Adequate notice of the meeting was given in accordance with the open public meetings act by the township clerk on January 8th, 2026 to at least two newspapers. 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 of any disability requirements necessary for attendance at township council meetings. The fire exits 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're unable to attend the council meeting in person and would like a topic to be addressed at a
council meeting, please visit www.twp of washington. us. Use the contact us tab. Click on mayor and counsel. Send email. Contact all council members at once. Could everyone please stand for a salute to the flag? I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio >> here. >> Councilman Sears here. >> Councilman Omen
>> here. >> Council BZ >> here. Council President >> here. Let the record reflect also in attendance, Mayor Peter Calamari. Township administrator Mark D. Carlo, Township Attorney Siobhan Bailey, and Township Clerk Susan Wakowski. At this time, we would like to call up police
chief, former police chief uh John Komari and Sergeant Seario Fasciano for their years of service. So is not here. Okay, so we're just calling up Mr. Kamari. >> Mark, can we kill the heat? Can we kill the heat?
>> Oh my god. It's like an oven up here. There's 500 people in here. >> No. Who's going to kill the heat? >> Is that one off? >> Is that one off? >> It's all right. Don't worry about it.
>> It'll be cold here in 20 minutes. Mayor >> this. >> Thank you everyone for coming. Um a very special night. We get to celebrate a lot of uh different officers. But first uh we want to start with retired Chief John
Calary. After 32 plus years of dedicated service to this town, he finally retired. He's loving every minute of it. Look at his smile. Um, you know, we have a couple plaques that we'd like to uh present to him, but um he was a great
mentor to me. Um, so I really appreciate everything that he did in our relationship uh building me up to be, you know, the chief nowadays. Um, and I really uh really appreciate you and everything you did for this department. Um, I'm not one for a lot of words, so
just bear with me. Um, like to present this plaque from the department to Chief John W. Calamary in appreciation and recognition for your 32 years of loyal service to the town of Washington Police Department 1993 to 2005. We are official retired
ID card. And I'd like to say a couple words uh for my brother here. You know, we tried to keep the personal side out of it during uh my 12 years of being on the governing body while John was on. Uh but I feel tonight it's appropriate. So, uh I couldn't be prouder of my brother and
what he's achieved in life. Uh as we all know, time goes quickly. It seems like just a couple years ago we were at your graduation party that you graduated the academy. Uh but you know it's it's all good and I'm very happy that you've made the milestone achievement. Uh so thank
you for your service to the town. The Township of Washington presented to John Calamary, Chief of Police, Township of Washington Police Department, in appreciation for your 32 years of outstanding service 1993 to 2025. Best
wishes for your retirement. Thank you. >> At this time, uh we will do the police promotions. We'll start with uh Captain Michael Glock first. Captain Michael Block was hired by the town of Washington Police Department in August of 1996.
He was promoted to corporal in 2005, to sergeant in 2014, and to lieutenant in 2024. His duties include traffic bureau supervisor, department terminal agency coordinator, firearms instructor, radar instructor, alcatest coordinator, crash
constructionist, and investigator on the Burton County Fatal accident investigation unit. Captain Glock is a member of the Burton County Traffic Officers Association, New Jersey Honor Legion 200 Club of Bergen County, and former vice president of PBA Local 206. Captain Glock was awarded the Medal of
Honor, President's Union Citation, and numerous CPR, AED, and Critical Care Save awards from PBA Local 206. He's also uh awarded the Combat Cross from the Burton County Police Chiefs Association and Hillsdale PBA Local 207,
the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 as well, medal of valor unit citation from the 200 Club, the B uh the Valor Award unit citation from New Jersey State PBA, an outstanding law enforcement professional from the Detectives Crime Clinic, and the traffic
safety hero award from American Automobile Association. TripleA. He's got quite a bit of experience. Um, and we promote him to the rank of captain tonight. I >> I, Michael Block,
>> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance
>> and allegiance >> to the to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I do solemnly swear >> and that I do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully
>> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of thee >> all the duties of thee captain of the police department >> in the township of Washington >> in the township of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> in the county of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey >> in the state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. At this time, would Lieutenant Richard Parcels please step up Richard Parcels joined the Washington Township Police Department in August August of 2000. He was promoted to
corporal in 2018 and advanced to sergeant in May of 2022. An active member of the firearms unit, Lieutenant Parcels oversees processing of firearms applications. He also supports the department's less lethal training programs and serves as one of the department's domestic violence
liaison officers uh I'm sorry, domestic violence liaison officers. In addition, Lieutenant Parcell serves at the department's resiliency officer and is a member of the PDA 206 critical incident stress management team. He's a former president of PBA Local 206 and has been
a member of Bird County Rapid Deployment Force for over two decades, serving both as an operator and as a chemical munition officer, and we affectionately call him Z. Tonight, he gets to Lieutenant I
>> I Richard Parcels >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> the Constitution of the state of New Jersey. >> And that I will bear true faith >> And I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance
>> to the same >> to the same. and to the governments established in the United States. >> To the governments established in the United States >> and in the state >> and in the state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> And that I do solemnly swear >> that I do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform
>> and justly perform >> all the duties of thee >> all the duties of lieutenant of the police department >> in the township of Washington >> and the township of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> the county of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey >> the state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> for the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
Sergeant Michael Ferini, step up, please. >> Doesn't say it. >> Sergeant Ferrarini attended the past. uh sorry county police academy in 2012 he served with the pate county sheriff's department for over one year in 2014 he
became a police officer with the Washington Township Police Department where he's worked in the patrol division and was then promoted to the rank of corporal in 2022 his collateral duties have included serving as the ALB coordinator certified humane law enforcement officer background officer
alcohol beverage control officer baton and OC instructor and assisting the detective bureau many occasions. He also serves as the OEM deputy coordinator and manages the Department of Defense 1033 program. Addition additionally, he is a Gen County rapid deployment force
operator and a member of their execution team. Tonight, he gets promoted to sergeant. I >> I Michael Ferini >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people
>> and that I do solemnly swear >> and that I do solely swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the >> all the duties of sergeant of the police department >> in the township of Washington >> in the township of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> in the county of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey
>> in the state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God help me God Could Sergeant Christopher Rosenbrook still please step up? Sergeant Christopher Rosenbrook began
his career with the Washington Township Police Department as a dispatcher before being hired as a full-time police officer. He graduated from Bird County Police Academy in 2014. Throughout his career, Sergeant Osen Brook has received numerous life-saving awards and was honored by the 200 Club with a service
recognition award. He has held and continues to hold a wide range of responsibilities including traffic officer, domestic violence leaison, attack officer, public information officer, social media officer, and a field training officer. Most recently, he has been assigned as an accreditation
manager and to the internal affairs bureau. He is a certified accident reconstructionist and certified residential and commercial security uh specialist, further strengthening the department's commitment to crime prevention and community engagement. Tonight promote disorder.
