with the township of Washington Township Council. Adequate notice of this meeting was given to at least uh was given in accordance with the open public meetings act by the township clerk to at least two newspapers in January and this meeting has been posted on the township bulletin board, electronic message board, WCTV and on the township website.
Please notify the municipal clerk for any disability requirements necessary for attendance at township council meetings. Fires are located through the double doors to your right and through the door on your left. Please silence all cell phones at this time. If you are unable to attend the council meeting in person and would like a topic to be
addressed at a 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. Could 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 Cassium. Councilman Sears. Councilman Omen >> here. Councilwoman BZ >> here. >> Council President the Senate >> here. Let the record reflect also in attendance Mayor Calamari, Township Administrator D. Carlo, Township Attorney Bailey, and Township Clerk Okowski.
At this time, uh, can Chief Calamari come up for a presentation to Eric Tveris for the Loyalty Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Good evening, Chief. How are you, Jo? Chief, can you get started without or >> Yeah, I don't need that projection.
You're pretty loud. >> Sorry. I think the batteries just >> All right. I'd like to thank everyone for coming. I'd like to thank uh the council, the mayor, the administrator. >> Oh, here you go, Chief. >> Little TLC.
>> Thank you. >> So, getting back, thank you everyone for, you know, thank you for coming. Uh, it's it's truly an honor. It's a privilege for us to recognize this man, Eric Diver, who is a become a member of our community. Uh he's from the Brazil Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy down in the
shopping center. Uh he's been there for approximately how long >> 2018 >> since 2018. Uh I've gotten to know him. Uh fantastic guy, but what I've learned about him is even more impressive. Incredible friend to law enforcement. There's there's an old saying that the
people are the police and the police are the people. And so law enforcement is not strictly related to just police officers. Okay? Without the support of civilians, we can't do what we do. And the amount of support that this man gives law enforcement is is incredible.
It is it is epic. It is impressive. There's not enough superlatives that I can use. He trains not only with uh local and municipal law enforcement. He trains with uh state and federal agencies as well. He he contributes to our knowledge, our ability to do our job in a way that's immeasurable. But what
brought us here tonight is uh at the beginning of this year actually it's been in the works for many years. Police officers you know unfortunately we get put in a position to have to use force at times and while we're taught in the academy after the academy it has sort of been uh left to each officer to keep up his skills on his own which which is
fine and many many officers do. But a little while ago, the police training commission uh started to develop a curriculum and for defensive tactics training and it was it took it took a while. It took it's been in the works for many many years,
but it was finally implemented as mandatory training for all police officers in the state of New Jersey. And and I I can't praise that enough. I think it's an incredible thing. The fact that most of my officers are here tonight is proof how much they've embraced it and accepted it. But the beautiful part of this, and sometimes I
believe things come together for a reason, the curriculum was based around Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And we just happened to have one of one of the greatest instructors of Brazilian jiu-jitsu right here in our community. Not only did we have that, we had one of
his close friends and students as one of our officers, Dave Feras, or Corporal Dave Ferris. And this was truly like like a perfect a coming together of the right situation and everything. And when Eric heard about this, he didn't wait to
be asked. He approached Dave right away and said, "Please use my facility. Please. It's it's perfect for what you guys are doing." And it really is it's a fantastic facility, but it's what happens in that facility that's the most important thing. So he he he opened it up to us. He gave us the key. He said, you know, here here's the hours that you
guys can use. You use it at your discretion. You can't ask for better than that. I mean, that's truly being a friend to not just the police department, not just to law enforcement, but to this community by enhancing the police ability to do their job. That that's just, you know, you don't find
that very often. And I'm incredible incredibly proud and honored to stand next to him, to be to be a friend, to be a member of the community with him. Uh he's got an incredible backstory. He's got some information that no one's better to tell that, I think, than his friend and student. So, corporal Dave
Far. I'm going to turn it over to him for a minute. All right. Thank you, Chief. So, Eric's a very modest person. It take it took me years just to start getting the story out of him and you know his uncle and how he started. He began kickboxing at a young age in Brazil. Uh
when he was about 17, he was inspired to start jiu-jitsu because of Gracie watching the beginnings of UFC. So he began training there with uh master Grandmaster Hyrama in northern Brazil if I'm not mistaken. He earned his black belt there began
fighting uh competitively and then decided to try and come to the states and and compete years ago. He at the time then met his wife and had his children and uh he dug his roots in in the United States. He has since become an American citizen which I know is one
of his proudest moments uh since since coming to this country. He has opened up an academy which has flourished. It's gone through COVID where we definitely took a a beating, but we came through and stronger and it's a very tight-knit group between police officers and every
other profession you could find in our little family of loyalty to JJ. Um, as his student and black belt, I am very honored to present him with this plaque and thank him for his gracious uh uh donating of of his facility for us to get our training. Thank you everyone.
Thank you. I would like to say so it's a long journey you know I came from a small town in Brazil and uh I turn a profile I had a dream when I was a little kid and today I would like to
thank everyone like the all Washington police Washington township police department you know my students coming here today you know and the chief they trust me you know and uh I'm very happy
to help the community and to learn how to defend theel right but thank you very There's one thing I wanted Dave to point out, but he forgot. Uh, one thing I learned uh, with regard to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, why it's such a perfect fit
for what we do is when Dave explained it to me and as our premier instructor in a black belt, he really broke it down for me and explained that it's it's one of the most intellectual martial art forms. It is it is based on leverage and control. And for those who may not be
familiar, I want people to understand that this is this is yes, it's fighting, but it's it's a control type of fighting. It's not, you know, some some, you know, wild thing that is just about aggression, etc. Aggression is certainly important. It's more of a thinking man's art form, which once I learned that, I I
just and and started really getting into it and and and pursuing it, not just with regard to uh our mandated training, but really looking into it and learning. Uh it's really quite impressive. So I just want to go on the record for that for people who may or may not know or for people who don't know I should say. Uh it's it's something to to be
conscious of. So I just want to add that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you everyone. >> Continuing uh payment of bills resolution number 25-338 authorized payment of bills October 16th through
November 6, 2025. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. I'll >> second it. >> Roll call. Councilman Omen. >> No. >> Councilwoman VZ. >> Yes.
>> Council President. >> Yes. >> Public service announcement for November 10th. >> M. Does that mean we can't pay bills? >> Siobhan. That's not a not a question. >> Two. One. It passed. >> Yeah, it passed. >> The quorum is only three. The quorum is
only three. Just wanted to make sure >> before we send checks out tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure. >> No, we have a quorum of three. So, it's it's the majority and >> Okay. Rather be safe than sorry. >> Absolutely. >> Public service announced for November 10th, 2025. Residents are responsible
raking leaves into piles and placing them at the curb. Avoid placing leaves on top of storm drains and keep piles clear of litter, branches, and other debris for recycling purposes. Plastic bags are not acceptable. However, biodegradable biodegradable bags are permitted. If you live on a county road,
place leaves in barrels or biodegradable bags. Do not rake leaves into the street. To avoid a fire hazard, do not park on leaves. Crews will work from west to east in each zone. A second pass of each zone will begin after the completion of the first collection. Collection is weather dependent. Please
be patient. To ensure that you do not miss your schedule leaf collection, please consult the following schedule and have your leaves curbside by the dates listed below. This schedule is only a guide and may be delayed due to inclement weather or unforeseeable factors. Please visit the DBW web page
and our Facebook page for weekly updates during leak collections. The Township Board of Health and in alliance with the mayor's wellness campaign will be presenting a caretaker symposium on Tuesday, November 25th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the senior center located at Town Hall. Our guest speaker will be
Beth Jacobson, MAD DRCC, the director of community response and education at Newbridge Services, who has formed a working relationship with Christian Health. The speaker will highlight mental health of caregivers and avoiding burnout. Please join us. This is a free event and open to all. The New Jersey
Division of Taxation is aware that residents have recently been receiving fishing text messages that falsely appear to be from their office. These message may reference tax matters that often include links or on or urgent prompts to respond. Please be advised that these messages are not from the division of taxation. They do not
contact taxpayers via text message regarding their tax accounts or any other official matter. If you receive such a message, please do not respond. Do not click any links and delete the message immediately. 2025 road program. The resurfacing of Fern Street, Cypress to Bergen, Salem
Road, Bergen Avenue, and Carriage Court is projected to begin once any storm catch basin work within those project limits are reconstructed. Residents in the affected areas will receive a notification letter advising of the upcoming work schedule in their neighborhood. The milling and paving schedule will be posted once it is
received by our vendor. The Township of Washington Veterans Day ceremony will be held tomorrow, November 11th, at 11:00 a.m. at the library. All are welcome and invited to attend. The township of Washington police have observed an increase in illegal electric and gasp powered dirt bikes around the township
and have issued a zero tolerance if someone is caught riding one of these vehicles. Not only will the operator receive a traffic summon, but depending on the circumstances, the b the bike may be impounded. A dedicated e- recycling container is now available year round at town hall through a partnership with E-
Revival LLC, a certified electronics company. Drop off is available Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ecology by permit only. Please note the yard is closed on Tuesdays during bulk and leaf collection weeks. Please visit
our website for a full listing of acceptable items. The township held their annual rabies clinic on Saturday, November 1st. 31 vaccines were given. Thank you to the North Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission and Tao Animal Control for their assistance in the event. Friendly reminder, please
curb your dogs and pick up their waste when necessary. Please do not throw your pets bagged waste into your neighbors garbage cans or bodies of water or wooded areas. Township offices will be tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11th for Veterans Day and also Thursday, November
27th for Thanksgiving and Friday, November 28th. Our next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 7 p.m. Thank you, Mr. >> Yes. Can I just have a question about the uh
portion regarding leaves and if you live on a county road uh that they would be placed in barrels and bio or biodegradable bags. Um is that is that in an ordinance today or
and or is it a suggestion? And the only reason I ask is >> is everybody's microphone on? Ricky's get not getting everybody's feed, so I just need to make sure everybody's mic. >> Mine wasn't. Um, the reason I ask is, you know, I'm fortunate enough to live
on a corner, so uh, one of my, uh, you know, I could dispose of my leaves in the street, but on many of the county roads, there's no option. Uh, you know, residents don't have an option, and I've
never seen a bag or barrel with leaves. So, you know, if this is a requirement and we're not enforcing it, should we take it off the books? And if it or if it's not a requirement, you know, uh
perhaps we should drop it since I don't believe anyone is really doing it. >> Mr. D. Carlo, is do we have any Can we ask the DPW if they are getting bag leaves on? >> Yeah, I can look into it. I'm sorry. Sorry, I don't know that answer off the
top of my head. >> Having >> Can you review the ordinance? We'll have Siobhan review it at this time. I don't have >> most stuff over the website. >> All right, we'll have to review. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> No, I mean it >> I don't have an answer for you right now.
