WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=6qjIQViq4qA

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: 6qjIQViq4qA):
- 00:00:03: Meeting Start & Police Officer Swearing-In Ceremony Introduction
- 00:01:08: Mayor's Speech & Swearing-In Introduction of New Officers
- 00:02:32: Lily Velrose Police Officer Oath and Presentation
- 00:04:11: Brandon Vargas Police Officer Oath and Presentation
- 00:06:22: Anthony Shiata Police Officer Oath and Presentation
- 00:07:33: Alyssa Serranos Police Officer Oath and Presentation
- 00:08:33: Photo Op With New Officers & Chief of Council
- 00:09:10: Continuation of Photos With All Attendees
- 00:10:13: Lupus Awareness Month Proclamation by Mayor McCartney
- 00:13:14: Guest Speaker Monnique Gore Massie Discusses Lupus
- 00:17:45: Monnique's Presentation on Lupus and Symptoms
- 00:33:02: Closing Conference Agenda, Start Public Meeting
- 00:34:11: Public Comment: Fagan Presents Website Updates
- 00:43:17: Public Comment: Gibbons Questions 80 Main Street Pilot
- 00:47:33: Public Comment: Jackie Hendy Expresses Gratitude
- 00:51:46: Public Comment: Christa Pencilon on Dangerous Intersection
- 00:56:13: Public Comment: Justin Goldzman Presents Ordinances
- 01:01:17: Public Comment: Briel Winsel Majette Advocates Rainbow Crosswalk
- 01:06:59: Public Comment: Rosemary Martos Reads Teen's Words
- 01:12:27: Public Comment: Matt Dragon on Pride Flag Controversy
- 01:17:16: Council Member Responses to Public Comments
- 01:17:35: Mayor Responds to 80 Main St, Gregory, Pride Steps
- 01:22:13: Councilwoman Castelino Responds to Infrastructure Needs
- 01:31:32: Councilwoman Ruden Clarifies Pride Symbolism Controversy
- 01:40:50: Councilman Koviaak on Redevelopment Plan and Transparency
- 01:50:08: Council President Scarpa Responds to Questions and Concerns
- 01:55:25: Juneteenth Film Festival & Police Department Updates
- 02:07:54: Resuming Regular Meeting & Approving Prior Meeting Minutes
- 02:09:48: Report of Township Officers, Bids, and Communications
- 02:13:36: Discussion of Cost to Process OPRAs and Staffing Needs
- 02:17:12: Comparison of Volume of for OPRAs in Other Towns
- 02:19:23: Questioning Llewellyn Park for Leaf and Snow Removal
- 02:23:14: Resolutions - Approving Interlocal Animal Agreement
- 02:34:56: Ordinances First Reading: Cannabis Regulations Amendment
- 02:37:04: Ordinances First Reading: Restrictive Parking Zones
- 02:37:38: Ordinances First Reading: Judge of the Municipal Court
- 02:38:26: Ordinances First Reading: Stop Intersections
- 02:38:45: Ordinances First Reading: Redevelopment Plan for 80 Main
- 02:39:17: Pending Matters and Clarifications on Process
- 02:40:24: Problems Posed by Transparency Recommendation, Faulner Act
- 02:44:43: Motion to Enter ABC Hearing and Meeting Adjournment
- 02:46:55: Licenses Approved


Part: 1

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Good afternoon, West Orange, and welcome to the township council meeting for May 26, 2026. This meeting was originally scheduled for tomorrow, but of course, it's happening today instead and was properly noticed on the website and social media. Uh we are live streaming

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to you from uh Council Chamber 66 Main Street. You're welcome to join us. However, as always, public comment is not permitted on Zoom. At this time, I'd like to turn the floor over to our council president. >> Okay. Thank you everyone for being here both on Zoom and in our audience. Madame

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Clerk, >> this is to inform the general public that this meeting is being held in compliance with section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 231, Public Law 1975. The notice for this meeting was emailed to the West Orange Chronicle and the Star Ledger on October 30th,

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2025. Councilwoman Castelino, >> present. >> Councilman Koviaak, >> present. Councilwoman Ruden >> here. >> Councilwoman Williams >> present. >> Council President Scorpa >> present. Mayor McCartney. >> Great. Okay. Well, tonight we have a very, very special occasion. The

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swearing in of some of our new police officers. Lily Valrose, Brandon Vargas, Anthony Shiata, and Alyssa Serranos. So, So, good good evening everyone. My name