I >> I Christopher Rosenberg >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> in the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith
>> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I do solemnly swear >> and that I solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully
>> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of thee >> all the duties of thee, Sergeant of the Police Department >> in the township of Washington >> in the township of Washington >> in the county of Bergen. >> In the county of Bergen >> the state of New Jersey >> in the state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability.
>> So help me God. >> So help me God. Corporal Peter Barrett. Step up, please. Oh yeah. Too many. That's a good one. Corporal Peter Verv was hired as a CLO2 in April of 2019 and was quickly
promoted to police officer in July of 2019. Corporal Verb is a proud is proud to be a part of the motorcycle unit, childcare seat technician, firearms licensing officer. In addition to those assignments, he is a CPR instructor, firearms instructor for both rifle and
pistol, and an active shooter patrol off patrol tactical response instructor as well. Peter Mor is being promoted to corporal today. I >> I Peter >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support
>> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the government established >> in the United States
>> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this under the authority of the people. >> under the authority of the people. >> And that I do solemnly swear >> And that I do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> and marshally >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the >> all the duties of the corporal of the police department
>> in the township of Washington >> in the council of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> in the county of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey >> the state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability to help God. Could Corporal Michael Sinatra please step up?
>> Corporal Michael Sinatra began his law enforcement career in 2013 after putting himself through and graduating from the Essex County Police Academy as a class 2 officer. He served the Union City Police Department until 2018 before graduating from the Bergen County Police Academy in
2019 and moving into a full-time position. 2020, he transferred to the Washington Township Police Department during CO where he currently serves as a handgun and rifle instructor, physical training instructor, active shooter instructor, and motor unit officer. He has also led
departmental weapons testing and firearms transfer programs and assists the B County Police Academy in training police recruits throughout the year. Congratulate Michael Sinatra being promoted to corporal. Come on.
>> It happens. I >> I, >> Michael Sinatra, >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey
>> and I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> to the governments established >> to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I do solemnly swear >> And that I do solemnly swear
>> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the >> all the duties of the corporal of the police department >> in the township of Washington >> in the township of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> in the county of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey >> in the state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. Good morning. Could police officer Justin Bash please step up? Justin Bes just started with us a year ago.
Officer Bes 16 16-year resident of Washington Township, graduated Westwood High School, went through our police academy last year and became a SEO 2 in June of 2025. He was elevated to PO as of January 1st.
We had a small bill ceremony just to get him on the road. So tonight I'm just going to repeat that so he gets the full effect of having everybody here. But congratulating him on becoming a police officer full time. I >> I Justin B
>> do solemnly swear or affirm >> domly swear or affirm >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution of the United States >> the >> Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same
>> and to the government established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I do solemnly swear >> that I do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> and partially >> partially >> and justly perform >> justly perform
>> all the duties of the >> all the duties of the police officer of the township of Washington police department >> in the township of Washington >> in the township of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> in the county of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey >> state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> SO HELP ME
CAN YOU JUST HAVE THEM SIGN IT? NOT UP HERE. WE DON'T HAVE TO DO IT OFFICIALLY, RIGHT? >> You should be swearing. >> Thank you everyone. I know that was a long ceremony one more. >> Yes. You want to give
>> nothing, right? >> She didn't warn me. >> I forgot till just now. I was like, >> director Giblin is a police director and every year. So, every four years. before you're dead. I guess I'm new to
>> I >> I do solely swearly >> swear that I support the Constitution of the United States >> that I support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> constitution of the state of New Jersey >> that I bear true faith >> I have true faith >> and allegiance >> and allegiance to the same
>> to the same >> and to the government established >> to the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> in this under the authority of the people. >> under the authority of the people. >> And that I do solemnly swear >> I do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> adjust and perform
>> adjust and perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of director of public safety of Washington >> in the county of Bergen >> County of Bergen >> in the state of New Jersey >> state of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. Guys,
just bear with us one more second. We're just going to grab one big picture, then we'll get out of here. >> Yeah, just wait a little bit. You guys in I'm just ready. One, two, three.
Smile. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Where's he at?
Take a five minute recess. >> Yes, I'll do December 12th, 2025 to January 15, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Any any discussion?
>> Roll call. >> Council Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Bles. >> Yes. >> Council President Villa. >> Yes. PSA for January 19th, 2026. Construction has begun on the new DPW
building at Town Hall. With this construction, the DPW yard will now remain closed on Tuesdays for household debris and recycling drop off. Residents may still drop off items on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please note that during the hours of construction, there will be limited
parking to the east side of Hudson Avenue. 2026 animal license renewals were mailed out in late December. Please note the $5 late fee begins on February 1st. Our next council meeting will be held on Monday, February 2nd, 2026.
Thank you. Report of the administrator. >> Good evening and thank you, Council President. This is my response from December 15, 2025 and January 5th, 2026 uh meeting. There was no resident concerns or questions to follow up.
There was council concerns and questions. Mayor Calamari, myself, members of the police department, members of the fire department, members of the DPW, and George Tulle of the Golden Seniors had an in-person meeting to discuss the feasibility of having the Golden Seniors meeting at the emergency
services building. Plan is to have the twice monthly Golden Seniors meeting in the ballroom in the fire department side of the ESB. This is to begin January 14, 2026 and continue till the DPW construction is completed at Town Hall. The Golden Seniors are in favor of this
plan. The DPW, police, and fire departments are going to work together to assure success. Each department spoke of any concerns there may be, and we vetted other options. This is the best option at this point. The top concern was the safety of the seniors crossing the parking lot and in front of the
garage bay. Currently, we have a SEO2 officer that works during the day and is given various assignments. Chief Pakora has agreed to assign the CLEO2 officer to the ESB during the meetings to assure pedestrian safety especially if there is a firefall. This will not cost
additional money because the officer is otherwise working his shift. All the logistics have been worked out as well such as parking, setting up the room, etc. I'm pleased to advise that all departments are working collaboratively. Many of the seniors are scheduling pickup for the meeting with the senior
bus. An update. On Wednesday, January for 14, 2026, the seniors had their first meeting. I was at the emergency services building for the beginning of the meeting. The seniors I spoke to seemed very happy for the temporary relocation. Fire Director Billas greeted the seniors