>> I mean, there's there's nobody that bags on the number. >> I mean I >> because >> we drive it every day. >> Yeah. That's why I asked that the what what the DBW is doing on >> itself on DP on Benburg. >> So,
>> all right. I mean, I'm not looking to make an issue for them or for homeowners, but we either take it off the books if we're not doing it or enforce it if we are. >> It's a lot of the homes are have over an
acre. So, how do you bag over an acre worth of leaves? >> I agree. >> Yeah, >> but >> I understand. No, I I see what you're saying, Mr. Councilman. >> All right, we'll review for the next meeting. Mr. Depal, if you can get us a
report from the DBW Siobhan, if you can look at the ordinance. Thank you. >> We'll do >> report of the administrator. >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. Good evening, everyone. This is my response from our township council meeting of October 20th. There was no resonant concerns or questions to be followed up on and there was none uh for the council
other than a few weeks ago the council had requested I look into the previous scope of work conducted on the memorial field light posts. The company that conducted the work was K Hanrahan Enterprises. The work was done in May 2021. The scope of work was to remove
the old existing flood lights and install new LED flood lights. There was no work done to the wiring inside the poles or from pole to pole. The LED flood lights come with a 5-year warranty to include labor. The cost of the boom rental is not covered. The flood lights are still within the warranty period,
and Kate Hammeran is working to replace the flood lights that need to be replaced. The township will only have to pay for the boom lift. There were several flood lights reported to be not functioning from the inspection conducted by SM Electric earlier in the year. We also met with Mr. Hammerhan,
the owner of the company, in order to obtain a quote and recommendation from him regarding the replacement of the underground wiring. Mr. Hammerhan is not recommending replacement of the wiring, however, did recommend the grounding of each pole, the replacement of the switch covers, and the placement of padding
around the base of each one of the 10 poles. This padding will protect from someone falling and hitting the pole, preventing some type of physical injury, hopefully. The quoted scope of work from SM Electric was more than $40,000 and Khan Enterprises will be performing the
work for $21,389.80. We'll be saving a tremendous amount of money by contracting with K Hanrahan and the uh the scope of work from SM Electric did not include the padding where for the 21,000 it will from K Hanhan. Updates on the reassessment. The
current residential entry rate is 67%. Phone calls for interior inspections have slowed down. Sales analysis and preliminary values are in process and the company performing our reassessment ASI anticipates value letters being mailed at the end of the year or the
beginning of 2026. And that concludes my report. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Mr. Carl. >> May I have a followup? >> Sure. Um, there was a uh
resident who had an issue regarding an ambulance response to an incident on October 2nd for a juvenile in their household. And I was wondering uh what
uh if anything uh what discussions have taken place with uh the volunteer ambulance corps and the county regarding the response and is there something that needs to be addressed?
>> Okay, if I answer that go ahead. >> Yeah, thank you. Um the the police have been uh the lead agency on doing this research. Um, I don't know specifically uh what they have done. I'll have an answer for you for next council meeting. However, we did reach out to the
resident to try and set up a meeting. And uh I'll say fortunately, they are up in Boston for the next couple of months uh for a special surgery on their son that they're hoping will uh take care of his heart issue. So, they'll notify us when they're back in town uh to set up
that meeting. Can we I I know we had talked about, you know, you and I sitting down with the ambulance for the initial response, the 34 minute response. >> Oh, where the ego would I thought we were going to have an answer for that. >> I I misunderstood, Mike. I thought you only wanted to be in on the meeting with
the resident. Uh >> no, no. I want I want to know why >> with the police and see what they've done and >> Yeah, I'd like to know the initial the initial why it took 34 minutes and Englewood had to respond with the rig and an EMS truck from Englewood. >> Okay. Yeah, >> thanks for clearing that up.
>> And then just one other question. Um uh in the period between our last meeting and tonight, there were a number of uh emails sent to the council regarding the girls 8th grade basketball team and
issues of I guess having a complete squad and you uh young ladies playing up. Uh, has that been resolved or what was the resolution? It it didn't appear from the email exchanges that there was a clear
resolution. They were waiting, I think, for registration to close on the 31st, uh, which we were updated on prior to the 31st, but I don't recall anything after the 31st, uh, to see if that had been resolved.
>> It has been resolved. It's been resolved with the coach and the director of recreation, the superintendent. Recreation and the children are going to have a team to play. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Report of the mayor. >> Okay. Thank you again, Mike. Good
evening, everyone. Thank you all for being here. Um I'm happy to report that we will be receiving $722,000 next year from the energy tax receipts distribution program. We had a lunchon in the senior center to celebrate the retirement of two of our long-term DPW
employees, Gerald Casey and Ron Sheer. We wish them all the best in their retirements. Um, if you have time tomorrow, please join me at the Veterans Day ceremony tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the library to show your appreciation to our veterans. Uh, I also ask you to join me on
November 25th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the senior center for an initiative of the mayor's wellness campaign and the health advisory board for a caretaker sympath. Um, election news. The election went very well at Bethany Community Center.
About 3,000 in-person voters cast their votes on election day. Parking and people's movements was so much better than it ever could have been here at town hall. I want to thank everyone involved in making the change to the location and of course to the pole workers who are always pleasant and helpful considering the long day they
put in. Although small in number, I would ask both voters and candidates to not bring up employees job performances on social media during election season. If anyone has an issue with anything or anyone at town hall, I ask that it be brought to either my attention or the
administrators and it is as it is solely our jobs to deal with. Recreation news. The 2025 introduction to cheer program held an end of season party. All the participants had a great time. The kids especially enjoyed a visit from the cardinal mascot. As
always, I want to thank the volunteers, coaches, and coordinators for another fun season. A lot of work goes into this and every program. The 2025 fall fun with art program participants continue to have a great time. The children have worked on Van Go Sunflowers, Woody from
Toy Story, Snoopy, a scarecrow landscape, pumpkin chalk pastel picture, and Wicked Witch watercolor for Halloween. The 2025 2026 basket program registration ended on October 31st. Registration totals overall are very
good. If you are interested in volunteering to coach, please contact the superintendent of recreation, Dan Scooiieri. A background check for all volunteers 18 years of age and older is required. As a reminder, teen at the Westwood Recreation Center is open. The
teen center is available to all Westwood and Township residents in grades 6 to 8 on Friday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center at no cost. Basketball, volleyball, pingpong, billiards, air hockey, and Xbox on a big screen are just some of the available
activities. Parents must fill out a registration form at the teen center on any Friday night or during business hours at the Westwood Community Center. Refreshments are available throughout the evening for a nominal fee. As always, please follow the Township of
Washington, New Jersey 07676 Recreation Park and Public Affairs Facebook page for updates. Police Department news. Officers served popcorn at town day. The command staff met with people from Bergen County and Bethany Community Center for a regional
unification site plan. They also met with staff from the middle school and high school to go over the evacuation plan updates. Firearms officers met with members of the Waldwick Police Department to explore less expensive options for range usage. The department
participated in trunk or treat events at the schools. Officers assisted in traffic control for the township's wicked 5K and some members participated in the event. They provided safety throughout the town on Halloween night. And I'm also pleased to announce that
Captain Arsenio Pakora has been selected as the next Township of Washington Police Chief. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Pakora and wish him great success in his new role. Fire department news. For the month of October, the department responded to
multiple fire alarms, CO alarms, and odors of gas. On October 13th, the department was dispatched to a residence for a reported party trapped under a ceiling collapse. The party was tended to prior to the fire department's arrival and then transported to a
hospital for minor injuries. The fire department removed the debris and checked the integrity of the structure. On October 20th, there was an oven fire that was contained in the oven. On October 21st at 3:55 a.m., the department was dispatched for mutual aid
for a fast team to Hillsdale for a working structure fire. All our members returned safely and assisted our neighbors with breaking down the scene and packing up. There were unfortunately multiple firefighters from Hillsdale that were sent to the hospital, but they
are happy to say all are reported to be recovering well. On the 24th, they were dispatched for a crash on the Parkway, and on the 31st to the shopping center for a smoke condition in one of the restaurants. The department attended and participated in town day, held an open house for fire
prevention month, held the annual raga muffin parade, and raised the American flag for the wicked 5K race. They asked me to remind residents to change the batteries in their smoke and CO2 detectors, not to park cars on leaf piles, and to make sure their chimneys
have been cleaned prior to lighting a fire. I'm also happy to report that their website was upgraded free of charge by Heather Henry, who also does their and the ambulance corps websites, including maintenance and updates at no charge to the town or the organizations.
Department of Public Works news. October was the last month of curbside household debris for the season. Metal collection is also complete until after leaf collection has ended. The department assisted with town day, the 5K event, and with the shredding event. They
prepared all the necessary equipment for leaf collection and had crews out two weeks before the official start date of collection. They are diligently working on cleaning their existing area here at town hall for the start of their new facility. Public affairs. The department will be
hosting an ornament decorating event for township residents on November 23rd and preparations are currently underway for the annual treelighting ceremony scheduled for December 5th. Zoning office. There was a total of 37 zoning applications reviewed for the
month of October. Library. October was a spooktacular month at the library. Halloween programs abounded for all ages with special programs featuring watercolor painting classes for adults, telescope programs for families, sound bath meditation for
adults, teen paint nights, bingo, and a special Halloween themed visit from the Bergen County Zoo. They also love seeing so many residents stop by the library booth on town day. Municipal Alliance, they had wrap-up meetings with the elementary school
principles to discuss ideas for next year. The final programs this year are scheduled for this month, November. Overall, it's been a great year. Municipal court, 115 total traffic tickets were issued in September. I'm sorry, that should probably say October.
Sorry about that. With 87 from the Township of Washington Police Department and 28 from the state police. The court collected $5,54.36 in revenue to the township. Only one council meeting is held in November. Therefore, at this time, on
behalf of all the employees at town hall, I want to wish all of you and your families and friends a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday season. Thank you. Thank you, Mike. >> Thank you, Peter. Report of the council. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> So, on October 15th, I attended the board of health meeting and as mentioned in the PSA, there's going to be a caretaker symposium on November 25th. Um, one point of of discussion was that we often assume that our caregivers are
paid employees, but with many of us having older parents, uh, we serve as their caretakers. So, it's important for us to find healthy ways to avoid burnout and have more patience with our older relatives. Um, as it was mentioned, it's a free event and open to all. Thank you
to Director Judy Beckmire and the entire um board for putting this together. The book bin is back. I know there was lots of talks about the book bin being removed, but thanks to the administration, we were able to secure a
new location in the commuter lot next to the emergency services building parking lot, the the fireside. So, please bring your books on down. Um, we have a a new bin ready for taking in of books. Um, the Raga Muffin Parade took place on
October 25th and I was happy to attend with my little one. It was a fantastic turnout and it's an event that we look forward to every year. Great job by our volunteer fire department. On October 26th, um, with in keeping with the
spirit of the holiday, uh, we hosted the Washington's Wicked 5K and Kids Fun Run. It was perfect running weather for the young and young at heart. Thanks to all the participants who came out and dressed up and kept in the spirit of the
holiday. Thank you to VFW Post6192 for their generous donation as well as the ambulance corps, the fire department, all the volunteers, Cubac 228, DPW, and for everyone that makes events like this
possible. Thank you. Um, as mentioned in the PSA, tomorrow is our Veterans Day ceremony. So, I do encourage us to go um and attend the event to help help us recognize all the sacrifices that our men and women make for our country each
and every day. Um, as some of you may know, Councilman Sears and I along with the support of the administration started the Hometown Heroes Banner Program a while back. Um, and these banners would not be possible without
the help of Heather Henry and Ranatada Dleski who have really made this banner program a great success. We can't thank you enough for all your help. Um, additionally, if anyone is still interested in participating in this banner program, please do so. I know
there has been some hesitation to submit images due to the age of the pictures, the quality, or any possible damage, but I can assure you that Heather Henry has done some fantastic work restoring them. So, please, please reach out if you have any doubts. We'd love to honor all our
veterans along Pasc Road. Um, let's see. And then lastly, um I know that my reports tend to be a little long as I've been told, but I'm always excited to share the work that's being done throughout the month. Uh so with that being said, I want to thank our
residents for their support on election day and for giving me uh Councilman Sears and Mayor Kalamari the opportunity to serve for them four more years. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Mr. Olen. >> Yes. Thank you. Uh, first I'd like to
recognize uh tomorrow's Veterans Day and the debt of gratitude that I personally have to all who served. Uh, Mr. Sears is not here this evening. Uh, I'm sure he uh
would not want to be the focus of a discussion, but you know, he uh sort of epitomizes what I uh look at in a veteran. He is proud uh to serve. He was proud to serve. He's proud to continue to serve uh his residents and he is
proud that he advocates on behalf of veterans. So I think uh we all owe Tom as well as other veterans uh you know our thanks for their work uh and their uh sacrifice that they've pro given. Uh,
I'd like to congratulate uh, Mayor Kalamari, uh, Councilwoman VZ, and Councilwoman Sears on their victory. I'd also like to thank uh, Mike and Desiree, as well as Meg, who also ran. They did
not win. But it is important that uh we continue to have a choice uh and that uh people are willing in our community to uh stand up and put themselves out in front of the community uh to do uh the
work that we do. Uh I wanted to thank uh Mr. D. Carlo uh on October 23rd. uh he uh at my request uh arranged a tour of the emergency services building.