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is Susan McCartney, Mayor McCartney, joined by our police chief, Matthew Fula, and we're here to say congratulations to our newest police officers and to their families for sharing them with us today. You are answering a noble call to protect and

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serve our township. You have successfully completed rigorous training, but your most important work begins kind of right now. Uh, I ask that you wear your badge with pride, carry out your duties with fairness, and

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always treat our residents with respect. As your mayor, I promise you that my administration will stand with you and fully support this department to ensure your safety and the safety of our neighborhoods. We thank you for stepping

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up to keep our community self safe. Welcome you to West Orange and welcome you to the West Orange Police Force and Godspeed. So, let's see. First up on the list was Lily Velrose.

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Yes. You get to decide. I do solely do solely swear 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

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Jersey and that I will bear true faith >> and that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and the governments established in the United States >> only in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people

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>> under the authority of the people >> I do further so this >> I do further so this work >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform all the duties of the office of police officer all the duties

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of the office of police officer >> according to the best of >> according to the best of my only so so help Yes. >> Please. I >> will support the Constitution of the United States. I will support the

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Constitution of the United States. >> Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith >> and I will I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established

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>> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this day >> and in this day >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> I do further solemnly swear >> I do further solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> and partially

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>> andartfully >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of police officer for the duties of police officers >> according to the best of my ability. >> According to the best of my abilities, so help me. I

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>> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> 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 I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same

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>> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the government established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> I do further solemnly swear >> I do firmly sovereignly swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially

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>> impartly >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of police officer >> all the duties of police officer >> according to the best of my >> according to the best of my will Yes. Congratulations. >> I was sorry. do solemnly swear

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>> do solemnly swear >> 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 I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance for same

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>> 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. I do further solemnly swear I do further solemnly swear that I will take the wish that I will faithfully and personally

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impart and justice perform and justly perform all the duties of police officer all the duties of police officer according to the best of my according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So, we're going to get a picture of all

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the laws with the chief of council. >> Is this the shot where they put the handcuffs on us? I'm going to do the first >> and then ask you guys. Okay, that's a great picture.

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Everybody looking at me? >> Yes. >> Keep smiling. Okay. All the postc Indeed, you feel me? Congratulations. >> And next we have a presentation on lupus

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awareness. I think I'll let the mayor Thank you, Council President. So, today we're being joined by, you can see, members of our health department and Monnique Gore Massie. Uh, May is lupus

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awareness month. So, we do proclaim May as lupus awareness month because lupus is an unpredictable and misunderstood autoimmune disease that can cause severe damage to the tissue and organs in the body and in some cases even death. More

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than 5 million people worldwide suffer from this devastating effects of this cruel and mysterious disease. And each year over a hund,000 young women, men and children around the world are newly diagnosed with lupus. The great majority

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of whom are women are women of childbearing age. Whereas medical research efforts into lupus and the discovery of safer, more effective treatments for lupus patients are underfunded in comparison with diseases of comparable magnitude and severity.

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Many physicians worldwide are unaware of s symptoms and health excuse me health effects of lupus causing people with lupus to suffer for many years before they obtain the correct diagnosis and medical treatment. There is an unmet

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need worldwide to educate and support individuals and families affected by lupus and to increase awareness in communities worldwide of his debilitating impact. And special appreciation is extended to the Lupus Foundation of America and to

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the Essex County branch of Butterfly Walkers, a nonprofit nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by lupus through education resources, research, funding, and advocacy. So now

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therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Susan McCartney and the town council here in West Orange, do hereby proclaim the month of May is lupus awareness month during which the lupus community calls for increases in public and private sector funding for medical

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research, targeted education programs for health professionals, patients, and the public, and recognition of lupus as a significant public health issue. And we have Mon'nique will explain further. Great. >> Thank you.

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>> Welcome Monique. Thank you all so very much for your time. Thank you. A special special thank you to Mayor Susan. From the time that I've met her and we had the opportunity over the past two years, she has expressed interest not only in me coming

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not only in lupus but in me and how I'm doing, how I'm thriving, how am I making out here in West Orange. and then she'd put me in touch with her wonderful team from Michelle to Courtney, Michael, Joe. I want to thank all of you for extending

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your graciousness and your compassion. Um, as Mayor Susan said, this is not a disease that is often discussed. It is not well funded. There's a lack of education, awareness, accessibility, um, and also just treatment around the disease. So that's why I'm here today.