at the start of the meeting. I received positive feedback from Mr. Tulle and Fire Director Bill. I also personally witnessed Leo2 officer Monttobano providing traffic control and safety monitoring of the parking lot and sooners crossing the lot. The police
presence remain during the time frame of the meeting and this will be the plan moving forward. I'm fully confident that the seniors will be safe while at the ESP. The fund source and ex expense tracking for the swim club in 450 Pasak Road were completed before the holiday
and have been placed on the website. Councilman Casio inquired into the fee associated with the firearm carry permits. In 2025, the township received a decent amount of revenue from our police department for processing these permits. Chief Pakor advised that many work hours are put into completing the
process. In 2025, there were 43 applications at $150 each, total revenue of $6,450. These funds are lapsed into surplus and introduced as revenue in the following year's budget. I'm working on receiving town I'm sorry
I'm working on revising township policy regarding the proration of vacation time I will provide to the council when is completed. The fire chief received a new vehicle in 2025 through approved 2025 capital funding. Council was advised that the existing fire chief's vehicle
would be handed down to the deputy fire chief and the existing deputy fire chief's vehicle would be auctioned off due to age, miles, and engine hours. Excuse me. Can you just speak up a little bit more? >> Yeah. >> Did you fade in at the end there? >> This past fall, the new fire chief's
vehicle was placed into operation. The previous fire chief, Zach Miros, made a request to Mayor Calamary to maintain ownership and use of the previous deputy fire chief's vehicle rather than auction it off. Fire Chief Miros explained that the vehicle's auction value is less than in comparison to the value it would have
to the fire department if it remained active in the fleet. Fire Chief Miros request to maintain the old deputy chief vehicle comes with the intention to replace the current fire department pickup utility truck obtained through the 1033 program. This pickup truck is
used to trailer equipment, transport firemen personnel, and haul our rescue boat. It was determined in late fall 2025 that the pickup utility truck needs costly repairs. These repairs are estimated to cost more than the value associated with the utility truck
itself. The fire department now wishes to auction the pickup truck and maintain the usage of the old deputy fire chief's vehicle. The old deputy fire chief's vehicles capable of transporting personnel, hauling equipment, and towing the rescue boat. Minimal budget funds
were spent on the old deputies chief's vehicle in 2025. The cost was for replace the tires on the vehicle. There are no known problems with the vehicle at this time that is expected to be paid for in 2026. Fire Chief Miros explained that the old deputy chief's vehicle replacing the
utility pickup truck is beneficial. However, would sit unused most of the time until needed. Rather, the vehicle sits unused. Fire Chief Muros requested authorization from Mayor Cal Mary to assign the vehicle to the fire department battalion chief. It was explained that this rank within the fire
department is permitted to respond directly to the scene of a fire emergency. This practice is currently being exercised. However, the battalion chief is responding in his personal vehicle. Fire Chief Mero stated that allowing the battalion chief to use a fire department vehicle equipped with emergency lights, siren, and proper fire
related equipment is far safer than the use of a personal vehicle when responding to an emergency. Chief Miros also indicated the only positions within the fire department permitted to respond directly to the scene are the chief, deputy chief, and battalion chief. There's no guarantee that all three
positions will be available to respond to the same scene. Therefore, introducing the option of a third emergency vehicle to respond directly to the scene enhances safety for our residents and volunteers. After due consideration and after communicating with fire department director William Bilius, Deputy Fire Chief Frank Iello,
and obtain information pertaining to surrounding towns practices, Mayor Calamari authorized the use of the old fire deputy chief's vehicle and the auctioning of the utility pickup truck. It is believed that the use of this vehicle for its intended purposes will enhance emergency response and add to the safety of our residents. There is no
request of additional funds in the 2026 budget related to the operation of this vehicle. Fire department wishes to operate this vehicle until unusable and there is an understanding that there is no guarantee to its replacement. Updates. Our Lady of Good Council has
been vacated of DPW vehicles and equipment and Bethany Community Center leased area commence 126. Excavation has begun on the DPW construction site. The excavation of contaminated material at 450 Pasc Road
is scheduled to begin January 22nd and 23rd, 2026. The demolition of the two structures of the property will follow the completion of the excavation. Budget preparation is progressing appropriately and we hope to have it in the council's hands as soon as we can.
However, the completion of the annual financial statement is necessary to complete the budget and review. The process was started this morning. Few weeks back, I requested council president of the senate to consider starting the budget process with the capital requests and salaries. Conducting it in this way will allow me
to have uh the approved capital ordinance and salary ordinance for the council much earlier. This will greatly improve the timing of our road program and allow for employee retropay earlier than the end of July. Council president is favorable the idea. However, requested that we provide a very streamlined option for reviewing the
information and salary lines. I prepared a small binder containing budget material for employee salaries and capital request. This binder will be provided at council this evening during the conference agenda. The mayor and I respectfully request the council to begin on February 22, I'm sorry, February 2nd, 2026 with salaries and
capital requests. Thank you, council president, for any consideration you give our request. The purchasing department will be looking into additional cooperative purchasing options as per council's request. The mayor and I met with the tax assessor and tax collector on January 7, 2026 to
discuss the farmland tax assessment. Miss Hullbig advised that the Viviano property that I'm sorry, Miss Hullbig advised that the Viviano property has met current criteria under NJSA 54-23.1 Farmland Assessment Act as well as 54
col 4-23.5 land deemed actively devoted to agriculture, horiculture, and woodland use. The FA-1 application must be received by the tax assessor no later than 81 annually and this is submitted
to the state. We then inquired regarding a change of use. The change in use would trigger a change of the assessment from farmland to market value. This would also allow the collection of roll back taxes. Roll back taxes include the year of which the change of use takes place
and the two previous years. Our grant writer, Mr. Bribuno submitted a grant application for Township Volunteer Fire Department. The application requested $10,370 in funding to purchase one forcible entry tool, which is multi-force, the
blue door with one active panel crush door simulator and one wheel system and four rubber mats. This evening, the council will have before them a resolution authorizing the township to go out to bid for the Musquapsync Brookstabilization Project and for
approval of Boswell Engineering's cost for inspection and related work associated with the project. Thank you, Council President. That concludes my >> Thank you. >> At this time, a motion to open the public comment period. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Since there is no one in the audience, motion to close the public comment period. >> So move. >> So move. >> Second. All in favor? >> I I. >> Ordinance is none. Adoption, second reading, none. Introduction, first reading, none. Mayor's appointments, no resolution required. Recreation advisory
board, Sasha Lopez. >> Thank you, Mike. Um, yeah, this one, um, we we just missed it from the last meeting. Um, please be advised that I'm appointing the following citizen for the position set forth below. Sasha Lopez, Recreation Advisory Board member,
December 31st, 2029 for a term expiring. Thank you, Mike. >> Thank you. >> Is this to replace Mr. Joyce's uh >> No, she had a seat. So, the other one is still open. >> Okay. Resolutions consent agenda. The following items have been determined to have the unanimous consent of 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 items removed at this time? >> Yes. Uh, >> go ahead, Mr. 163 64 65 and 66.
