes. >> President, if I could just um lead my witness real quick. Um Chief, obviously we're not going to discuss minimum manpower, but that was discussed enclosed. Um and I already filled them
in. if you needed to expand on the fact that lieutenants will work the road. >> Yes. >> When necessary. So, I just want to let you know we >> So, if you look at the uh the flowchart, that's basically how our department is is broken down. This is part of the
accreditation process as well. Um this is one of the things that we have to we have to delineate in our accreditation process. Um, so as you can see, the department's split into two sections as far as like platoon A and platoon B. And
one lieutenant is in charge of one platoon. The other lieutenant is in charge of the other. And then underneath them, they each have two sergeants and then two corporals and two patrolman on each squad. So, as you can see, everything's nicely balanced and there
is good oversight and administration across the board. You have the chief and the captain that are on top and then off of the patrol section goes into the detective bureau where we have two officers uh currently and then those other communications dispatch that's
separate obviously an accreditation manager is one of the officers. He's not separate by himself but he's within that line and that's how they report up. So lieutenants have an array of responsibilities, but they are still primarily patrol
officers. They go out, they do the high school post, they do other post to cover when the tours are short. Um it is a force multiplier. So this way we're not incurring overtime. Their main uh responsibilities are command and supervision of both patrol
squads. Assist in developing implementing department policies and procedures. They work with me hand in hand. Um assist in creating and implementing scheduling assignments. They run the schedule. Um the captain assists them but they run the schedule. They run all the outside billing.
Everything goes through them. Um assistant department preparation to budgetary needs obviously. um evaluate performance of subordinates. So we do have evaluations that we do uh bianually and they are in charge of their
respective platoon. They evaluate the sergeants under them and the sergeants evaluate everybody within their squads and then they report up to the captain who then reports up to me and it works nicely as you can see in the flowchart.
Uh they perform the command level reviews. Um they make sure that the sergeants are reviewing body warn camera footage. These are all things that they stay on top of the sergeants to make sure that they're getting everything done that is required. Um oversee
mandatory and ancillary training requirements. Um training requests will go to them and then we discuss it as administration. We decide whether it's a a valuable training for the officer and for the department and then we decide as a as a group. Uh myself getting the
ultimate, you know, final say. Um they assign they manage the fleet. They take care of all the vehicles when they're breaking down on a on a regular basis. um they're the ones that make sure that they get the officers that are in charge
of the fleet, making sure that the vehicles get out because they work during the week, uh mainly and they have more accessibility to getting them to the dealerships or getting them to the county or Hillsdale, whoever we're using.
Um they oversee the SEO3 program. They make sure those officers are, you know, coming in, checking in like they're supposed to if they need anything. Um, they're the liaison. Chief, >> can I can I can I stop you there, Mr. Mr. Sears, what was your exact question? >> I I don't mean to cut you off, but I
don't think this I I appreciate what you gave us, >> right? >> But I don't think this is >> I I think Mr. Sears had it. >> We were looking >> globally. He was looking at a question which >> globally >> why do we have to have two lieutenants?
Uh do you have a lieutenant of let's say the day shift and a lieutenant on the night shift? >> No. Uh our lieutenants split the week. So we'll have a lieutenant that works Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and then the other lieutenant works Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday. So we always have a lieutenant on a Saturday and on Tuesdays we have overlap and that's usually when we have our administrative meetings and stuff. >> So one lieutenant could not handle >> these two squads. >> No, >> that was this would be there would be
four squads. >> Anything to stop you and your >> which I appreciate having this cuz this shows all their responsibility because I guess this is their this is their job. This is their job description right here. >> And then some. Yeah. And then some. >> They do a lot. >> But I don't think that was Tom's question. That's why I I It's getting late and I appreciate you through this,
but I just flew in. So Okay, there you go. >> I got in I got in at 6:00. So >> So you have two sergeants. Why two sergeants and why two corporals? >> We have four squads with a pitman schedule that we work. That's the only way it will work where you have
coverage, you know, for all the shifts that we have to cover. So you have two shifts per day. Okay? And you need to have four squads to cover the entire week, all seven days. So the same our
schedules, the way they work under the pitman, the 12-h hour schedule is one squad will work Monday, Tuesday, day shift, and one day Monday, Tuesday night shift. Then they're off for two days. The other squads come in on Wednesday, Thursday. And then that original squad
goes back to Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Okay? day and night. >> So, >> it's more directed to the scheduling of your patrol officers. Why you need so many sergeant and corporals?