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As someone living with lupus and other autoimmune and chronic illnesses, I really hope that we can bring a higher level of um discourse around this. So thank you all for for joining us here online. Thank you to our council uh women and men. I appreciate all that you

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are doing and um let's jump right in. I am I am going to give you a crash course on lupus. There's a lot that can be said about it. Um, a bit about me before we get into the world of lupus. I have been advocating in this space for about 13

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years. I am a global lupus patient advocate. I'm a woman's health advocate. I consult around health equity and I'm also a patient experience researcher. So, I have to tell you, you're honestly getting the best of the best. I I I just have to say that. Nobody else is going to say it. Um, I've traveled from all

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over the world um working with ministries of health. I have worked with the UN going down to Capitol Hill often, working on our national stage. And my husband and I, we lived in New York, so I went to um Albany very often. I work in public policy around chronic

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illnesses and health equity. And I also work with pharma, healthc care um and small nonforprofits, large organizations, and organizations and townships. So my passion obviously because I live here in West Orange is to make sure that all the work that I'm

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doing all abroad, all the interviews from NBC to Robin Roberts to WebMD, all the work that I'm doing really culminates to what's happening here. Right? So that's where I want to make sure I'm partnering with you in that. Um I I want to say this because I I have a

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short little video I wanted to show you. I was diagnosed with lupus this year now 16 and a half years. Lupus is, as Mayor Susan said, a a very it's a complicated disease. Um, very undiagnosed,

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misdiagnosed sometimes. And when I showed up into my doctor's office, I was presenting with two and a half years of being undiagnosed. And I say that because I was living in New York City, ending up in all the emergency rooms in

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all the five burrows. And I was um dealing with fevers over 105 to 110 degrees. I could not see. I could not walk. I lost my hair in in certain parts. I was having issues with my breathing. I felt like when I inhaled I

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was drowning. I was having issues with swelling and puricy in my lungs. I felt like I was having many strokes. Um I was swelling in my face. I would wake up one day and my my face would be swollen. Another day I could not my hands and and my feet were swollen. I called it the

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Fiona effect. You never knew what you were going to get when when I woke up that day. Um I also had issues with my speech. And I I want to show you a few pictures because people often do not believe when I present as such that

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lupus can be so um aggressive and pervasive. And so we are going to jump right into a bit of the physical presentations. See if I can do that here. >> Try to do that right now. >> Show. >> Yep.

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>> A little higher. All the way. Yep. At the top. >> Two more. >> One more. >> I'm doing it with my fingers. Bear with me. Okay. Slideshow. Here we go. and again all the way to the left on the lower down.

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>> Y top left. >> All right. >> Bless you. Yeah, that that is me. That is a dichotomy of one day walking, talking, seeing, heart functioning well, kidneys

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functioning well, and a day later I'm in the emergency room, I'm in the hospital. And since being diagnosed with lupus, I have been diagnosed with lupus nefritis, pericarditis, which is heart inflammation, vasculitis, surgeon

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syndrome, fibromyalgia. I can go on. Those are the few of the diseases that have been associated to lupus. And one of the things that I really want you to understand is that the unpredictability of the disease and the heterogeneous of

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the disease means that if you've met one person with lupus like myself, you've met one person with lupus. Um I put a few of the things that lupus is, right? We see and we've heard of people like Seal or um Selena Gomez.

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Every lupus patient has very different presentations. And so if you happen to find yourself being sluggish one day, not being able to get rid of a cold, having a lingering cough, you're losing hair, um maybe your diet is changing,

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you're having gastro issues, you're swelling, and you've been going to the doctor and taking antibiotics and steroids and painkillers and all of your vitamins and all of your holistic regimen and nothing seems to be addressing it. Please make sure you seek a second, third, and fourth opinion. The

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test that you would seek out is called an ANA test. It will test for antibodies. If it's not lupus, it might be another chronic illness. It's really important to make sure that you're bringing this to your clinician or to whoever your provider might be because every lupus patient presents very

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differently. Initially, the first few months I was fatigued. My doctor said it was old sports injuries because I played softball and ran track professionally. So, they're like, "Of course, carpal tunnel. Of course, you have a torn rotator cuff, dislocated knees, hips,

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etc. But it became even more extensive and pervasive. I was limping. I was dragging. I had lost about 45 lbs within the matter of 6 months. I am 5'2. If I lose 45 lbs, I'm a walking skeleton. And they were telling me, take the