>> 16364 65 and 66. >> Yes. >> Okay. Resolution number 29-136 support the Bergen County fire mutual aid plan. Resolution number 26-161 to authorize refund of engineering escrow balances to Vilia for various projects
in the amount not to exceed $7,617.20. Resolution number 26-162 authorize non-monetary change order for contract with Premier Building and Construction Management for construction of DBW building. Resolution number That's all for now. Motion to approve consent agenda resolutions as presented.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> No. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Counciloman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. Resolution number 26-163
authorize award of contract for bank stabilization of the M the Swapsync brook in the amount of not to exceed $55,000. Do I have a motion? >> So move >> second >> discussion. Can you just explain the the scope of
this work and is it the it's not the exposed sewer. >> It is. >> It is. >> Yes. Yeah. So that that work in its entirety is 55k. It's not to exceed
amount based on the scope of work in the um >> but that's for Boswell only. That doesn't construction that doesn't include construction dollars. It's $750,000 project. >> I hope well I hope not because we don't have that much money. But um >> it's a big project. It's not >> $55,000. >> Again I don't I you know it sounds kind
of silly but it's it's essentially for all the scope of work. So it's to go out to bid to prepare the bid documents then you know administer the bid award and um conducting inspections there. >> Is it does it include their actual
engineering work? >> Yes that's already done and paid for. So that was conclude well that was done so they could go and ask for the permit through NJP. >> So this is for this is basically for all the bid related work and then the
inspection of the project. the project expected to take 6 months. >> Okay. So, it will include actual inspections of the actual work. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. And that's not to exceed 55K. >> Yes. >> Any other discussion, ladies and
gentlemen? >> Roll call. >> Councilman Council >> for just 163. >> Yeah, just 163. We're doing 163. We have to do them separately. Mike asked them to be separate. >> Sure. No. You said no.
>> No. >> Councilman Sears. >> No. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Ble. >> Yes. >> Council president. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 26-164
authorize the advertisement of solicitation of bids for Miss Quapsync Bank stabilization. Do I have a motion? >> I'll make the motion. Will somebody second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? Now I didn't um my apologies. This probably could have been ordered on
already. So that's fine. I guided the previous discussion. >> Councilman Casio, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> no. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Council BZ, >> yes. >> Council President Cettum,
>> yes. Resolution number 26-165 authorize establishing threshold of compensation to zoning board of adjustment engineer not to exceed $140,000. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Why is this needed, Mr. Darl? So if you
recall back to um when Mr. Swisser came in for the audit. He's making a recommendation that any future um appointments of professionals have in the resolution and not to exceed amount basically to give the finance department
guidance as to how much should be encumbered. So the zoning board and the planning board uh in their individual respective meetings assigned the board of engineers which is Mr. Aelina and Mr. Boswell and um sorry I'm speaking of 165
and 166 at this time. So uh based on the the request from the auditor we had to put in there a not to exceed amount. The $140,000 that's in both resolutions is based on how much money we
not we the township but through escrow um was paid to these engineers last year. And you know, Miss Siobhan Bailey has anything to add to it. Um, >> I have I have nothing to add. It was a request from Mr. Squisher. Um, >> I don't understand the request. I've
never heard of this, Mr. D. Carlo. I >> So, it's a not to exceed amount. So, again, so it gives our finance department, especially our purchasing department, our CFL when encumbering funds, we cannot exceed the 140,000. if it's expected to exceed the 140,000
throughout the year. We have to bring another resolution before the >> But why does it matter what what they encumber? I mean, it's all coming from escros from uh applicants. >> I understand, but his his words are, you know, the boards don't pay the bills. The township council essentially
approves the bills. So, >> no, we don't approve the bills. Well, we approve the check. Yeah, but I'm saying the the board the board approves the bills and then sends them to us for the final payment. But they're approved by the board, not us. >> We just cut we approved the check, >> right?
>> But the bills, they approved the hours and what's spent there, not us, cuz this was this was his guidance. >> Okay. >> This comes right from Mr. Swisser. >> Yeah. He he he spoke of it, I believe, when he did his audit >> audit report. >> Yeah.
If you remember the other didn't we have any Sue um not take seeds on the >> I believe we did. I believe we had one and I can't think of it was the 50 52 52,000. Yeah, there was one >> and it's only if they're expected to go
over the bid threshold. So again that's $53,000. So from my memory, I think the only one from at the reorg was Beckmeer and then we had to wait to do these until the boards officially appointed their engineers at their respective board meetings.
>> I still don't understand it. >> Go for it. So I guess my question is the language um is the these funds are sourced from escrow.
>> Yes. So there's no direct expense coming out of the township. I create I open up purchase orders at the beginning of each year for maybe a,000 or 2,000 for each engineer. Um, there's been times where the board will direct these engineers to
do work on behalf of the township and we have a purchase order. >> So, I create the purchase order in advance so we don't get caught off guard. There's often other times where I may need the specialties of, you know, these um engineers based on their, you
know, historic historic, you know, institutional knowledge of the town. Um, so I I think the township maybe spent less than $1,000 each engineered last year. But so most of it is escrow. Okay. And
this sets up a not to exceed of 140. It's being paid through the escrow account. >> Yes. >> Are we putting any constraints or restrictions or requirements about the
uh reconciliation and settlement of the escros? cuz right now we're working through a bunch of escrow issues that have existed historically. >> Yes. Would it be in our best interest to
resolve that these things have to be settled in a certain period of time or you know you know we're being asked to do a not to exceed uh for these payments but you know should when do the payments have to be
settled? >> I I remember you just bringing that up last time. I don't I don't know if they have to do with each other as far as this resolution. Um I know working on it I think Miss Bailey there was nothing we
could find on the books that suggests that something has to be reconciled in a certain amount of time. Correct. >> Right. And >> well it's a best management practice to >> Yeah. I'm not saying we can't >> No, but I'm just saying it's a best management practice to have all your escrow bills in before December 31st of
each fiscal year for all your professionals. this way, you know, what could be the possible um red that the council may have to pay if a developer doesn't pay their bills. Um so that's just a f that's just a finance department issue. I I just don't
understand these two things. I I don't I don't see why we need them. I I know Mr. Swisser said we do, but how many other towns, Mr. Bailey, did you find any others that have this? I >> I haven't heard of it. I've never heard of this. >> But I you know I take my my guidance
from our so >> do we So we don't have one currently correct >> have what >> not to exceed. >> No this is just in the it's it's essentially a finance request from our auditor. Um again probably best
practices is a good word. It gives our incumbrance system guidance and it also advises the council. This is what's expected. I think in the last paragraph on Mr. Aelina's um it has his um hourly rate. I think
the rate schedule is on I'm sorry. >> Yeah. But what what concerns me about this Mr. D. Carlo is that, you know, if if January if if 2026 is a light year for developers and we don't get any escrow in,
>> we're not guaranteeing him. >> I understand that, but it's kind of it's kind of like, you know, it's a it's a it's a number we're just throwing the dart at from last year. We're just saying, "Hey, last year you made 140K and we're using that number again." I, you know, >> that's the guidance we got from Mr.
Swisser, me, Miss Bailey, Mr. Swisser had a phone conference about it. Plus, we talked about it at our exit conference for the audit and you know, again, it I you know, I don't I don't know. I don't want to say it's not a big deal and insult anybody. I just think,
you know, based on the way it was explained to me. It you know, it's a I think it's a harmless clause um to have in there. We're certainly not guaranteeing him $140,000. We're just again, Mr. Swisser explained it as we need to give the CFO guidance as to you
know the total amount to be encumbered authorized by the council. It's for anything expected to be spent over the bid threshold of $53,000 and it's just for the professional. >> So this makes this makes So we're looking at 193,000 because it's above the bid threshold.