uh you know I owe him uh a list uh of items that I observed but there were a number of items of note uh regarding the physical building that I think uh should be reviewed uh and understood uh
especially as we are starting a new uh project here for the DPW. Um, so perhaps uh some of these items that I'm going to review now will uh add to the conference agenda for next
meeting. Uh, I had a question uh for uh Siobhan or Miss Bailey, excuse me. Um, earlier in the summer I had to attend a funeral out of the country. I was in
Toronto and want the we had a meeting that evening and unfortunately due to timing I was unable to attend the meeting but I'd like to understand if I am travel or anyone is
traveling uh out of state or out of country can they participate uh in the meetings as a voting member And I don't know if that would this or
your decision or your research would cover um the planning board but uh the chairman uh is a you know is a very active participant in the planning process the
planning board but also travels quite quite a bit uh for his job responsibilities and often attends our meetings uh remotely or on camera. Just want to make sure that if votes are
taken, if decisions are made, that there's no uh opportunity to question that because we weren't physically present or physically in the state or in town. >> My understanding that that is permissible, but I'll double check it for you.
>> Thank you. Um I wanted to add uh a discussion on police dispatching. We I raised this earlier in the year and uh really didn't gain a lot of traction and you know I
don't believe we ever brought it to a vote or had any feedback from uh the administration or the police department. But uh I think that's something we should certainly look at uh as we enter into uh the planning process this year.
Uh we have uh police dispatching uh for our 911 I believe it is. And uh you know if we can do it if we can do that uh why not expand it and see if there's an opportunity for uh cost savings as well
as efficiencies. Um, I had a question uh about uh the recent uh fire in Hillsdale. Uh, the Hillsdale Fire Department. The chief uh
issued a letter that was forwarded by the emergency management office uh regarding uh the fire on 1021. Uh and the question I have is uh they mentioned a loss of water supply that
led to the flashover and uh potentially the injuries to the firefighters. And I my question is specifically as it relates to the council and our role is that loss of f uh water supply was it
related to either equipment or viola? because I think those are areas where the council can either spend money or ask that uh pressure be put on the administr uh ask the administration to
put pressure on viola. If it was training or human error, there's not much us as a council can do, but I think it would be beneficial if there is something we can do that we take that action. So >> uh you know if we can look into that and
again I'm going to put these on the conference agenda for next meeting. Uh the other issue um I'd like to address is directors overseeing uh their own responsibility. We had an we had talked
about it earlier in this year. Uh and uh there are I believe there are two individuals who uh have direct oversight of their own departments. Uh I view that as a potential conflict or you know
would prefer an independent director. Uh so if that's something that we can discuss and see if it's something we want to uh address as a council. um capital projects uh on
uh following the last council meeting uh I had a discussion with uh Mr. D Carlo about uh the emergency service building and tracking of expenses.
uh I don't know uh if there is uh if anything has come of that discussion uh but I would like to raise the issue of real time uh tracking of capital projects uh as it
relates to uh you know we have the DPW we have the swim club and we have 450 Pasc >> so you know uh every month for every meeting on the list of bills there are expenses related to these uh you know
I'd like to see if we can come up with something that will help us ensure that we're on budget you know uh and we understand the budget not that not what has been approved for expense but what uh from a spending or a funding
perspective but what the budget is or what the planned expense is for those items and where we are against that. Um, and then I don't know if this is for the uh open session or for a close session,
but I had a question regarding uh the employment contracts as well as the uh CBA regarding uh vacation and personal time and uh acruals.
My my belief that would be close session if I understand. >> So uh all right. Would that be something? >> Do that next time. >> Next time. Yeah, >> we'd have to advertise it in the close session. >> Okay. Uh that would be it. >> Thank you, Mr. Alman.
>> You're welcome. >> Everybody pretty much said a lot. So I just want to thank all the men and women veterans uh that served us and uh brought our freedom that we we all enjoy today. We owe him a big debt of gratitude. So,
if everybody can make the ceremony tomorrow at the library at 11:00 a.m. to honor them, that'd be appreciative. I just want to congratulate Chief Pakora on his uh promotion. And I just want to wish everyone and their family a happy Thanksgiving. Moving on. Approval of minutes. Syndai
meeting 2024, January 6, 2025. Reorganization meeting January 6, 2025. Regular meeting and conference meeting January 20th, 2025. Special meeting of January 27, 2025. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Councilman Elman. >> Yes. >> Counciloman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Regular meeting February 3rd, 2025 and conference meeting February 3rd, 2025. Do I have a motion?
>> So moved. >> Uh second. But I have a question. >> Sure. So, what's your question? >> If you're um if you can't participate >> Mhm. >> can the or is two people enough too? >> Two is enough. The quorum is three. So,
>> okay. >> I'm going to abstain, right? Yeah. I wasn't here. So, roll call. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman, >> yes. >> Council President, >> I abstained. I wasn't here. General public comment period limit to
five minutes per person. Motion to open the public comment period of the meeting. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> would anybody like to come up to discuss anything which is not on the agenda? >> Everybody is here for Bethany or is
everybody here for something else? >> Anybody here for something else? >> Um for the DPW. >> Yes. No, you have to wait till we get to the open public meeting of that. >> Oh, that's correct. >> Would anybody else like to come up and discuss anything in the open public
comment period? >> Seeing no one, motion to close the public comment period. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Approval of fire department bylaws. Township of Washington Volunteer Fire Department bylaw is approved by membership of September 4th, 2025. Do I
have a motion to approve and file? So moved. >> I'll second it. >> A question. >> Yes. So, um, the one concern I have is the township made a
significant investment in the uh, ESB that includes a uh, meeting space and event space, for lack
of a better term, a kitchen, a uh, you know, a bar. And I guess my question is uh there's a option if they can't find a uh
date to move it to an outside establishment and I guess you know well that's only for a 25 year a 50-year member has to go outside according to the new bylaws if I'm reading it correctly. No, I think that's >> Yeah. No, 50. It the the the the
committee shall present uh the dinner shall be held outside of the firehouse for the 50-year me. >> Are are we rem Maybe I misread it. Are we removing this or adding it? Removed highlighted section. So, there's no longer a 25-y year.
>> President, I'm not sure if it's permitted. However, fire department is here to represent themselves on any question. >> Would you like to come up? I saw that that was what was added because that's not highlighted. >> Yeah. Uh Pete and Senna 519 Monroe Avenue. I am the chairman of the bylaw
committee. So the highlighted sections being removed. So to kind of put it in basic terms, if somebody joins in the year 2000, serves the department till 202 2025, 25 years, moves out of town,
does nothing for the department for 25 more years, this bylaw said they can come back and get a dinner. So that's the section we are removing. >> So members that serve for 50 years, active members, would be eligible for the dinner. So that section just being
removed. The rest is staying. >> Yes. Okay, that's how that's how I But the the 50-year ceremony is to be held outside of the firehouse. That is that is in the It says the dinner shall be held outside of the firehouse. Correct. That's I guess what Mr. Alman was asking. >> No. No. So I don't uh it being outside
for 50 years was not my concern. I >> My apologies uh Mr. Anda. I thought we were adding this. I didn't realize. >> No, we really did. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we realized that. It was kind of silly for someone to disappear for 25 years, come back and get a nice dinner. Okay,
>> that made no sense. So, we're just taking that section out and we're honoring our 50-year members. >> Sure. >> Thank you, Mr. Any other questions on this, Mr. N? >> All in favor to the revision of the bylaws as presented by Mr. All in favor? I >> I
>> I >> Thank you. Ordinances adoption second reading ordinance number 25-20 an ordinance amending article 15 entitled site plan review chapter 540-84 entitled demolition of residences tree preservation and related requirements of
the ordinance of the township of Washington resolution number 25-339 authorizing second reading and opening of public hearing for ordinance 25-20. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Would anyone like to come up and discuss ordinance number 25-20 at this
time? Seeing no one, motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 25-20. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> I'll second it. Roll call. >> Councilman Elman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Deles.
>> Yes. >> And council president. >> Yes. Motion to adopt ordinance number 25-20 on second reading by title. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Omen.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Ordinance number 25-23. An ordinance authorizing entry into a lease agreement with Bethany Church. Resolution number 25-340 authorizing second reading and opening
of the public hearing for ordinance 25-23. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Would anyone like to address have any comments regarding ordinance number 25-23? She raised her hand first.
>> No, but you raised it first. So >> Captain Zart, 124 Woodfield Road. Good evening. >> Could you spell your last name, please? >> Z A W R Y T. >> Thank you, Miss. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So, this came uh I was completely unaware of
it until very recent events. Um why a commercial uh gate is being put on a residential road. And it's not just a residential road, it's a highly trafficked pedestrian road. And everyone
knows that Woodfield Road is for 5Ks, for parades, for um kids coming home from school. It's a major uh pedestrian way. So, it is not built. It's not wide enough for commercial vehicles. Even on
trash day, it's it's almost a hazard. If there's one truck on the side of the road, you cannot pass it. If someone's a resident is parked there, it is an impossible impassible situation. Also, the asphalt is not
geared is not set up to handle heavy traffic of commercial weight vehicles. You know, the occasional uh garbage truck, recycle truck, snow plow, yes, but daily DPW trucks, that is not the foundation that is laid on Woodfield
Road. that is something that is raised on like Pasc Road in the current um for the high school and for the church where the DPW now stores their vehicles. So, I'm just registering my concern and complaint and asking the council to uh
disallow uh the DPW storage at Bethany Church. >> Thank you. Chris Romeo, 282 Woodfield. Um, I am led to believe that it's going to be temporary. >> That's correct. >> 18month. We have an 18-month lease.
>> Okay. After 18 months, let's say the other facilities aren't finished. What happens then, >> Mr. Mayor? >> Which is possible, obviously. Good evening. How are you? Um, the building schedule of Premier
Construction. Our contractor that was awarded the bid for the building has a year. Obviously, nothing set in stone, but their schedule is for a year. So, we believe that extra sex six months buffer is going to be plenty of time to build the building.
>> Okay. So, I'm I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Yeah. No, I'm more than willing also to clarify um some of the comments that were made by the previous woman if once you're done. >> Okay. >> In case anyone else has the same question. Well, that's I just I just
want verification for that cuz I agree with what was already said and I would kind of like to know when like the timeline like when did you decide that it was going to be at Bethany and when did the people
living right there were when were we asked notified? Well, the council the council had requested that the administration notify the 200 foot list like we would in a normal application like a normal applicant that came in front of the
planning or zoning board would get the 200 foot list from the tax assessor which Mr. D. Carlo did. We asked him to go and he met with all the residents on that 200 foot list and he could address what was discussed. I was not there. He was there. >> When when was that?