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antibiotic, go home. So, I'm I'm insi I'm insisting I'm insisting that if you are not getting the reasonable answers, please continue to seek out reasonable help. What lupus is, it's an autoimmune

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condition. It is not contagious. Um, it often is invisible to others. It's physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting. We often don't talk about the mental debilitating aspect tied to this disease. Many um patients like

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myself un unfortunately succumb to their disease not only because they don't have the psychosocial support but they don't have the mental health support to accompany the physical. Many patients give up. There aren't enough treatments. There aren't enough access to care around rheumatological care, psychiatric

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care, psychological care. You need a holistic approach. And so it's important that we have those uh providers within access because uh I will say to you, I walked in here on my own. I did not use a wheelchair or a cane or a crutch, but that can change. Maybe next week if you

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see me around town and you're like, why do you have a crutches? Why are you on your cane? And this is the this is the monster of the disease. And every person um is affected by it very differently as well physically. It's it's not laziness. It's not in your head. Um, these are

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some things that I've heard individuals saying. Um, and it's also not contagious in in regards to some of the other diseases that we may know about. And it's not laziness. I think language is really important when we talk about someone having a chronic illness. This

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disease can affect you from your scalp, from your brain, all the way down to your feet. Neurological um, cardiac uh, nefrology from your skin. You saw some of the skin and dermatological presentations that I had.

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Every organ, every organ. What is lupus? Lupus thinks that it is protecting you. A normal individual can have a cold and their body will resolve the cold within a day or two. Someone with lupus thinks that they need to fight every single invader, every invader. So, if I come

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into a room and someone has a cough or a cold or they're sneezing, my body is automatically in hyperdrive. It is trying to protect me from foreign invaders. But it does not know when to stop. The medication that we take is called immunosuppressive medication.

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This term became very popular during the pandemic. We heard about chronically ill immune suppressed individuals. Many individuals are are on immunesuppressed medication for a whole host of things. But I want us to remember that these individuals also fall into

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differentlyabled. Sometimes you you call them disabled. I call them differently aabled. We also fall into the differently aabled category and so the concessions need to apply to those individuals like us. This disease is extremely extremely expensive. No doubt

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about it. About five or six years ago, the average lupus patient spent about $30,000 in addition to their medical coverage on care. Now, the average for us is $50,000 out of pocket to live with this disease, to cover our treatment, to

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cover our food, to cover transportation, all the different things. The luxuries of life don't change. Paying mortgage, paying your bills, taking care of your kids, none of that changes. Your family structure sometimes can be decimated. Sometimes your family cannot deal with the sick person. They may want to put

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you in a rehab home. and they may also say that they don't have the means to take care of you. So this is again where we need community and psychosocial support to join in in making sure that individuals are not left behind from an economic, social, civic, and politically

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engaged standpoint. Uh Mayor Susan gave some of these statistics. In the United States alone, we're up to almost two million individuals living with lupus. It is most pervasive in women. Women of color are three times more likely to be affected by lupus. And unfortunately, it

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is even more fatal in black women, Latino women, and Asian women. So, if you have a friend and/or family member who has heard nothing about lupus, please share the information. The reason that it takes that much longer for diagnosis is simply because of lack of education.

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Um, I'm going to skip back to one slide that will really kind of help for you all in this room when we're thinking about what can I do. Um, some of the things that we address from the lupus community are treatment, but we also talk about health disparities. Where is

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the breakage in our system? And for those of you who want to know, we think about the social determinants and the structural determinants, governance, economic policies, social policies, public, cultural, and societal values. Everyone in this room can play a part.

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Whether it's how much funding is allotted to areas around chronic um conditions, whether it's public spaces that are available to those who are differently aabled, whether it's um town hall meetings like this or just even um mental health, physical health, healthc

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care, educational awareness programs. This is a bit more about what we do with the Lupus Foundation of America. I'm one of their ambassadors. Um, so I really like the work that the Lupus Foundation is doing because they're dedicated to improving the quality of lives of individuals living with the disease

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while working towards advancing research and hopefully a cure. There is no cure for this disease. And I I cannot over and understate that because many people think while we've heard so much about the groundbreaking that is happening in

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cancer um in diabetes there, this is a space where there still is not a cure. and we need everyone to help in participating for education awareness but also contributing to what that looks like for um research. You're interested, you can scan the QR codes. This is a bit of information