>> No, no, no. He he's just he's stating to us that we the township is not required to put a not to exceed amount in a resolution unless it's expected that we're going to pay that professional more than $53,000. So like if it was two
years ago with the planner we should have done it right because the master plan was $85,000. This year we're not expected to spend anywhere near that uh with Mr. Burgess. So we didn't have to put a not to exceed amount in Mr. Beckmeer, we are expecting to uh to
spend more than that, especially you know once his monthly retainer fees and you know his fees for the 26 road program it will um go over that. That's why we did a not to exceed amount for for him. You you it it was the same language you probably just there was so
much on the agenda that night you probably didn't even you know catch it or pay attention. >> Okay. Um, but I I really can without it sounding offensive, it's really a harmless thing and it's it's really to guide the finance department with you know the amount not to exceed for for
that company certainly does not guarantee anything of that amount >> and is that just is it all um issuance to the company or just related to uh escort activity?
>> It would be be everything. >> Okay. and everything for that. >> So like you know um I still plan on putting individual resolutions in front of you like I did with Boswell. So say the order of this evening was this
resolution first and then you guys saw the resolution for the cross sync book. I still plan on giving you stuff that's over the $53,000 because it's project specific. So in other words, you'll have a lot lot more information than you
would expect, I would guess. I would say >> and we can easily separate Boswell uh zoning versus Boswell Township. >> Oh, absolutely. in in our in our vendor
when they're set up with a vendor. He's specific that that company set up uh for when it's a township expense and when it's an escrow and I I believe Mr. Aelina is as well. >> Okay. Roll call for 26-165.
>> Councilman Casio, >> no. >> Councilman, Councilman Se, hold on. Sorry. Councilman Sears, >> no. >> Councilman, >> yes. Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President, >> no. >> Resolution number 26-166.
Authorize establishing threshold for the planning board not to exceed 140,000. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Same discussion. So just take a roll call or everybody okay with that? >> Can I just interrupt you, sir? So resolution 165 did not pass.
>> No. >> So again, this is based on the recommendation of the council's auditor. So, what would be my direction then? Just go back and tell them that the council doesn't agree with them. And again, I know that sounds sarcastic, but I'd like to know why we can't make it to
55 539 number and then if it needs to go over do another resolution later on. I I just I the 140k is a lot of money and with developers sometimes skipping skipping it makes it seem like we're automatically going to pay it because it's in the not to exceed amount. That
makes sense to you, Mr. Carl? You know, sometimes developers take time to pay their outstanding debt, and I just don't want them to take this as a well, you guys authorize me to go up to 140, so you should pay me until they pay you.
>> And I don't want that to happen. >> Miss Bailey, do you have anything to say? Because you wrote these resolutions, so I was hoping you could have some input. >> I I haven't I haven't looked at it at >> You want to Is the council okay to table both of these and get more information? Can we get squisher?
>> Mark, would you be able to get more information from Squisher and we'll table both of them. Can we can we resend the the 165 resolution for both and we'll table resolution number 265 and resolution 266. So, should I do a Perman table the one? You already voted on the
one. >> Yeah, I'm saying go back and resend it. >> It'll just come back up. >> It'll just come back up. Okay. >> So, motion to table resolution 26-166 until we get more information. Everybody okay with that? >> So, so move. So move. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? I
>> no. >> No. >> You don't want a table? >> No. >> Oh, you said yes. I said yes. >> We got we table. Okay. >> Motion to adjourn to conference agenda. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Next meeting of the township council will be on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m. Sign up for Nixl. Text 07676 to888777 key code TWWP of Bergen conference
agenda 2026 budget under administration. >> Yes, thank you. I just have uh two quick questions and then I plan on handing out the uh the salary and capital binders uh for the council. I just had a brief explanation of the binders and uh that'll be that topic. Um last year
during budget um it was suggested that the council may dedicate funds to the 250 year celebration. I just want to know if that's something um that you get can give me some guidance on this evening if I should budget for that in
uh in the upcoming budget. >> The administration have a recommendation, sir. Um, no. I we don't >> I'd like to make the line item short. >> We could probably sort of fund it through the holiday celebrations line,
the tradition. >> Well, can we and and could we come up with can we talk to the public affairs director and see what they have planned? >> Well, it's really not fair to do that to her without a budget cuz you'll criticize her if she comes up with a 50,000. >> I mean, it's her job. >> It's Well, it's not her job to look for
endless options without a budget. I'm not saying endless, but at least come with some scenarios of what like she thinks we should do. Like I mean, you know what I mean? Like >> it going to be, >> you know, we going to have fireworks or, you know, whatever it may be. Like we don't know what she's she's got to if
she comes up with a couple scenarios and their cost and we can enter ascertain. Do we do all of them or do we not do any of them? I mean, >> okay, I'll ask her. >> Do you have an idea? We usually fund that line with $9,000, but that's for every other.
>> That includes everything that regular events, >> all the things. So, I mean, you guys have an idea like five 10 scrap some of the stuff we're going to do regularly and make this a special occasion. You know, you got town day. >> Let's make it, you know, what do we spend about 10 10 grand?
>> We budget 10 grand for town day. >> 10 grand. >> What if we just started? Would you think about doing it like on the July 4th holiday or? >> It has to be on the July 4th holiday. >> No, I know. But I Well, you said >> Well, just move it. >> You spending the same amount, but you're just celebrating. >> So, we wouldn't have a town day. Is that
what you're saying? >> We're having country day. It's a whole country. >> Oh, yeah. But >> yeah, this is >> I would say town day. >> We're combining in combined or combined combin 250 anniversary day, >> you know, for one year. It's not the end
of the world. I mean >> 250 >> but that's just a nice just a thought. >> I forget the I forget what your >> starting point. It's a starting point. >> I mean it's a Yeah. >> Do you want to have a starting number? >> It would give Miss Lopez a better sense
of what the >> I I just don't know what we >> definitely know fireworks without a question. I don't think we have a place to do it. I think they're like hundreds of thousands of dollars. I can go I can go to shop freight and >> get the behind the high schools >> those little tanks.
>> Yeah. >> I I would just like I would just like to have some ideas and like what the cost would be and what you know what maybe she could reach out to her counterparts in other towns and see what everybody else is doing for the 250th anniversary. >> Yeah. >> I mean is that too much of an ask? >> No. No.