>> That was a month ago I believe. Mr. I believe it was in September. So, excuse me, Mr. I went personally with my assistant, Mr. Bleski, >> and we um focused beyond the 200 foot list >> as it um pertained to Oxford,
Devon, and Woodfield, the way the vehicles will be traveling. And then we sent out letters certified. >> Yes, I read the letter >> within uh within 200 ft. We we met with everyone individual that would basically be impacted by seeing the vehicles
coming through that area and concerns were brought up and um I spoke with them and addressed them and I'm and I'm more than willing we I think we did a lot of this was discussed and close so I don't know how much um we could say I imagine now that you know since the cat's out of the bag we can u but very similar
concerns that have already been brought up you know how long is this going to last is this permanent Is this really temporary? Will the public be accessing the gate or going through that area? Will it be a dump site? And the answers to all that are no. It it is temporary at this point. We have 18-month lease
with with Bethany >> at this point or >> No, I'm saying qualifier on >> temporary. I You're saying maximum? >> Let me take that back. That's >> if if 18 months come up and they're not finished, you're still going to take
everything out of there. That's what I want to know because >> I'm looking at it not just from the the fact that it isn't safe because of all the ped pedestrian traffic um and the fact that I'm right literally right across the street from it almost um when
you came and talked to the people you had already decided that you were doing it right it wasn't like asking us saying what are your concerns it was more like we're doing it we're telling you now That's what it can seem like.
>> I understand why you feel that way. I wouldn't use those words. But again, lot of other options. >> Don't we can't speak out. We can't. We can come up and talk to the podium. We can't yell out. Please. >> I'm more than willing to ask questions, but I'm not sure why anyone finds
anything funny. I mean, we brought numerous options to the council. They were discussed and closed. This was vetted out to be the best option. >> When were we made aware of it, though? You had already decided >> to. Yes. >> It was already decided that you were
going to do it before any of us were brought in on it. That's the part I'm kind of cuz I know when they when you were going to do it up at the old Charlie Browns, people didn't want want it when you wanted to put it up there, right? And then there was a lot of
issues and they got you not to do it. >> Well, we had there was I wasn't on council, Mr. Romeo, but that was due to an Mr. D. Carla, wasn't that due to an environmental underground tank? >> I'm not sure. I wasn't employed here. >> Mr. Mayor, isn't that why we aband isn't that why the previous I wasn't on council at that time, but didn't you
abandon it? Because there was underground contamination that we were not aware of. >> You know that people there knew about it beforehand? It was discussed at numerous meetings before it was decided, >> but it was also not for temporary. It
was going to be the new site of the DPW. So, that's a big difference. Okay. It was not set at Charlie Browns. It was not set to be temporary. >> Okay. So that Okay. So that makes sense from that perspective. >> So we did we did ask the administration to I I I specifically did not want this
tonight and that's why we had asked them to meet with all the affected >> you actually talked to my son. You didn't talk to me. I was at home. >> I I can't Again, Mr. I don't know who Mr. D. Carlo spoke to. I can't I can't go speak to you because I'm not part of the administration. But
>> I'm not trying to cause trouble, >> but we wanted we wanted to quell this before it happened and now it seems like it's happening anyway. >> Maybe if we had known about it before you actually paved everything and I mean before you pretty much decided that you
were going to do it. If we had some idea of what was happening beforehand, like when was it discussed? >> But a certified letter. What date did the certified letters go out? >> But it wasn't. But again, those weren't that's those were just telling us you were doing it. There's a big difference.
Like, shouldn't the town have an idea? Cuz you spent a good amount of money repaving that. That's town. That's taxpayer money, right? You repaved the whole thing. >> No, we didn't repay. I >> You repaid the the back part, >> the driveway area. That's all we repaid. >> Well, the back part. Yeah.
>> Um you're paying a higher rent than you had at the previous place. And no one was asked if we approve of that. Like, shouldn't the town's people approve that? Like, shouldn't it be some kind of a referendum that says, "Yeah, we think that's a good idea other than just kind
of you guys deciding it closed door and telling us uh you know, on Labor Day or whatever when whenever he came around that this is what we're going to do." And I understand if it's temporary, I can live with anything temporarily. I
just don't like the way it was done. So, I'd like to just offer my perspective. >> Sure. >> Uh, so I was a council member when the emergency services building went up. Uh,
at the time, uh, the council, the administration and the council, uh, concurrently moved forward with that building. Uh clearly there were discussions during council meetings uh
open I think transparent what was going to happen there. uh but you know not everyone uh comes into the meetings not everyone uh at the time I don't know if they were televised
uh you know it the building went up and all of a sudden all the not all there were neighbors who uh were not uh pleased with the height were not pleased with the placement we're not pleased with a number of
things uh those things could have been addressed had they been notified. Uh and with this project, the council asked the administration to notify the residents
and I believe they did. I believe, you know, I wasn't in the discussions, but you know, Mr. D. Carlo, I believe, explained what the project entailed. Uh and the report that was provided back to
the council was there were some concerns. They were discussed and addressed and that you know you know I don't want to put words in your mouth Mr. >> There was no concerns that >> you know that well maybe because we didn't know about it to give I'm voicing
my concerns now. >> Well but so if I had known before you started doing everything before it was decided. >> But Mr. Romeo, did you get a certified letter or did you not? >> Yeah, we did. >> And did someone knock at your door >> again? And again, I realize they didn't
speak to you, but they spoke to someone in the house. >> Yes. >> And that was the concern that the council had, >> correct? That we wanted >> Lesson learned. So those were the two times that you notified us >> and >> Well, we we didn't notify the administration. >> Excuse me, Counc
time because when I spoke to your son, if that's what I spoke to, >> I planned on coming here again. I'm not trying to stop it. I'm not trying to get you to remove trying to get you to understand that we did notify you prior to the vote being um initiated. I believe that was at the October 20th
meeting. >> So there there's you know, you know, there's no there's no conspiracy here and ask I'm more than willing to give you I'm not going to give the political response because that's not my job, but factual basis. I will certainly answer all the questions that council
president, you know, allows me the time to answer. >> Okay. So, when I retire in a few years and I want to move out, I don't want the DPW across the street from my house. >> There's no intention at this time, Mr. >> That's my personally, that's my concern.
>> At this time, the agreement is for 18 months. That's all I could speak to is it's an 18-month agreement, right? >> Mike, can I jump in? >> Yeah, go ahead. We wouldn't be spending close to 5 million on a new facility here to keep things at Bethany. So yeah, I I hope that speaks a lot.
>> As long as Bethany enters tonight, >> we can't we can't yell from the Mr. Mr. Romeo. Once he's done, somebody else want Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Romeo. >> Who would like? >> Hi. Good evening. >> Uh, good evening. I'm sorry if some of
this is a repeat, but this is a very >> I just need your name for the record now. >> Judy Guma, Gua 289 Woodfield Road. >> Thank you, Mrs. Guma. >> Sorry if any of this is repeated, but >> No, no, just go. >> This is a very important issue and when I speak when I mention Woodfield, I'm
also I have friends on Oxford, Devon, Cleveland, Stratford and the surrounding area. So honor about Labor Day Friday, the immediate residents of Woodfield Road, our our bells were rung. Mr. D.
Carlo and his assistant came to the door and told us about what was going to happen. It was a done deal. And we mentioned, is this is this up for grabs? No, it's a done deal. Um there was no
>> It wasn't a done deal. We were voting on it and you know we're finalizing. >> There was no knowledge. There was no prior letter, no certified letter at the mail, no handout that day to give. Say if Mr. Romeo's son was there, >> we received the certified letter is
dated September 29th. >> Okay. So at that time we had no knowledge according to the administration and what I've read that prior options were vetted and that this was the best option. Other
options that were presented were met with push back. We did not even have that opportunity. Why is that? Believe me, we're not happy. None of us. And when they say in the articles that this is well suited with
the least impact, this is a very residential area. If any of you walk on Woodfield Road, and believe me, my friends, you'll see me outside every day. There are babies, there are strollers, there are dogs, there are little boys with fishing poles, mothers.
People want to be in this area to walk around the path. There's a child, my neighbor, who goes to school, lives on Woodfield, and walks to George School since it's been redistricked. There's a park there. There's Clark Field, there's kids walking back to Memorial Field.
This is very residential. If you are on that bend on Woodfield on a good day, on a good day, it is so narrow and now you want to put trucks there, equipment, god forbid it snows.
Is this a safe option? Is I mean, we have to think about this. There are a lot of walkers. You know, the administration says yes, it's temporary.
It's 18 months, but yet there's no plan for what's going to happen after the 18 months. So, >> there is a there is a plan. It's going back to town. >> Okay. However, I read that the DPW there is not enough room for all the equipment
for it to go back. So, >> is that true, Mr. Mayor? >> That's what I That's what I read. there is not enough room and that there is not a solid plan at this time post lease storage needs would be addressed. So
what if at that time it worked out well? It was well for the other party. It was well for the DPW. But what about us here and the people that couldn't meet tonight? >> I mean you have to understand that this is not a Ridgewood Road across from a
high school. You are correct. This is a residential area and we love we love our town. We're not looking here to be conspiracy theorists or anything else. We love our neighbors. We want to be there. We bought our homes not to have a
temporary situation like this. >> One minute left, Mrs. Cuba. >> And lastly, like Mr. Romeo state stated, how do we get assured that it's temporary? What if I want to
>> What if I want to I didn't want it there to begin with. That's why I asked that the administration go there. And >> what if did they do any traffic studies? Did anyone come and look at the narrowness? >> Our our Mr. Beckmire looked at it.
Correct, Mr. Donn? >> Yes, we had our engineers there, ma'am. >> Okay. So, was do they see how narrow that is? >> Yes. So, we we built a 30 foot wide asphalt driveway. >> I I saw it. I saw it every day. That does not help the Woodfield Road.
>> Okay. >> And you know what? The thing that >> I walk on the path every night and I I I hear what you're saying. I saw the black tarps go up and it >> and I'm glad you burn my stomach and it burns my stomach. >> On a good day, on a good windy day and
it may even happen tonight. Those tarps, that's a fabric. Is it going to be torn? >> It's a windscreen. I was told. >> Okay. >> It is a windscreen, right? >> Okay. I don't know what they call it. You called it a view obstructing fabric is what? >> I didn't call it that. I just I believe
it was a windscreen that >> that is in the township of Washington letter >> that came from the >> Okay. So, that's what it was called. On a good day with the wind. I mean, what is it going to look like? But seriously, this is residential. There's children,
and that's what we care about. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. >> This gentleman there was next. >> Congratulations, Mayor, on your re-election. Counciloman D. Ronald Goldstein, 270 Woodfield. >> Good evening, Mr. Goldstein.
>> Um, I feel when Mark negotiated the deal with Bethany, they're getting paid. Why can't they go out their entrance? They have a big entrance in and out and go to Pasc Road. Why do you have to spend the money for the driveway and after 18 months? How can you guarantee us that you're not going to have a satellite PPW spot that you're going to go back to
normal? You're shaking your head. No, >> I I'm a no. I won't vote I will vote no on that. And I I'm not comfortable with this spot to begin with, but it is our only spot we have. Mr. Goldstein, the >> What about Sherry Field? You went to Sherry Field. They pushed back on you. Why didn't you come to us first so we could have a conversation?
>> I didn't want to go to I wanted to go to Sherry Field and it got pushed back because it's a D. Uh >> okay. What about the swim club? >> We're not allowed to put any equipment there due to the >> accepted money. >> I didn't want to accept it. They >> talk.
>> But why can't they go out? Why do we have to build a driveway spending money when Beth's already negotiated negotiations? >> I they don't even answer emails by the way. Well, when we can privately have that conversation,
but if you are going to send tasteless emails, no, I will not respond to that. >> They weren't cases. >> Council President, Mr. Gold, again, not to be rude to you, Mr. Goldstein, but me and you had two private conversations over the phone >> and I answered all those questions that you just brought up. I explained to you
why we can't use the swim club. I explained to you why we can't use any of the parks because they're under green acres. They're restricted. We had this whole conversation twice >> and I responded fair to the res. >> I understand the concrete truck didn't
even know when it came up. It didn't even >> if if the audience would allow me to answer their concerns. I don't know that I'll be able to satisfy people's opinion as to whether they like it or not. But all the concerns that have been brought
up were discussed with some of these residents. I I don't know if it was the ones I visited. >> Mayor Pete, would you say it's filled here? >> You're not going to have any equipment in Bethany and it's going to back go back to normal. >> I'm sorry. >> I asked the mayor. >> Oh. Oh, I'm I'm sorry. My phone.