>> Yes. Yeah. With us working the way we do, um especially with 12 hours, you need that supervision on every single squad. And that's why we have corporal, sergeants, and then a lieutenant on top of that. Um you know, it it works well.
It's worked well for, you know, numerous years. At one point we had three lieutenants and, uh, one was in charge of the detective bureau. Um, you know, that got done away with many years ago. Um, I I I don't think losing a
lieutenant would work well for our police department. >> One of our discussions was expanding the progressive rank going up. You got so many chiefs that were coming in and going and going and going. you were talking about expanding the progression or slowing down the progression,
>> you know. >> So, does that answer your question, Mr. Sears? >> Yeah. I mean, I I >> I guess they're broken up into into groups and you need that rank and file in each group in order for it to operate correctly. Is that a fair statement? >> Yeah. And they're so the sergeants are like our middle management and they're
like the lieutenants are like the upper management. Okay. And then you have the the CEO and you know the uh I don't know what the the second in command is. Um that's the captain. So you know the captain and I we run the department but
the lieutenants run the department for us. So and they manage all those officers. So they manage eight officers plus theos plus the dispatchers. Um they do a lot you know and uh to to go down
to one would be very very difficult. Um you know it would put a strain on the department for sure. >> Chief, if you're out if you're out of sergeant for a for a shift does the next guy move up in the >> the corporal will cover the shift.
>> Not that sergeant differential. >> It's like if you had >> So the corporals don't get a sergeant differential. >> Who gets the sergeant differential? >> Only patrolman would get that. Now with the corporals because of their their the corporal salary builds in 300 hours of
basically like they're they can supervise for up to three 300 hours and then they get compensated. That's that's what the contract reads. Um so for the first 300 hours it's covered by their salary. Then after that if a sergeant were to be out for the whole year
>> then he's then he or she's going to get it. >> Then they're going to start getting compensated the difference of being a sergeant. So, um, and listen, you know, we're looking to expand the town. Um, you know, we're not looking to to reduce numbers here. We're looking, you know, if we expand by these large, uh,
facilities that are going up with apartments and stuff, we're going to need more officers, not less, in the future. So, something to consider. >> Thank you, >> Chief. just in looking at this organization. >> Yep.
>> Um there are four named corporals or four corporal boxes patrol, >> but we have five corporals. >> Yes. >> You're not looking at who is who, >> but where is the fifth corporal? >> He's in the detective bureau. >> Okay.
And if he is there is the second detective is that does that person appear elsewhere on the chart? >> No the the second one is a sergeant. >> But we don't how many? We have five
sergeants. >> We have five sergeants. Five corporals >> and we have five sergeant boxes. We have >> no >> two patrols. for patrol and the accreditation manager. >> Yeah, he Yeah. So, the accreditation manager, it's a dual role. It's not a
separate role. >> Okay. >> So, he he's got multiple hats. >> I'm just trying to >> Yeah. >> A list of individuals. I just trying to >> put him into a box. All right. Thank you. >> Yeah. So, one of our one of our road sergeants is also the accreditation manager.
Up until last year, the accreditation manager was the sergeant in the bureau. So, it just, you know, roles have changed since uh retirements happened. So, okay. Thank you. Yep. >> Any other questions for the chief? >> Yeah.
>> Does that answer your question, Tom? >> Yeah. I mean, >> again, I didn't think reading this was going to get you your answer. >> No, no, it's it's it gives us a guidance. >> Yes. >> Chief, two two quick questions with initials. Under lieutenant, the first
lieutenant, what's the FTO under tech support? What's FDO stand for? >> Uh, field training officer. >> And on the second one, uh, P R EA. >> Oh, Priya, that's in charge of the jail cells and stuff.
>> Okay. >> So, they make sure that we maintain our >> approval through the state. >> So, those are all all those additional duties that they do that are listed in there. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other questions for the
chief? Thank you, chief. >> Thank you. >> Motion to adjourn. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Let's stay. >> Thank you, everyone. I said no, I said let's stay. No, you just said abstain. Abstain. Recuse. Let's stay. Let's go.
Wherever you want.