>> No. It's not. I just I was hoping you'd throw something out to kind >> No. I'm I'm I'm personally not throwing out any if anybody else wants to throw something out. >> I mean, I've I've heard numbers out there from other towns. So, I mean, I would easily say 10,000 would be the
town day budget for the 250. That would be >> I'd like to know what we're getting for that. Like, you know, like I >> I mean, you're not going to get fireworks. I know that, but I'm just saying like I have 10,000. >> So, I think 10,000 would be, you know, plus any additional sponsorship for the
250th would be appropriate. >> I think it's important we do something, but I just don't know what we do and what it entails like, you know, do we, you know, we throw America a concert that night if we can. I don't know. I don't know what's available. >> I mean, I have ideas, but >> Well, but I >> Well, maybe you can share them with
this. Maybe you could share them with Sasha and then get back to us. But I'm just saying this is, you know, word on, you know, word on the street is you're looking at at least 10. So I'm you asked for an idea. I'm saying, okay, let's >> that's it. >> Let's uh let's bring back what the 10
entails and we'll talk about it, right? Because >> I don't want to throw 10,000 out there and, you know, we're getting, you know, uh pony rides. I'm not going to I'm >> pony rides, let me tell you, they're like $2,000 now. They're expensive. Everything is out of control. So Go
ahead. If I go back, we're all set. >> All right, let's stop. All right, moving on. So, Mr. hand out the budget for the salaries and >> uh one more question for the council. >> Washington, >> if you remember, um
>> George Washington, >> sorry, >> I didn't shush anybody. Just so you know, >> I did. Um, last year when we did the um the ban in July, we did a one-year ban, we
funded through a band, a ban, I'm sorry, the expense for 450 uh Pasc Road. Everyone knows in the fall we received uh the grant reimbursement from Burden County of 472,500.
It's basically parked in an account and I just wanted to get some guidance from council. We have two options. One, we could take that 472500 and reduce the borrow in July of this year when we go to renew the ban. If you
remember through the presentations that we we plan on railing rolling over the ban for three years before we settle with permanent borrowing of the bond. So again, I'm just using rough numbers cuz I think it was like 9,920,000.
But just for roughly say it was 10 million and rather rolling over 10 million in July, we could put that 472500 towards what we're going to roll over in July and lower it. Right? So then meaning we'd
only borrow 9 million whatever this >> 95 95. Let's just round up 95. The other option is because it's already mana money in the hand. It's real money. It's real value. Uh council could elect to create a capital ordinance, a fully
funded capital ordinance to fund the improvements of 450 Pasc Road, which eventually you'll do. So, those are the two options. Um, you don't really necessarily need to tell me tonight, but if if the
council has a a flavor for what you want to do, >> I I had asked we do this we do this with the swim club and and unfortunately that council um said no to it. I'd like to take the money and reduce the debt the
debt burden because we don't have a plan for the 450 yet. So to me, reducing the debt burden is right now is the safest thing to do with it. And then when we do come up with a plan of what we are going to do at 450, we then bond the money we
need for 450. I don't know what everybody else's thoughts are. I would like to reduce the debt. >> Also, interest rates hopefully are trending down. So we'll do better if we bond in the future. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I would pay off the debt as soon as possible. >> So that's two to pay off the debt.
Anybody else? pay off the debt. >> That's three. MZ. >> Yeah. >> You're good with paying off the debt, Mr. Alman. You good with paying off the debt? >> Yes. >> So, we're paying off the debt, Mr. To. >> Great. Thank you. And just bear with me.
I just have to find your hand out. And if you just give me two minutes to review them with you all >> budget expense >> bucks is yours or you
>> can't just Oh, you can do 10 minutes. >> Okay. Thank you. So, if you just bear with me. So, again, you know, administration would uh hope and um that council will approve um starting the
review and approval of salary and capital on February 2nd. I hope to have the books to you very soon, either that night uh for the remainder of it. Um I think it would be a very organized approach to it. Um if acceptable to you,
if you could let me know if you do approve the capital and salary review, I would ask if capital to go first. And if you could let me know, council president, that way I can invite um I can handle most of it myself like the IT request, the admin request, the roads. I
would just ask for the police chief, the fire chief, and maybe the OEM coordinator to help explain that. If I could just go through the 2026 salary and capital request summary. Uh summary in the first page, the capital funding summary for 25 and 26. 2026 capital
funding request of 1,891,972. The 2025 approved capital funding was $2,352,000. The 2025 capital funding requested was $2,442,000. Additional 2025 capital approved funding of $3 million for the DPW building. All
capital and bond ordinances are fully funded at this time. The township currently has two bonds and one ban. a ban of $9,920,189 which matures on 72 of 26. A bond that was issued on November 1st, 2019,
balance of 3,275,000 to be paid off in 2029. A bond issued July 28th of 2022. Balance of 11,640,000 to be paid off in 2042. Total of current owned is $24,835,189.
The 2026 total assessed net valuation taxable, the NVT is $2 bill798,281,700. Township may borrow up to 3.5% of the average of the last 3 years of NVT. I'm not suggesting we go close to that, but just wanted to let you know we are
nowhere near it. uh 2026 salary budget administration is requesting a 2.75% raise for most of the civilian non-contractual employees. These employees have been receiving a consistent 2% annual raise each quarter% of a raise.
>> Did you give them 2 and a half% last year, Mr.? >> No sir. Um originally it was 1 and a.5% but uh council reconsidered it. >> I'm sorry. >> That's okay. Um, each quarter% of a
raise is only $3,066 total for these employees. To provide each of the civilian non-contractual employees a 2.75% raise will cost a total of $9,199 above what a 2% raise would cost. The
DPW employees received a 3% raise for each year of their four-year contract. contract expires 1231 to 2027. The PBA received a 2.75% raise for each year of their 4-year contract. Their contract expires 1231 to 2026. Thank you. And if
you could just go to the first tab, I just want to show you what we have. Um it's a very much larger um sheet for the 25 26 and 40 salary comparison. So what you have there, if you look in the middle, you have the 2025 salary and
you have what the increase would be if it was a 2%, a 2 and 1/2, a 2.75 or a three. If you kindly go to the bottom of the second page, you'll see uh the total columns, and I
apologize, it's very faint, but the the faint number like the 6,133 and the 3,66, that's the amount to go between each increase. So to give the employees a 2% increase would be a total of $24,531
above what was approved last year. To go up to 2.5% would be 6,000 more for a total of 30,000. Another quarter% $3,66 and and so on. Um and then again hopefully to streamline this if you go
to the next document this is um all of the salary lines with what is requested recommended some notes associated with with the request and then in the last two columns you
have what was appropriated in 25 and what was actually spent in 2025 and as um as promised I'll use that Um you'll see the police all other salaries is $200,000 less uh than the
request last year. So that is that's the net savings from the uh those employment agreements. So you'll see that I believe on >> bottom of the first page. >> Is that the 8 and 1 half 11 sheet? >> No. Is it? Well, yes, but if you're on
the uh >> account numbers, >> the account numbers, you'll see the request is 2 2,910,000 and last year was appropriation of 3,47 I'm sorry, 3 million 47,000.
Um and then you'll go to the uh the sheets after that council president and that is the uh salary chart that you're commonly familiar with from the chief of police with the individual salaries. This
includes the most recent promotions that were made. And then the following two sheets are the DPW salary. uh that's based on their yearly um contractual increase and then their their um their
their A man B man promotions throughout the year. And then the next page is the safety incentive steps, the safety education steps uh that you were seeing last year as well. And then if we go to the next category, you have the capital requests with the capital budget excel
sheet and then the individual tabs um for those departments, the roads, the PD, fire department, um DPW, IT, OEM, rec department, and admin. And uh thank you for letting me take the
time to just briefly bring you through the binder. Thank you, Mr. Carl. Okay, moving along. Uh, zoning board of adjustment opposition to NJS-4736A-4471, zoning board 25-21. So the state in their infinite wisdom is
wanted wants to pass a law that will allow every residential property in New Jersey to build four units on it without zoning board changes. I I it's the most crazy thing I've ever heard. I am we we
need this prepared ASAP. We are I believe I am in total opposition to this uh state new mandate. I don't know about what the rest of the council is, but I'd like to have Miss Bailey prepare the opposition uh ordinance ASAP.