>> Okay. After 18 months, 24 months whenever it's finished. >> 18 months, not 24 months. >> Oh, nothing. Nothing. >> No, no, no. I'm not I'm not I I will not accept >> 18 months. Okay. You're going to you're going to go back to normal. Bethany the >> the operations will we'll move here and
in their new facility and uh we yes we're as part of the lease agreement uh we have to return things to the way they were before we took over uh with the exception maybe of leaving the fence that's in place cuz Bethany may want that for security reasons to block off
their parking lot >> the gate the gate is gone back to a fence >> I believe the gate is gone right if Yeah, we have >> we can't talk from the air, but Mr. Goldson, can you ask a question? So this way to be gone back to a normal >> we have to restore.
>> Yes. And the wind screening or if we call it a view obstruction that has slits in it so the wind can pass through it. Um I've already spoke to the contractor that if one of the zip ties or anything is popped, we're going to maintain the appearance of it the best we can. We understand it's not the most
beautiful thing that's been installed, but it does have the slits for the wind. We are going to keep up on it so it doesn't look like crap. We know exactly what what everyone's talking about. Um, I think the biggest thing again, whether it's going to have an understanding from
everyone or, you know, I'm not expecting you to get up and be like, "Oh, thank you, thanks. That answers all my questions." And we're really happy it's there. But that access in the rear was wasn't ill negotiated. But that was um
Beth something Bethany did not want our trucks and vehicles going through the parking lot. I understand that now that means we're going Oxford to Woodfield to Devon or the other way around. Um but there is no public access to that rear
driveway. There is no commercial vehicles other than DPW vehicles that already. >> But in two years, you're not gonna >> I'm sorry. I did I did want to finish what I was saying. If they let >> Bethany use that after you leave, it's got to be removed.
>> Bethany is not permitted to use it while it's there. It's not. They're not permitted to use it while they're out. >> When the audience said um construction, I'm not construction, commercial vehicles. I'm not sure if they meant DPW. It's only the normal DPW vehicles that are already going up your up your
road to pick up your debris and your leaves or to plow your your roads from the snow. We've already had several meetings with our personnel to make them aware of the concerns about the pedestrians utilizing the sidewalk and the speed. We're going to be installing
stop signs on the inside of the Bethany lot. Obviously, it should be common sense that the DPW vehicles stop as they're approaching the sidewalk. And we're also going to put signs on the sidewalk as well coming from both directions that there's vehicle traffic.
Um there was a concern about whether the pavement the asphalt again these are vehicles that drive up and down to service the residents every day. We've also made it a point to sorry I can't I can't it would have to be council president but we've also discussed with personnel that they are not to be
traveling down Woodfield or Devon for a cutthroat. The only reason they'd be going down Woodfield or Devon is if they have DPW business there. So, in other words, you know, they have to go to Sussex place or Colonial. They're not going to
be taking the shortcut down Woodfield to go around the lake. We want them traveling the main roads. So, in a lot of these um answers we have is because they were concerns that we brought up when I knocked on people doors. The biggest concerns were how are the vehicles going to be going down the
road? Where are they going to be speeding? What about the kids that are coming down the sidewalk? So, we've heard all this before. Again, I don't have an answer that is the most best perfect scenario um to to satisfy this other than we are
going to stay on top of it. Our personnel and our employees have been instructed about the speed limits. They've been instructed to be have concerns about the pedestrians on the sidewalks and we're trying to address it. Again, there's no um there's no
recycling drop off there. There's no debris drop off. The yard that is currently maintained at DPW here in town hall is not going to be at Bethany. All right. It's going to be minimal operations. That's where the the employees will start their day.
They will then go back and forth as they need to get to their vehicles, the the DPW vehicles, and they will then end their day there. Um >> and Mr. :00 Tuesday and Saturday. Bulk drop off is going to be at Town Hall parking lot, not at that location.
>> Well, it will be on Saturday. I you know, >> but it'll be here. It will not It will just so the residents are aware, it will not be down at Bethany. So, you will not have every resident like you see on Saturdays going down your street. It'll still be here. I know that was a big concern and that's why we asked it to
remain here. So, the drop off will still be here. It will not be there. >> The only thing that'll be there is the trucks will park. they will be picked up and they will leave. That was the only thing I agreed to. >> Um, and just to uh further state that the turn radius for our vehicles is
appropriate. That's why we had our engineers come out there and designed the 30 foot wide driveway. At first, we were going to use some type of highacked gravel, but we decided as, you know, as a as council and and the mayor and I that it would be more appropriate for it to be asphalt. That way, we're not
dragging dirt and mud all through the streets. Um there will be no parking signs put um directly opposite the driveway on Woodfield Road. We spoke to that resident there um to see if that would impact him and any of his personal vehicles. Um he was understanding and uh
receptive of that idea. Um additionally the fence the fence was done through Bergen Fence Company. It's a state contract pricing which means we got the best price. We got multiple quotes for the rear driveway and we paid um the least expensive for that rear driveway.
We looked into leasing fence. Leasing fence for 18 months actually costs more than installing what you would think is a permanent fence, right? Cuz it's put into the pavement. That's going to cut down on the possibility of becoming disjointed, falling over, looking to
wreck. The price for that the fence for leasing the fence also did not include the gates that we were able to purchase on Woodfield Road as well as the gate and human gate on the inside of Bethany. I think that takes care of all the questions I've heard so far. >> Can I follow up?
>> No, she's she's next. >> Hello. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. My name is Anna Mateo. 250 Woodfield Road. >> Could you spell your last name? M A- TO I just have a couple of concerns just like everyone else. Um Woodfield Road is
a very appealing road. It is an amazing road. It almost feels like you're somewhere in a countryside. And I been living there for over a year and a half now. And I've noticed the amount of children
alone that walk through the road. One of the residents actually put up a post that says slow because of the amount of children that walk and elderly people all day long.
I feel that this is not an assurance that it's not going to be just for 18 months. And I'm not saying that you're lying, but at the end of the day, this needs to
be in writing. And after the 18 months, we have to have an assurance that there's a voting with the residents from that street and it's not like, oh, they got used to it. It's okay. They can handle it forever. I just think it's terrible and we are not happy
and we're not going to accommodate ourselves to that because I just don't think it's right. property value. Um, also we have wildlife, deers, different animals that were living
actually there. Um, we have concerns of visibility. We have concerns also of air pollution. How many times are these trucks going to go in and out? And what are the hours?
5:00 am, 6:00 am when residents are sleeping, children, maybe parents that just finished having their babies and they can't sleep through the night. And now we have trucks making all these kinds of noises polluting the air that is a magnificent
air where we live full of trees and natural resources. And now we have to accommodate this and be okay with it. They have their own entrance. Why didn't this happen through Bethany? They could have opened up gates through
there and respect the people that live on this street for so many years. It is very sad. I don't feel the support. I really don't. I see children, 5-year-olds, walking with fishing rats alone.
And now we have these huge trucks turning around in the street for 18 months, which may seem like it's just it's a long time. It's our summer days, our fall days, the 5K run, every holiday.
It's bringing a burden to families. People now have to get used to the noise. It is terrible. Picture you living next to trucks when you paid a great value for your home and you feel prestige to live in a
street like ours. But now you have these trucks and you have to get used to you have to get used to it just because we can't say enough. Enough won't change it at this point. We work
and we live here because we love this town. We've been supported for all these years. I mean, I've just been here a year and a half and I'm so happy in this place, but now I have to get used to seeing trucks up and down the street.
Did the zoning change also for us? >> Did zoning change? >> No, zoning did not change. And and I I I can never say anything to disagree with your opinion. I I don't and I understand how you feel if I lose my
>> Well, we're sitting here, but we're not we're very sad >> cuz now we have to deal with this. >> Can I I want to offer a response to what you said. The employee the DPW works Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. And and again, I understand it's different from a work environment to a
um home environment. The only time it's going to be outside those hours is if there's a storm emergency like inclement weather or there's a, you know, a strong, you know, hurricane, not hurricane, but lightning, you know, storm comes through during the summer. And I do like again from a work
standpoint, not a home standpoint, I do know what you mean because I'm here every day with the vehicles. And I don't know what my mind would picture if I was in all of your position, but I really don't think it's going to be like the ant line all day. You know,
there's it they get their vehicles and they they come out and they're, you know, they're working. They're still taking their breaks here so that their, you know, their mandatory contractual breaks like their 15 minutes here and there and their lunch, it's all going to take place here. You know, the garbage
trucks with all the debris is going to be here. You know, >> I understand. I understand. That's why >> my concern my concern and everyone's concern here is after the 18 months, you know, that it takes seven days for someone to get used to something and it
becomes a norm. We don't want that. >> I don't want to. >> We don't want to stand here and say, "Oh, we'll just take 18 months." 18 months later, it's like >> it 18 months later, we have to just adjust. >> Our contract is for 18 months.
>> Our contract I'm up I'm on this day is for two more years and I promise I will I will vote no in as soon as this building is built. >> Thank you, >> mayor. Correct. 18 months. >> It's an 18month lease. As soon as >> 18 months is our agreement with Bethany. As soon as we can move back, we're
moving back. >> Yes. The administrator >> if after the if >> everything is after the 18 months agreement the according to the agreement. Yeah. Don't talk to me. I I'll I'll I'll address I according to the agreement Mrs. Matt the f the ch the rolling gates will be removed. The
pavement will be removed and the curb will be put back to its original condition and the fence along Bethany will remain internally but that has nothing to do with you. the black the black windscreen will be taken down and it'll be restored to way it was previously. >> Thank you. We we just want our voices to
be heard today and be remembered in 18 months from now. >> Agreement. >> Thank you. >> That gentleman in the back had his hand up before you your next step. >> Good evening, sir. >> Hi, Larry Sm 266 Woodfield. I'm just
wondering >> She just needs you to spell your last name. M YJ. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Will this set a precedent for a legal precedent for Bethany to rent it out to say a car dealership that wants to park
cars there? >> No. >> Right, Mr. asked that question. >> No, this is this is the municipality's use. That's different from commercial use. That that's a completely >> I'm just saying it if Bethany has a sharp attorney that says, "Hey, let's
turn this into a another place we can get revenue like uh voting or for the health club or for renting out parts of it and parcels of their property for future revenue for Bethy's use." And
that's not for property, isn't it? Are they paying taxes there? property taxes, >> Bethany. >> Correct. >> I believe. Oh, maybe not. >> They don't pay taxes. They're an exemp they're an exempt organization. >> They don't pay taxes, but they have these multiple incomes
for >> I can't speak for the Bethany organization, Mr. Well, I I can tell you every two years I think our tax assessor has to reach out to all the nonprofits and they have to certify a form stating that they are still in compliance with
the nonprofit regulations to keep their tax exempt status on the property. >> Now, I'm just wondering at the end of the 18 months, will this set a legal precedent for them? >> Our township attorney has told us no, it does not. We we asked that question that
you just had. We asked Mrs. Bailey who's our township attorney and she said it does not set a precedence because I had the same question you did. >> Thank you. >> I'm done. >> Thank you. >> Stephanie Dassie 246 Woodfield Road. >> Good evening, Mrs. Dazzi.