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around national resources uh educational resources through the Lupus Foundation of America. How you can get involved if you know someone who is affected by this disease. Um there are resources that are available to family members as well. Patient and caregiver support really go

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hand in hand. I'm not here on my own while you see me here speaking on my own. My village, my family, my husband, everyone has helped me to get to this point. No one survives any adversity on their own. And I there is a walk that is

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coming up. I have a walk team. We walk in New York. Uh we are pulling together my resources for our New Jersey team. If you're interested, please feel free to scan and um join our team. And it it let me tell you we have a great time. It is a celebration of life, of agency, of

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education, but also surviving. And one last thing I would like to leave you with, which is my call to action for you, is investing in accessible mental health support. Um, Councilwoman Tammy Williams has really leaned into this so

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that not only are us as uh, citizens of this town doing our part, but from a very civic standpoint, there are more resources that are provided and we really have to make sure that it's continuing also for free resources because we saw how expensive it is to

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live with this disease. Community uh, voices are really important in whatever happens in this town. So, if you're having a fair, are there enough seats for those who are differently aabled? Is there shade available for them? Is there enough water available for them? Is there parking? Just things that we can

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think about when we think about flyers and graphics that go out. Are the fonts um appropriate? Is the sizing of the graphics appropriate? Do we have alt text available? Everything is also available to patients, but we want to

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make sure information is available to the community at large. And then lastly, strengthening the health equity. Individuals with lupus live with so many different identities. Right? Today I'm presenting here as a cisgender woman. Um we have individuals in our community

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that are from so many different and diverse backgrounds. And we have to make sure that from an equitable standpoint all of the health care that is available in this town can address every single aspect of that individual that they can be seen, heard, respected, and also

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appreciated as someone who is living with this very detrimental disease. And so I'm really hoping that you all will now be foot soldiers. You're a bit more educated on lupus and other chronic illnesses. and this will not be the last that we speak about this and how we can partner together um in West Orange and

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abroad. So, thank you all. I appreciate your time. Okay. Can we close the conference agenda or do you have we'll take a picture? >> Okay. straight.

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Okay, hold that post. >> I'm going to follow the professional free. One, two, three. One, two, three. Thank you so much. our salvation. >> Okay. All right, we'll close the

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conference agenda. >> All righty, let's close the conference agenda. >> Okay, >> this is to inform the general public that this meeting is being held in compliance with section 5 of the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 231, Public Law 1975. The notice for this meeting

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was emailed to the West Orange Chronicle and the Star Ledger on May 19th, 2026. Councilwoman Castalino >> present. Councilman Koviac. >> Councilwoman Ruden >> here. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Council President Scarpa >> present. >> Mayor McCartney.

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>> Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

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justice for all. The council is now in their public meeting. >> Okay. So, now is the time for public comment. Could you just raise your hand if you're planning on making public comment tonight?

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Okay. Very good. Mr. Fagan. >> Thank you, Council President. >> I'll be uh quick. So, um, we have the West Orange Municipal Budget, uh, meetings going on and, uh, I just wanted to bring to everyone's attention where

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you can find the latest up-to-date information. It is posted on our website under news and updates. Uh, if you find this in the scroll, you can uh, simply click on that link and it will take you to uh, the latest documents. Uh we have

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two scheduled meetings coming up, one June 16th and one June 30th. Uh and this information will be posted on the website and our social media. Um speaking of the website, uh if you want to see the agendas for the uh budget

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meetings or even the council meetings, if you go to the front page and you click on government, it will take you to this box here under township clerk. You'll see agenda center. you just click on agenda center and you'll see all the

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uh posted uh agendas um uh for the budget meetings and for the town council. Sometimes it could be a little difficult to find, but it is actually very easy to navigate if you know where to look. And also on the website on the news and updates, you'll see the scroll

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there and you can just uh go left to right through the scroll and all the uh latest information uh will be there. uh and is usually also posted on our social media. Uh we have West Orange Council Connection open office hours coming up May 28th, 6:00 to 7:00 pm. No

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appointment is necessary. You can simply just show up or you could email the council anytime at councilwwest.org. Um and I think has been pointed out in the past that the email only not only just doesn't go to the council members, it goes to several other individuals as

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well in the administration. Um, mayor's McCartney's open office hours is Thursday, June 11th, 6 800 PM. Again, no appointment is necessary. Um, I have this on the uh website and social media. There's a traffic advisory for between