>> You don't want to hold shacks in your backyard? >> No, I do not. Masio, no. >> Okay. I didn't think so. >> Anybody Everybody Okay. Everybody okay asking M to Mr. Alman? >> Because it's starts there. >> You're You're a yes on it. You're a no. I'm a no. >> You don't want her to prepare?
>> Correct. Well, would four of us say prepare, please? the >> I mean I don't I don't know if the public understands what it is. Maybe you can explain what what they're proposing to do. Michael, >> they will allow they the state will allow every resident in New Jersey as
long as there is a building structure on your lot. The lot could be of any size. You are allowed to build four dwelling units on that lot. So on Beach Street, if I wanted to tear down my or convert my single family home into a four unit,
>> I would not need anybody's permission to do that other than getting building permits. Is that a fair statement, Miss Daily? I >> I don't know if I I don't know if it says exactly that. >> But that's close to it. >> It It does allow, you know, the applicants also to bypass the zoning
process all completely. I I I don't know if it's an automatic the way you're describing it for that. >> Sure. Sounds like it from the state, >> but but there are other things in here that you know um that certainly are are problematic that allow bypassing the local land use
boards that are set up to protect and to >> enforce encourage Exactly. Um >> so I would like a I would like a resolution prepared to object to this. I I'd second that. All right.
>> Would that resolution include auxiliary structures on your property, >> Simone? >> Well, this just in opposition of the of the state's mandate. We don't we'd have to look at our own to say about uh >> right >> auxiliary structures. I don't know what >> because I think that was one of the
another um I don't know where it is in the legislature, but you can have auxiliary structures that can be inhabited by non-family members >> accessories. Yeah. Accessory dwellings, right? >> Yep. And it says it will bypass local planning for increased density and
height regardless of a municipality's ability to ensure safety. >> Correct. How is that? >> You have four sheds in the back with fenced and that could be >> you know I don't want that. >> All right. >> So that the zoning board >> Yeah. The zoning board gave us a resolution. >> Yeah. They modified that to what they
wanted it to be. >> Yeah. So we should Yeah. Well, we should we should have Miss Bailey write one for us that you know >> I agree. >> Yep. >> Zoning board uh number two, zoning board of adjustment recommended escro and fee changes ZBA 26-07.
I am they're very it's a drastic uh proposed fee change. >> Yeah, Mike, not the mic, but I'd rather see it phased in over a couple years. Yeah, I I think to go from, you know, we're d, you know, some of the stuff
we're going from $200 to $1,000. >> Um, you know, this is all on the backs of our residents. It's not like, and some of it is coming from developers, but the majority of this is, you know, the the residents and and hey, if if the fees do go over, the residents, you
know, if it's self-imposed because they, you know, don't have the right people coming to the meetings to to represent them, that's a different story. But to just go at him with $1,000, I I I would like to ask um I'd like to talk to Mr. Gets and see where they how
they came up with these um and report back to the council if that's okay. >> Yeah. Well, you want to you want and encourage your residents to improve their property. This may be a a thing that would hinder that from occurring. >> So, you know, you don't want to put a burden on the taxpayer as they already
burdened from the state and local and federal government as it is. So, you know, maybe >> so maybe we could keep this on the on the on the on the radar and I'll I'll discuss it with Mr. Gets and I'll get back to the council for the next meeting if that's okay with everybody. >> That would be wonderful. >> All right, moving along. Miscellaneous
fire department vehicles. Um I know Mr. D. Carlo provided um a report in his uh administrator's report about the fire department vehicles. Does anybody want to add anything else to it? >> So, so basically, well, I have a question for Mark. Um so basically that
vehicle is um sound at this point, right? Yes sir. >> It's not really costing us anything other than you know incidentals, oil changes and the like at this point maintain tires. Tires 25. >> Okay. And there's nothing in the future
that you foresee that it may need. >> No, there's no known problems that's going to cost money and there the fire department did not ask for any increase in budget lines. >> Okay. because of the vehicle. >> Tommy, you had something there. >> Well, without being chastised by the
town attorney on getting involved with the fire department. >> No, >> I can say that they gave you the DP, they gave us a fairy tale event. Um, I think we were um
hootwick into getting them a new vehicle. The baloney of ISO says it's more advisable to have more men responding is a bunch of garbage. It doesn't say that. Um
uh to go even further, uh now the citizens have to pay for gas, fuel, tires for a vehicle that was no good and all of a sudden it became miraculously fixed.
So with that being said, um I don't want to over set my boundaries get in further into this. >> Did just council of the Senate, just so you know, >> I had a discussion with Councilman Sears about NJSA40 Cafe calling 9-4, which
prohibits um any councilman who's also a member of the fire department. It's quite broad in its prohibition in terms of not even deliberating or discussing matters involving the fire department. So I just had to remind the conversation. >> This is a township vehicle.
>> Okay. >> It's a township vehicle, you know. So when they gave it up, it's a township vehicle >> and therefore it's under my purview to work with them and address their needs. >> I'm sorry, I can't hear you, Peter. >> I I said therefore it's under my purview to listen to the department and address
their needs with >> I I have not questioned that whatsoever. >> I I just wanted to put it out for the public until you questioned it. I did not question that whatsoever, you know. >> Okay. Um I just want to make sure that the vehicle is safe and okay to operate cuz I know we bought them a new vehicle
because we needed a new one. So, I just want to make sure that that you know and that I saw in your report that there is no guarantee that because we're giving them this third vehicle that in the future if this vehicle does have an issue that is catastrophic that we're
not mandated to replace that vehicle like you had stated Mr. D Carlo. Is that correct? That's correct. >> So, they are aware of that. Yes, sir. >> We're not replacing it. >> We're not replacing. >> No, you're not obligated. >> Not obligated. Yes. But I'm saying we don't I don't you know we don't want to have an emergency come up and say oh this third vehicle is now you know
because it's it's it's older. >> That was never the >> I mean we'll address it if and when the time comes >> but there's no but there's no >> there's no guarantee. >> Okay. >> No. >> Thank you. >> Any any other discussion on the on this subject? >> Yeah. >> Yes. Go ahead. M >> uh I had reached out separately to Mr.