>> Good evening. So my concerns are with everyone as well. I just want to know is this official? Like was this all voted on and everybody voted yes or is the vote on the table still? >> The second vote is tonight. >> The second vote is tonight. So work was started and it wasn't officially voted.
So we still have a chance to not have it at >> I guess our question is do we start working on it without the second reading? >> Do we start? >> The lease is getting approved through the second.
>> Okay. So, there's still a chance that you could vote no for this and hear our concerns. And why was it moved from OLGC, which I heard was significantly cheaper than Bethany and obviously a better location being on Bridgewood as
opposed to Woodfield with the My Woodfield. My children are the ones with the fishing poles. My children are the ones on the path every day as everybody else who wants to enjoy the serenity. So, I'm asking you to vote no. I'm asking you that we still have a chance
to move it someplace else and we're going to put it back anyway. We should not do this. You have half of Woodfield here and everyone else who walks around and enjoys our lake and our the best part of our town is this area. Mr.
Descenda knows it well. I see him walking every day. >> So, you and I walk past each other every day. >> Every day. And it's a huge concern if any of these children are injured or killed by one of these trucks for no reason. This is not that place for that. So, I'm asking you to vote no if we
still have a chance. Thank you. >> Mr. Mayor, can you respond? Um >> can you respond about the LGC the lady did >> council? Uh the answer is quite simple. Uh they did not have enough space. They have enough space for what they do for us now which is storage of equipment
that does not fit here but they did not have enough space to give us to support temporary operations. Uh and that's the answer plain and simple. We we did research it with them. Anybody
else like to come up? Yes. >> Carol Z Wayne, 249 Woodfield Road. >> Good evening, Mrs. Wayne. >> Good evening. I have been a proud resident of Washington Township for over 55 years. My family and I, we absolutely
love it here. We've raised our children here. I was a young girl when I first moved here. I can't say how wonderful our neighborhood is and the surrounding streets. And it is like a little haven with the
lake, with the bike path, with the library. You have the 5K there all the time. I don't understand how you could have looked at this site and thought it could possibly be appropriate for a
temporary site for the DPW. It goes against our grain totally. Mr. D. Carlo, you said on the November 3rd Pascac press, you mailed out over 37 certified letters to homeowners on
Woodfield Road that lived within 200 ft. 200 f feet. There were maybe seven houses that got a letter, not 37 households. What about all of us on Woodfield and
Devon and Stratford? What about us? It impacts us. We understand you had opposition at your other sites. So, you decided, don't give us a voice. Just go to people's homes, those few homes you
went to, and say this is the plan. Many of my neighbors told me that's exactly what happened. They were shocked. It was a done deal. We're not happy. We don't want it here. You were using OLGC. Our lease is over
with them in December. You were paying $64,000 a year. You're paying going to pay $162 to Bethany. What is that about? Even if OOLGC
can't house all our vehicles, why do we have so many then? Maybe we should look into shared services then. Maybe we're too topheavy with that. It's not right.
I mean, I don't understand that. We are citizens that love our community, many of us. We've we're raising families. We welcome all the new families. As as Anna said, she just
moved into the area. She's already doing things to make her house beautiful. And this is what happens. We don't want it there temporarily. You said in the November 3rd edition of this,
Mayor Colamari, you even said the new DPW building will not have enough storage for all the vehicles and equipment and that the Bethany lot is strictly a temporary, not permanent solution to the township's longunning
storage shortfall. Well, you know what you're saying? It's temporary, but you're saying you can't house everything in the new DPW. Where is it going then? Why don't we have a plan?
>> Well, >> I don't understand. >> Go ahead. This way. >> I don't want to interrupt you. Do you want me to respond at this point? >> Yes. I love it. >> Um I I think your math is wrong. Uh we were not paying good council anywhere near 60,000 a year. Um what is it like
under 3,000? $2,700 a month. >> Yeah. So, >> it was for >> that you might be think a lot of times it was put out two-year numbers. It might be 60,000. >> Okay. So, >> even we're saying 18 months at Bethany. We know with construction we know.
>> Well, again, as the administrator said, it's 12 months. We could we put in a 50% cushion on top of that. Uh regarding the equipment and shared services, we're constantly reaching out to our fellow towns. uh unfortunately the same time
they're doing their leaf pickups is when we are. So we cannot execute shared services with them for equipment because everyone needs that equipment at the same time. Um and again when the 18 months is up I fully expect to put the excess equipment back at OLGC under a
new lease at that time. >> I don't understand why we have no say as residents. We weren't given the opportunity for you to come into our neighborhood and decide that's what was going to be. That's wrong. And the one
that's making out is Bethany at $162,000 for the lease, for the upgrades of the gate, driveway, and everything else. And we don't walk away with the gate. We don't walk away with the driveway. We're
paying them for improvements that we don't own. Why are we doing that? And did we pay to vote there or not? >> Yes, we did. >> Why couldn't we have voted up here like normal?
>> Or the library. Why are we paying? You know, I don't care if something is a surplus or not. That is money that is taxpayer money that we all work hard for. And that little nest egg is nice to have a nest
egg to pay to go to Bethany. Why? Because they have bigger parking when we go vote. So what? We've gone through this and voting at the library. We've done it. It's not a problem. So they're the winners in this whole
thing. And the residents of Woodfield, Devon, Oxford, Stratford, we're the losers. And I don't think we should be losers. We chose to live there. You're devaluating our property. These are our
homes that we've put our love, blood, sweat, and tears in. And it is not right for you to change the complexion of our neighborhood. Absolutely not. >> Thank you, Mr.
Would. Anybody else come up at this time? Yes, in the back. >> Good evening. >> My name is Cynthia Clark. C L A R K 53 Stratford. >> I just wanted to say I have been a 22 plus year resident of this town. One of
the things that I have loved about this town um is its sense of community that has always been I believed until now a two-way street. I believed that the town cared as much about us as we residents
cared about the town and each other. Um, I can't tell you my heartbreak and sense of betrayal that this town that I so believed in chose to go by the letter of the law and only inform residents who
lived 200 feet. As I said, I am heartbroken. You probably don't remember, mayor, nor should you, but my husband and I so believed in this town that we made a not
unsubstantial contribution to repair the vandalism to the walkway. Clearly, we will not make any we don't feel comfortable at all making any further philanthropic um contributions given
that you go by the letter of the law and we are seen to be the only residents who actually love and care about our town. So from a procedural standpoint, I would
like to better understand why this is a second read when the money has already been spent, the construction has already been completed. What are you approving tonight? >> Mrs. Kelly, can you answer that because
this is a question I had. >> The the entry into the lease agreement itself is being approved tonight. >> But I guess Mrs. Clark question is is >> my it's Miz >> M. I'm sorry, Miss Clark. Um, why did we do the work before it was officially executed? >> That that has nothing to do with the
lease agreement. The lease agreement is specifically for entry into the >> So, Miss Bailey, you are representing that the lease agreement has not yet been signed. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> It has not been signed. You will confirm that. >> Well, it's not effective. I don't know if it's
>> Then my question is, has the lease been signed? >> I I don't know the answer to that. who does it has not you know >> yeah it it physically can be held it it's a it's a technical answer it's not effective until the ordinance is passed
>> okay sorry for getting technical >> and lastly Mr. Carlo, I have seen you get upset when you weren't respected here, and I understand that. So, my feedback to you is when you make an
unsolicited call to a resident after you have broken her heart, it would be extremely helpful to call her by her correct name. My name, as I said earlier, is Cynthia Clark. C L A R K not
Cynthia Garcia. Furthermore, when you are speaking to residents, please put your hands down so your voice can be heard. We are older. We cannot un hear you when you speak. So
speak up and remove your hands from your face when you are addressing your employers. Thank you. Would anybody else like to come up at this time? >> You you you're only allowed one time at
the podium. Um >> question. >> Absolutely. >> I don't want to gentleman in the back. Thank you, sir. >> Just a quick question for the administration. Um, >> oh, we just need your name, please. >> Mark Levy, 219 Deon Road. >> I'm sorry, your last name.
>> Levy, Lee VY. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, Mr. Levy. >> Good evening. Um, was the uh I'm sure it was, but why wasn't the uh site purchased that's currently Valley Bank? I know they just sold and they're going to build condos there. Did uh we try and purchase it from a town perspective
because that's a nice size piece of property and goes in and out of a main road. >> Um I had asked them uh if and when the day came that they would look to sell it that they please notify me. Uh they
chose not to do that is all I can say. So the offer was there from when Valley took over from Oritani. Uh, I met with the CEO because I kind of knew that that branch was going to be too big to just be a valley branch. And so I mentioned it to him at the ribbon cutting ceremony
they had. I said, "Listen, you know, if and when you decide to sell this building, please reach out to us." And then the first we heard of it was uh through this fourth round of affordable housing that they had gone ahead with someone else. And there's nothing
because that is a great piece of property and you know could be joined together with what you already have. >> That's why I told him that in the beginning. >> I mean it's perfect. What about eminent domain? There's no way we can step in and just because what I know we don't need is more housing in this town
because you know we can barely fit the current students in the school. You you guys are all aware of that. >> Um what about uh just standing in the way? We don't we definitely don't need more construction. >> I mean I I don't disagree with you that you know but as everyone hopefully knows
this is forced on us by the state these affordable housing obligations. Uh as far as taking it via eminent domain you know I unfort that's a legal thing I have to defer to our attorney on u to see you know I don't know if now that they have filed a plan if that's off the
table or not. I'm sorry to put you on the spot but >> that's okay. There's there's some legal criteria and preliminary findings and you also have to pay full value for that. Um, in the meantime, this contract was entered into the affordable housing
obligations are imposed on this town >> that we have to follow. >> So, I guess I'm I didn't understand that if if if we build more, we need to have a certain percentage that's affordable housing. But if we don't build more and we take that spot over as part of
eminent domain, do we still are we do we owe the state more affordable housing? >> Yes. >> And so we'd have to build it. >> Yes. Correct. >> And it's already been accounted for, Mr. Levy, in this latest that that piece of property as was I believe it was in one
of your updates, Mr. Mayor, right? Was shown as part of our round four affordable housing already. Um, so it's already been accounted for, >> but the whole spot won't be used for affordable. >> No, only a percentage of it will be used for affordable housing.
>> So I'm guessing we could fit both on that. It's a big piece of property and and the building is tremendous. I mean, it really has a town hall feel. >> The new what I'm trying to offer you is an alternative. Plus, we can't fit all the equipment in, you know, this
facility. Anyway, it's perfect and it's a great building for a town hall. It looks like a town hall. >> I to be honest with you, I can't believe that the money must be so crazy that the builder is going to take that building down because it is such a nice building.
Uh I don't know how many people are in there to do banking there. It's a beautiful inside and charge when it come. But the town went ahead and was about to do it if it wasn't for the citizens standing up that then it would have been done. Why can't we do it when you have
you'll I don't know who wouldn't support you take that over versus you know building housing on the whole piece of property. you'd have to hold down support. Is it is it financial? It's >> a huge financial implications. >> More than the rent that you have to pay
to all these different facilities more, you know, when you rent for vote when you add all that up, >> is it is it that much of a financial difference? >> The the get a little bit of a I'm sorry, just can't you force a little bit of a discount using eminent no domain?
>> No, we have to pay fair market value for it. Correct. Isn't it your tax people that determine fair market value? >> No, it's appraisals by the state of New Jersey. >> Yeah. And and they can bring in third parties if they don't agree with it, too. Um, so let me >> That piece of property is worth tens of
millions of dollars. It's not it's not a cheap piece of property. It's I if I was a gambling man, I'd peg it at 35 $40 million just the land itself. >> So before you did any improvements on it, just to purchase it, you're probably in for 30 to $40 million. And I think
the fact that they have filed and it's part of our fourth round oblig obligation uh you know we're probably past the point of even because then they would see it as we're just looking to keep affordable housing out which I don't know if it's that that's permitted to be honest with you.