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Pleasant Valley Way and Mount Pleasant Avenue on Pleasant Valley Way between Mount Pleasant Avenue and Rand Drive starting on Thursday, May 28th. It's expected to last approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Now, Pleasant Valley Way isn't going to be closed down, but there's

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going to be an ongoing repair made to a retaining wall. So, there might be uh lane closures. There might be delays. Uh traffic might get congested as a result. So, I want to make you aware of that so that if possible, avoid the area or at least allow some extra time if you

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should run into that. Um, also on the uh website, it's been on there for quite some time actually, but there's uh information for West Orange rental property owners about New Jersey leadbased paint law. There's a lot of great information there. If you're a uh

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if you're a property owner and you want to learn about the regulations concerning the lead paint, you should check this out. Uh also on the website we have a um West Orange Health Department latest news and developments.

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This is in the scroll and there will this is constantly updated. New information is put into there and you can find out uh anything from the health department. Similar situation with the uh pool. You see the latest updates. This is on the scroll on the website and

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uh there's information constantly added being added here. You may have heard June 6, we have the street fair coming up. Uh we're down the home stretch now, so to speak. Uh there's going to be a lot of uh great things going on at the uh street fair. You can check out uh

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Downtown Alliance Facebook page and um uh website to find out all the information. And uh I've had this countdown clock on the um on the east sign uh for the skyline to shore shoreline road tour. Uh it's part of the

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uh world cup. Uh and it's 12 days 11 hours 27 minutes. Although that's I screenshotted that a day ago. So it's actually uh actually uh shorter than that. It will be here before you know it. Uh we have information about the international cluster of the hunto virus

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cases. There is no risk to New Jersey and the risk remains extremely low. But if you're concerned there is some information here. And uh we also have the uh western style escape to the wild

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west or western theme party with the West Orange Police Community Services. >> Very cute. Uh Chelsea will be there and um this is Thursday, June 11th. >> Uh I might add that you see uh to the flyer

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on the um on the left at the bottom there, that's actually a silhouette of her riding a horse. Uh and so she the community service unit does a great job in in interacting in community policing. So this information will be posted uh on

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our uh social media. So, it's going to be t Thursday, June 11th, 5 to 8:00 p.m. West Orange High School's Tarnoff Cafeteria. Please consider joining us. There is free admission. Um, you know, I I have this in here and I've been mentioning this the last few

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meetings, but we keep getting new information uh about scam alerts and one of the latest ones is uh that it looks like it's a familiar email. Um, but be highly suspicious of any email you get

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that asks you to look at the uh enclosed invoice and pay the invoice. Okay? That usually doesn't come email. If you if if somebody is saying that you owe them money and they're sending you an invoice, look on the invoice. Look at the name of the business and the phone

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number, do not call that phone number. uh look it up on the uh on on the web and see what the real phone number is and call the business, but not as a result of that email or a link in that email. Uh unfortunately, we have to be highly suspicious of emails. I can't

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tell you how many emails I got from my wife that I just completely deleted and found out that they were real. Um, the art of the game. Speaking of the World Cup, the West Orange Arts Council is having the paint the soccer ball.

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This information is uh is posted and you go to westarts.org. There's a QR code there where you can register. Of course, you can't do that here um because it's too small. Uh but just be aware of that. And uh yesterday we had a West Orange Memorial Day

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ceremony inside town hall here. Uh the weather really didn't cooperate until we started the ceremony inside here. Uh but it was probably better that we moved it inside here. And uh the theme for this year's ceremony was uh the American

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Revolution. And uh we we chose Chris Morgan. Uh he was a West Orange graduate, attended West Point, and um he was tragically killed while on active duty June 6, 2019. Um, and we chose him

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as a representative of uh all uh West Orange servicemen and women who were killed in the line of duty to remember on this memorial day. And we had a very nice ceremony and his mother and father and uh sister were here yesterday and did the ceremonial wreath laying. We

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also had um uh Lieutenant Bennett uh took the oath of enlistment and that there on the top uh right is um Master Sergeant uh Barnett, his uncle who gave him his ceremonial first salute.