D. Carlo with some questions on uh the memo that we received from director Billilius. And you know I I think everyone wants to uh put their
argument or their support in the best light. Um but based on the response that we received or that I received uh I'm not sure that what was presented is factual
and if it is factual you know we have uh individuals in the township who I feel should have an understanding of ISO and Maybe it's the wrong where I directed it
or I suggested the wrong person, but no one seems to know what ISO is, how it's calculated, who assigns it, and what the impact is. And I understand uh you know using Google uh that there
are uh you know three components. there's the uh equipment uh there's communication I forget the third one you know it's it's weighted uh it impacts
ISO which impacts our insurance but we've heard this when we replace the stick the uh >> aerial ladder >> the aerial ladder >> and it wasn't it wasn't clear then and it continues not to be clear so you know
if we want to continue to say that we need this because ISO is going to be impacted then someone needs to say how is it going to be impacted and >> correct >> honestly I
don't believe that anyone knows so I I think uh you know should this third vehicle be used if there's no cost why not uh to me the bigger issue is is that
we're being asked as a council uh or uh the administration is being asked and they're passing that request to the council uh and we can't get an explanation and I know uh Mr. D. Carlo
attempted to navigate with a number of people, but I you know uh I don't know if we have a clear answer as to what ISO is, how it's assigned, who assigns it, what its impact is to our residents. Uh
so I I think that's something we should be aware of if we're going to continue to hear this every time the fire, you know, the fire department has a request. >> My only concern with what you just said, Mr. Throwman is are there any others cuz it seems like hey ISO recommends the
battalion chief have this car which if so we've never heard that before until this situation came to fruition. So if if this was something that was recommended by ISO in the past, why weren't we told about it? And I
understand the the the the situation came about, you know, because the vehicle became available, but if this was something that was told by ISO, we should have known about it sooner. That's all. >> And it's a recommendation. And how does it affect our insurance?
>> I can't answer that. Mr. Council President respond. >> I was able to uh have an in-person discussion with Mr. Fidini uh last week after receiving the email from um Mr. Clooney from our insurance company and
because I still had some questions about the ISO and the way it was explained to me is it it is not a regard on the township's um insurance. It is a regard on the individual property owners insurance. So, I never read anything that said, you know, they're
recommending a battalion chief's vehicle, but what I read is the more emergency vehicles that are available to respond, it was a better rating on the ISO. Um, additionally, you know,
I did provide to the council uh director Bill's um memo and supporting facts. However, when I presented my memo to the council, I did not discuss ISO nor whether a
vehicle, a personal vehicle is covered when responding to a scene, which it is. I was able to follow up with Mr. Fedini and and state it was because I was not familiar with those. So, I again only wanted to write. >> So, by what you just said, Mr. the call. If a personal vehicle is taken to the
scene and damage occurs, it's covered by our our insurance policy. >> Of course, doesn't necessarily mean it's the best thing to do. >> No, no, no. I'm not I'm not but I'm just saying if if that was if if the vehicle was to be damaged because of something at the scene. It's covered by our policy, not by the person that's
volunteering his time. And you know, God bless them for doing what they're doing, but it would be covered by us. So, in other words, I just I wanted to make sure that the message I conveyed to the council. Um, I did not use the supporting facts of the personal vehicle being covered andor the ISO because I
was not familiar with it uh when I wrote it. I since talked to Mr. Fidini after writing that and I don't want to speak for the mayor because he certainly has a microphone but as part of the discussions I was involved in I do not believe the mayor made a decision based on the ISO information andor whether a
vehicle is covered personally um when it responds to scene but again that's my take on it. I mean, I know probably enough about ISO to get into trouble, uh, because I had to adhere to some of the standards in my IT days. Um, and so I know and when I look at my homeowners
policy, it is referenced in there. Um, and so that that's the look, you know, when uh the director mentioned it, I knew that much about it that, you know, the better our ISO rating, uh, the better our all of our homeowners insuranceances are. >> Okay. Anything else ladies and gentlemen
on the day out of state country attendance at meetings Mr. Alman? >> Yeah so I had raised this uh you know middle of last year I had to attend a funeral in Toronto and I missed a
meeting uh because of the scheduling. Uh but uh there was a possibility I was going to call in uh being out of country and my question is uh as a council person in
the township of Washington, can I participate and vote if I am not in the township of Washington, if I am in another state or if I am in another country? >> Right? So, I took a look and the New
Jersey Open Public Meetings Act provides no explicit authority permitting that or prohibiting that. Um, I did not find a case dealing with the question. So, when you're in a position like that, you look
to the statutory structure as well as cases to give you guidance. And I'll give you the best I have, but no guarantees here. So basically the uh under the open public meetings act the definition of a meeting explicitly
contemplates uh electronic participation and it defines a meeting is any gathering whether corporate real or by means of communication equipment attended by or open to all of the members of the public body um held with
the intent on the part of the uh members of the body present to discuss or act as a unit. So you can you know that contemplates electronic participation. Um on the flip side if you think about where this these
ideas act as a sword uh we think about email communication and we've talked about that where you if you have a quorum you don't want to you don't want to be held to be conducting a meeting because you haven't properly noticed and ensured public participation. So that
suggests to me in addition to the definition itself that those means if they're going to be held to be a meeting and and the council is going to be held to have done something improper without public notice by virtue of electronic means by email by telephone or whatever
with a foreign president discussing. So on the flip side maybe that's additional support as to why >> something is you know can be permitted. Um, and finally, just anecdotally, we represent several towns. I've participated in several land use
meetings. I've covered meetings for other bodies. It's done and it's done regularly. Um, for whatever that's worth. So, >> so it is allowed. >> I know we have I know we have called I know I've called in. I was in Florida one time and I called in and called in.
>> Daisy, you called in from Colorado, right? I believe we're somewhere. I know you called in one time. We've all done it. Um we've done it since I've been on council. Actually, we were upstairs in the um conference room upstairs. Even during budget, we had that >> little speaker phones and we've done
stuff that way as well. So, past practice, >> even co right >> well co we did everything on on practis expired and that was more lenient. But this is a more general question as to whether the open public >> so call in Mr.
Okay. >> I think he can call in, right? Is that a fair >> That would be my opinion. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Fair enough. >> Last thing on the agenda, review of outsourcing of police dispatch. Mr. Alman. >> Yeah. So, I just um I had raised this uh
in passing once or twice last year. Um and towards the end of the year I raised it again uh not more I guess more forcefully or a little more formally and I just wanted to keep it on the
uh agenda and just understand what the next steps would be. You know if the council wants to >> I thought we had asked the administration to get us quotes. Well, so okay,
>> I can speak to it right now. Yeah. Yeah, the uh the police are working on a document of things uh you know, I'll say both pro and con to outsourcing in their eyes and uh I have now opened up communications with the correct person
at the county to uh you know, get get a price for it. >> Weren't we going to look at multiple uh areas to get proposals from? Mr. I'm I'm starting with the county. Um but yes, there is one other um >> I thought we were going to go with the
same people that do our 911 currently. Correct. >> They are the other option. >> Okay. So, we'll have county and and them as our proposals. That's >> Yes. Yeah. I'm just using the county first. Uh that way I can get all the questions out of the way. That way when when I go to Northwest, hopefully it's
much cleaner. >> Okay. >> Any other anything else, Mr.? >> No, that was it. >> Motion to adjurnn. So moved. >> I'll second it. All in favor? >> I >> Good evening and good night everyone. >> Right.