>> And you don't think there's anything we can do to do that? We get a free ambulance out of them every once in a while. We can't get a free piece of property. >> That ambulance costs a lot less than that property is worth. I understand. All right. Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Good evening.
>> Good evening, Linda Romeo 282. >> I was going to say Mr. Romeo's got Mrs. Romeo doing it. >> Well, his follow-up question. >> Thank you, Mr. Romeo. >> Thank you for listening to us. Um, if we're understanding that the lease has not been signed yet and it's been
clarified that Bethany is getting paid for this a a decent amount of money for the 18 months, is it not unreasonable to insist that they use their entrance, you know, and their exit onto a public.
concerns, I'm sure, were the safety of the children and the the traffic through their property, but it is a more direct route and it's onto a thoroughare. Um, and they are being compensated. We're
not, our roads would be chewed up by these machines. And that corner, as Mrs. Guma had mentioned, that round corner is is short. And then when you're talking parking on dead end, you can't get a car
down that road, let alone a truck. So, I do think that's not an unreasonable suggestion that they're the, you know, the lease is with them, not with us. >> That that was uh that was part of what they wanted and that was on not
negotiable in their opinion. Uh >> but it but we didn't have the option to negotiate. Well, we we negotiate on behalf of the town, not the citizens, obviously. And that was non-negotiable on their part. We we tried uh and they they just did not want it.
>> So, you're you negotiate on the of the town, but not the citizens, aren't they? >> Well, of course, we represent the citizens, but that was just it was not negotiable and as >> But again, they were afforded the opportunity to negotiate. >> Well, both sides were. Yes. you know, we
we negot, you know, we're far from where this started to where it is now, uh, as far as pricing and many other things. You know, that was all part of the negotiation. And, uh, I don't think anyone has said tonight, but we we researched, I want to say, 8 to 10
different locations for this. And for many varying reasons, you know, none of them worked out. Uh, you know, please, we we don't enjoy doing what we're doing to you. Uh, and so again, other than giving you all of our words up here
that, you know, it will be temporary 18-month maximum for the operation, you know, like I said earlier, we wouldn't be spending 5 million here to then all of a sudden scratch it and say, "Oh, now we're going to put everything at Bethany." Um you know and so we you know
many factors went in uh you know myself all the council members you know we we we did as much as we could uh to minimize the impact and you know keep our DPW operating for the whole town. Yeah, and I do and I do appreciate it
and I do we have listened to what you've said and you know we're taking you at your word but you can understand that >> you know many times um words have been >> you know >> unfortunately >> yeah unfortunately you know um not all
politicians can be kept to their word and >> you know administrations change. Um, is there a possibility to go back to Bethany though before the lease is signed and say, you know, this is what you came out with, but you know, our citizens,
>> I mean, I'm I'm happy to address, you know, to reach out to them tomorrow and say how many people came out. Um, and, you know, ask them if they will reconsider. Uh, I I don't, you know, I'm not optimistic, but I will certainly ask. >> This will be the second time he's asking because the council did ask the same
question as Mr. Ro. A lot of the the opinions and the way that you feel they were shared by the council when we were discussing this. It really was. So many of of what you've mentioned tonight has been discussed and we did ask about the
entrance often >> and I do appreciate >> so you know we we did I can assure you I understand the whole politician thing but I can assure you that so much of what we asked and inquired about and negotiate I mean the mayor does the negotiations but based off so many of
our opinions was to the benefit to to see how we could help everybody out to make this as smooth as possible. And I know it's it it's not ideal, right? But what we keep we kept coming back to is
it's temporary. And that is why many of us on council said it's temporary, right? That was the difference with Charlie Browns and other places that it those were going to be permanent locations. >> So, you know, it's not that we did not,
you know, argue for you. We did >> we were presented or or tried to review I think up to 10 different locations to continue. We we asked the mayor to ask OGC for more space. Okay. >> And unfortunately that was immediately denied that request cuz we said why not
just leave everything at OLGC and we were immediately right Mr. Mayor. We were told no more space. >> Yeah. They just didn't have the space available. >> We looked at the old horse farm. We looked at um we looked at using municipal facilities and because they're green acres now that's been taken off the table. I agree with the lady in the
back uh I can't think of whose name was. We should have never took the green acres money. We could have put it down at DB at the swim club but unfortunately that's what we did. Uh or the prior prior council and administration did >> and then we would have had a room full of those. >> Yes. This is this was the most
>> well it's the only right now it's >> I don't know how to say it in in kinder words but we did work to make this as least impactful and listen I I run the five on would feel I know I know how beautiful it is. It's the reason that we
brought it there. So, I understand all that >> and and I do I I hear you and I and I appreciate what you're saying and I appreciate that you spoke for us, but I think the it would have landed softer if we had an opportunity to speak for ourselves first or were part of that
hearing that back and forth. And I think that's what I'm feeling in this room >> is that, you know, it's you're giving great answers to to things that are an unpleasant situation, but it it sounds like >> um you we felt like we were left out of the equation and that people were
speaking for us, not with us. And that's not the town we live in. >> And and unfortunately, um when we're negotiating for many different types of things, we have to keep it enclosed. Otherwise, the other party would see what we're talking about and would give
them perhaps an unfair advantage in the negotiations. Uh so that's why a lot of it has to stay enclosed until the very end where we're ready to put something >> and swear us to secrecy, >> but it it would have been it would have been nice. And moving forward,
>> I I think that more than the 200 feet allotted, you know, you you were thinking of all of these things. So think of the people that would have impacted. It is a beautiful part of the town. And not only that, but it's a resurgence of childhood. You have to see kids on their bicycles unaccompanied by
parents is an unbelievable thing to see. Absolutely. And now with those trucks going back and forth. I I fear that we're going to lose that. >> I think I think I think Mrs. Romeo like m Mr. Daller tried to explain this before, the trucks leave at 7:30 and they don't come back. They're not coming
back there until 3:30 when they have to park them again, right? So they're going to take their breaks here at just just let me finish. I I just want to give me a sec. So what Mr. Dar was explaining is they're going to be picked up early in the morning. They're going to leave. They're going to go do their duties around town like they do every day. When
they need to take their break in their lunch, they'll be up here at town hall. So they're not going to be driving back, you know, down Devon and all those, you know, that street. Um and the only time they'll be back there is if they have to do something on Woodfield or any of those streets, they'll be back. that one truck or whatever truck that's got to do
the work on that. But they won't be back till 3:30 when they have to park or 3. What time do they get back, Mr. 3:00? >> 3:00. >> So at 3:00 they'll be back before the kids are out of school. >> They're parking their own vehicles up here or they're parking their own vehicles? >> No, they have to park them down there because that's where >> they're parking their day will start
there and end there. >> Again, >> so the truck should be leaving before school and coming back after school is, you know, before school. >> And if it matters, their vehicles will go out the main entrance. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, cuz those gates will be closed by then, right? >> Any other questions? >> Yeah, and they all have passenger
vehicles. >> This gentleman's next, Mr. Roia. Thank you, Mr. Roia. >> Thank you very much. >> Good evening, sir. >> Matthew Jacob, JB. >> Good evening, sir Jacob. >> 286 Woodfield Road. >> Thank you. >> I bought a house in this town four years
ago. Went in the market, paid 30,000 over. Today, when I get on my driveway, half of my driveway is blocked by the gate. the trucks coming into my driveway. >> I have a nine-year-old daughter and there's several kids from the town that
park right in front of where you get the driveway is where you have right now. Kids go back fishing. It's a real concern. And you have a whole black strap. I don't know if you guys drove in the night time in Woodfield. It's pitch
dark. I I don't I don't get the whole black thing you have up there. It's extremely dangerous. I back out of my driveway. I can't see anything. >> Which house is yours? Mr. J. >> 286 Woodfield Road. >> But is that next to the Is that So like
my driveway is here. >> The old thing you have is blocking half my driveway. >> Okay. >> Every day people park in front of my house and walk around the whole lake. >> I have a nine-year-old that rides a bike and there's kids from all around the town that does fishing. I I've seen
parents drop off kids right next to Judy and Mike's house. I'm I'm concerned. I bought a house four years ago in a bidding market. I paid 30 40,000 or more. >> I'm really concerned if I look at my price of my house today. I'm concerned
in 3 months. >> Yeah, I'm concerned. >> Thank you. >> And please have that black whatever thing you have up there. Take it out, please. It's it's because the street is dark in the night. I don't know if you guys drive down Woodfield. It's dark and it c it's like pitch dark. I can't see
anything up there. >> Maybe people can my street could you know. >> No, I I've walked past it. >> I at least have that. I mean and you said 12 months or 18 months. I'm I'm literally counting because I get on my driveway in the night time. I can't see what's happening behind me. >> I was concerned
>> and there's a truck parked or anybody parks behind I can't see anything. >> I was concerned for the people that live right next to the bike because now you can't >> they're all my neighbors right there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So >> because that's, you know, I walked down the >> I path. It's not this is not what I bought into four years ago. >> We we were never told about the
windscreen until it was put up. >> I mean, you know, thank you so much. Appreciate >> you, Mr. Ch. >> Would anybody else like to come up and discuss this at this time? >> Motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 25-23. Do I have a motion?
>> So moved. >> Second. Roll call. Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President Denna. >> Yes. Motion to adopt ordinance number
25-23 at second reading by title. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> I'll second it. Roll call. >> Councilman Alman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes.
>> Council president. No. Thank you everyone. Ordinance number 25-24, an ordinance repealing and replacing chapter 307 of the ordinances of the township of Washington entitled noise. >> Probably I
>> we asked that and then >> the mayor has to ask us >> Mr. >> Yes. And I wrote back that I was >> all right. Thank you everyone. I will call you but I did not appreciate.
>> Yeah. that that was disrespectful. So, but I will we will I will give you a call tomorrow. >> Ladies and gentlemen, can we can we just step outside so we can continue? Thank you. >> Ordinance number 25-24, an ordinance
repealing and replacing chapter 307 of the ordinance of the township of Washington entitled noise. Resolution number 25-341 authorizing second reading and opening of public hearing for ordinance 25-24. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second.
>> Roll call and second it. >> Uh second. I second it. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. Where are we? >> Uh 25-24. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Noise. >> Noise. >> Yes. And Councilman. >> Yes. >> Counciloman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President.
>> Yes. Would anybody like to address it? And it have any comments regarding it? Seeing no one, motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 25-24. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> I'll second from Miss V. Second it. Roll call. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ.
>> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. Motion to adopt ordinance number 25-24 at second reading by title. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Deles. Yes. Council President. >> Yes. The following 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. Would anybody like any item removed? >> Yes. >> I'd like 346 removed. >> Uh 342. >> 342. Okay. Anything else, Mr. Wise? No.
>> Okay. Resolution number 25-343. Authorize tax collector to refund redemption amount and premium for tax lean sold block 3119 lot 5 in the total amount not to exceed $43,614. Resolution number 25-344 authorized refund to tax over payment
quarter 4 block 2304 lot 14 in the amount of $3,20.68. Resolution number 25-345 authorize the acceptance and execution by the mayor of a grant from the hazardous discharge site remediation fund public entity program through the
NJD in the amount of not to exceed $83,951 for 464 Rididgewood Boulevard North block 2301 lot 1 and block 2401 lot 1.01. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Councilman. Yes. >> Councilwoman Veles. >> Yes. Council President Denna. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 3425-342. Authorize towing operator services for year 2026. Do I have a motion? >> So move.
>> Second. >> Discussion. >> Yeah. Just um does this still have the uh clause that uh these operators on a rotating basis have to provide uh
complimentary service to the township? Nothing changed as far as I'm aware of with the ordinance. I believe the ordinance reads um for like an ordinary tub. I don't think it includes like if it was a you know one of our large vehicles, >> but I not heavy duty.
>> I'm sorry. Yeah, heavy duty is the right word. Thank you. >> Okay. So I don't I understand that this may be um you know accepted practice
>> in other jurisdictions. I don't understand why uh a company who is in business uh and provides a service needs to provide a service to the count uh the
township complimentary you know, it's almost like they're buying access uh paytoplay. So, you know, I don't agree with >> is this is this >> what don't you agree with, Mike? That
they shouldn't be giving us free services. >> No, I mean, >> but that's the state language. It gives us the right to have free services. So, why wouldn't we accept it? >> Why don't we? >> Yeah, that was my question. Is this, you know, common? Because I mean what I I
guess because it's allowed doesn't make it right. And if these companies want to do business in the town, why are they required to provide a free service to the town
to get their uh to be an approved vendor? >> Is that part of the law? >> I'm not familiar with this. And you know, do we not do we put the squeeze on other vendors for complimentary items?
>> I think we've had this disc I know we you brought this up in the past that Mr. Per is I believe I'm not speak for Mr. Per right now because he's no longer here, but I believe the answer was is because the state statute allows us to get free services on this one. >> Well, you know, >> do we want Miss Do we want Mrs. Bailey
to review it and come back to us and we'll do we need to does this have to be passed tonight? Um Mr. D. Carlo or Miss Wowski. >> This is a clerk's office thing. Can we >> Of course, it's got to be done by the first I >> I'll make a motion to table it and have more information by Miss Bailey.
>> I'll second that. >> All right. So, Mr. Alman, your your question will be answered at the next meeting. We'll put this on the agenda again. All right. >> Council President, can I just clarify something with Mr. Wowski? Does this the vote on this have anything to do with the discussion Mr. Owen brought up? I
mean, I would just be I think you're just approving the the tow companies, correct? Yes. >> As opposed to if you want to change the ordinance to take away the, you know, the free service for the township. It's up to you. This is your >> That is a way of looking at it. You're right. I mean, it's, you know, >> I don't think one has to do with the
other, sir. But, you know, it's your decision. >> I'd rather have her I'd rather have Miss Bailey come back to us with an answer and then we could address Mr. Alman's comments. We'll have full quorum at the next meeting. If it's not if it's not timesensitive, I'd just rather Well, it's got to be done before the first of the year. I'm saying and the labels are
going to be distributed. However, on the other hand, like Mr. D. Carlo was referring, you know, the police department vets all these people. They make sure everything is exactly what should be the insurance. They do inspections on vehicles. Um, I have heard some some comments comment a
couple comments about possibly looking at the language in the ordinance to change for next year, but not regarding complimentary service. But at that time, it might be a good time to look at that also just to make sure. >> But I mean, they've done all the things safety wise and everything. Is there a
record of how many we actually how many comp? >> Well, they're all listed. They're all listed. >> No, no, no. How many services complimentary services do we actually use per year? >> Is there a tally so much? >> I would know about DPW and there there
isn't any because again something breaks down unfortunately it's like the big car heavy duty. >> So, it would be the police department most likely if they took advantage. >> Wonder we have all new vehicles so they shouldn't be being towed. Good point. >> That's why we think it's way down.
>> And if you're looking, Miss Bailey, can you determine if we can put the strong arm to any other vendors? >> I would strong >> to extract every penny from businesses that are providing services to the town.
>> Let's just look at operating services. Now, >> I I hope you're using that term a little inest. Uh because we're not strongarmming anyone if we're allowed to do it. and these people have read our ordinance or the state ordinance and know what they're getting into. U you know, they're agreeing to abide by that.
Uh so I don't like the term strong arm at all. >> All right, let's uh let's I like we made a motion. Mr. FZ seconded it. We'll we'll table it for now. We'll have more information from Miss Bailey at the next meeting. We'll put it back on the agenda. >> All in favor? I >> I >> I >> resolution number 25-346 authorized
decrease change order number one Koolage Avenue roadway project in the amount of 58,29503. >> This is just a cleanup uh change order, Mr. D. Carlo, for all the items. >> Yes, the council was uh it was brought to the council's attention about the steel frames underneath the uh the storm
inlets a couple months ago and I I let you know that we do the change order at the end because we were expecting an overall reduction. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Which is that. Thank you. >> Do I have a resolution number 25-346? Do I have a motion? >> Are we taking this into
>> going back into the road program? Right. >> No. Um Coolage was an NJ DOT grant. So um a good portion of this work was funded through uh the NJ DOT grant and the rest of it was funded through
capital surplus. So the extra will go back to capital surplus. >> That's it. Resolution number 25-346. Um, do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> 346.
I'm just catching up to you guys. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President Senna. >> Yes. Motion to adjurnn to conference agenda. Do I have a motion? So move. >> All in favor? I
>> conference agenda for November. >> Would you entertain five minutes by any chance? Since we've been sitting a couple hours, I could use a quick break. >> Five minute recess. >> We just Joe is uh needs to know when we're going into closed. He's straddling with Saddle River. Just so you know, just you know,
>> he's in five minute recess and then we'll Thank you. So tell tell Joel 10 minutes. We only have two things really quick we got to go over. So 10 minutes we should be there. Got it. 2025 road program potential change order. Mr. Dala.
>> Yes. Uh thank you very much. Um tonight I just wanted to get informal approval from the council for a change order. I did speak to uh Mr. Councilman Cassio and Councilman Sears individually and separately. I explained it to them. I
did get their approval for the change order. I'd like to explain it very quickly to uh the members on the day tonight. When the when the uh the bid went out for the 2025 road program, it included some storm drain pipe repairs
on Bergen A. The plan, we'll say plan one that was in the bid was to repair a collapsed pipe that that exists and it exists on people's uh front lawn on Bergen Avenue. We believe it's in the
right away. Um but it would involve, you know, interruption to the residents, inconvenience for the residents. We'd be tearing up their their driveways, their front yards. Uh I think one of them, Mr. Beckmeer Jr. told us it has like patty or pavers paver driveways. As we got
into the nuts and bolts of the design and with Mr. uh Glenn Beckmire Jr. meeting the contractor uh on site to discuss it. They came up with what we'll call plan uh plan two which involves running all new pipes totally involve uh
avoiding the private property of the residents there whether we have to get permission whether it's truly the right away inconveniencing them and then having to deal with you know writing their property back to its its original state would involve um before the road
being resurfaced putting new drainage pipes and then I think blister uh I for it all Mr. Mr. Beckmire Jr. said too that it would also have a field constructed chamber and two 4ft diameter pre-cast manholes that would also be in
there. Through our investigation into this area over the last couple years, um we've had the pipes cleaned out twice and cambered twice. It um those old pipes really uh created an environment for those pipes to become clogged. So,
we really think this this design um will be better not only for the immediate construction of it, but for the long haul of putting the new infrastructure in the roadway. However, it will involve spending $30,000 to do option or you
know option two or plan two rather plan one, but it will not increase the bid. It will be accounted for within the contingency of the bid award. So, it will be a $30,000 increase to do it that way. However, it will not increase the bid award. We're not going to spend more
than a bid award. >> We What do we do? I what I my question I had and I'm sorry I didn't get to to ask this Mr. Dar when we spoke. What are they doing with the old uh system? We are we flow are we putting flow fill in it and plugging it or >> you know I that's a good question
>> because I'm just worried about it. If it continues to erode and collapse, you know, then the residents are going to be calling us saying, "Hey, I got a big sink hole in my front yard." So, has Mr. Beckmire Jr. thought about, you know, putting flow fill in it or some kind of low flow concrete. This way it's sealed
and done and you wouldn't have to worry about it collapsing any longer. >> They may have. I just would not >> I'm I'm okay with the the change order. But >> can you just say that once again so I can write it down. >> If he are they flow filling the existing pipes to avoid future collapse.
>> Okay. So I have a question. >> Yes sir. Is this is this located Cosman is where we have the backups? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Cosmin's like on the other side of the little wood woods patch from Bergen.
Now you probably know, but >> are they uh on the same system? >> No, they're not connected. >> Not connected. >> No, this all goes these everything. >> This is all storm, Mr. Alman. This is not sanitary. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. >> On Cosmic, we had this the sanitary
problem. Yeah. that we resolved and >> okay >> we haven't heard from them in years so I think we resolved >> I think no clean >> so this is all store >> prospect you're talking >> yeah prospect I'm sorry >> yeah we do quarterly cleanouts we have the alarm prospect we're all good we
just replaced it recently we're all we're all very good there and we do the yearly just while >> so what do you need for what do you need from us >> I just need the you know a thumbs up you know >> I'm I'm a I'm a yes >> can I just ask a question um on page page I guess it's page four. It said
that the two additional items do not include our 10% markup. What what is that referring to? >> Can you just tell me what what is page four? The emails >> from Mike Octo dated October 31st.
>> It says item 31 and then two additional items do not include our 10% margin. Is that >> it's the strong arm? >> No, Mr. Omen, we don't do that. >> I think what they were saying cuz I
asked Mr. Beckmeer Jr. to go back and ask for a cheaper price and as you can see, they gave us $600. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, I think he had asked them offline like outside the email about that markup. That's why he's saying that there was no markup. >> Okay.
>> So, he was trying to get them, hey, if you did a 10% markup, we want, can you please take that back? That's why he's saying there's no markup. And he gave us 600 bucks. All right. Just 600 bucks. >> It's not strong army. This is your own. >> I got to do the best for the resident. So,
you okay with M? >> Yes. >> Mr. Almond, you okay with this? >> All right. Thank you. I'm good. Miscellaneous 2026 zoning board of adjustment appointments. Two regular members, one alternate number one member. Mrs. Wakowski,
>> it's that time of year again. >> Have we has the zoning chairman gotten to us if people want to renew their uh exist? Are these all filled positions or these people that need to be filled? >> No, these I believe these are the people that want to come back. >> Okay. Um, but you know, if you want me
to put a letter back to them saying that your term is up, >> you know, please submit your submit your your desire, whatever application to stay on the board >> and I can put a notice on the website >> and on the bolton board >> the bulletin board. I will advertise it just to see if there is anybody else.
>> Um, but I wanted to make sure I have the right direction from the council of what you'd like me to do. >> So if everybody comes back then we're only going to have one vacancy. Correct. >> Yeah. There's still a vacancy. Yes. We keep advertising and we have no takers.
>> I mean, I will put whatever's >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Everybody okay with that? >> Because we didn't fill that in the last >> Yeah, we didn't. No. >> So, yeah, I will do whatever's open. You know, these three plus that one. >> So, it's technically four open, right? >> Yeah, technically. You're right. But let's ask the three to resubmit their paperwork if they'd like to come back
and whoever else put it on the bulletin board and you know whatever you >> Now my question to you as a council is if let's just say for argument's sake the alternate wants to become a full member or a full member wants to become an alternate or whatever the case may be
>> they have to state their case >> they would just have to state their case of what position they would like to to take. Okay. >> Right. Are we okay with that? Yes, >> that sounds fine. >> All right. Resolution number 25-347, affordable
housing litigation. Sorry, before you um in light of the public um can I add something on the close and that is a Bethany lease negotiation. I just want to ask the council something in light of the public comments. >> Can we add to it? I don't think we can
>> without it being noticed. Um mayor, I don't think you can. Yeah. So, resolution number 25-347, affordable housing litigation. The township council anticipates that an open session will not be necessary when we're done. Motion to enter into close session. >> So, move. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> We just wait for Ricky to come down and let me just stop it. >> We have to uh All right. Should I tell him to >> Yes. to call in.