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Uh just catching up West Orange Resource Fair for spring for seniors. It was a a a very successful event held by the West Orange Department of Senior Services. Look for more on these coming up. And uh Michael Fonino and Michelle Jacobson

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Melik were here before and uh last month they were appointed to the Montlair State University School of Nursing uh Montlair Campus Advisory Board. So it's just worth noting um Mr. Plesi is not here tonight. This is his contact information. You can contact him for

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anything related to the county. And I just have one announcement that would affect West Orange residents, and that's paper shredding day coming up on Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 pm. This is very important. You should check this out on the Essis County

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website. Mark the date, mark the calendar. Um, and gather your items and be aware of what you can take and not take. So, that does it for me, council president. I hope I covered everything. >> You covered it all. >> Thank you, as always. Okay. So, let's go

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to public comment. We'll start over here. Mr. Gibbon. >> Hi. Um, my name is Kenneth Gibbons, Seven Rigs Place. I'm a CPA, CGMA, MST, an auditor, a West Orange business owner, and a lifelong resident. Good

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evening, mayor. I see you here now. Uh, town council and good evening to all. I'm here this evening with some fundamental questions regarding the proposed redevelopment plan for 80 Main Street. First is a pilot is a payment in

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lie of taxes agreement commonly known as a pilot or any other form of tax exemption or tax abatement being contemplated in conjunction with the revelopment project under New Jerseys long-term tax exemption law NJSA

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4A20-1 as used in conjunction with local redevelopment housing law NJSA4A12A-1 for residents watching tonight. A pilot allows developers to make negotiated annual service charge to the

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municipality instead of paying provincial property taxes on exempt improvements. Under current New Jersey law, the municipality generally retains 95% of that payment and remits 5% to the county, while the board of education

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receives no automatic direct share of that pilot revenue. More broadly, redevelopment incentives in New Jersey can shift a project from ordinary property tax structure into a separate financial agreement framework. They may be appropriate in certain circumstances,

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but such incentives are being considered here. That public deserves to know that clearly and early. Under state school funding system, local tax capacity can result in greater share of a district's budget being supported by state aid

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rather than the ordinary local property tax base. That support is funded largely from the state level revenues including gross income tax revenue that are constitutionally dedicated to property tax relief. So if

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a project is removed from the normal tax structure, the physical burden does not disappear. It can simply be shifted. At the same time, developers have already have access to

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significant federal tax planning opportunities under current law, including cost segregation and other tax strategies. Cost segregations alone can generate substantial firstear tax savings, which is one reason I believe

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any additional local tax incentives should be justified with a clear public record. My point is not that redevelopment is bad, nor am I suggesting incentives should never be used. In some cases, they make sense if a project otherwise would not move

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forward. But if incentives are being considered that case here, we should be open. We should be openly before taxpayers are asked to support that project. If 80 Main Street remains office space and groundf flooror retail as currently

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represented, it has the potential to be a meaningful commercial ratable for West Orange, generating tax revenue that benefit all residents without placing the same kind of additional demand on our school system that residents develop

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m uh can create. That exactly the kind of development our community needs. Therefore, my request this evening is simply please publicly disclose whether any pilot tax exemption or related financial agreement is being considered.

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the proposed long-term of any such agreement, the projected uh long-term effect on the West Orange tax base over the life of that agreement, and why this project is not proceeding through a normal zoning board process. I have

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lived in West Orange my entire life and I am now raising my daughter here. I have watched neighbors leave our town due to affordability and newer residents have told me they are worried about rising taxes and I know because some of them are my clients. That is exactly

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what m why this matters. West Orange must remain financially strong, transparent and affordable for generations to come. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much. Uh anyone else over here for public comment?

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Jackie. >> Hello everybody. Good evening. Uh Jackie Hendy, Beverly Road. Um I just wanted to begin tonight with some appreciation. Um to Councilman Koviaak. I want to thank you for engaging with the posts that have been shared from neighbors and

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um for tagging me so I could follow along and um I just want to say that I appreciate your insight, your clarification. It's valuable and I appreciate you bringing your expertise into that dialogue. So, thank you to Councilwoman Castelino and Councilwoman Ruden. I want to thank you for your

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responsiveness regarding my outreach about the rodent remediation efforts in the valley. I'm grateful you took the time to follow up. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the proposed pilot program. So, thank you. Um, I also want to thank um council root woman Ruden,

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excuse me, for um the uh know your rights um um uh taking place at the library on Thursday. And um you know, as we're watching a humanitarian crisis unfold just 10 miles away. I'm really grateful that you took the time um to

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make that happen for us, for us, from us. I think it means a lot to um and we've I know we've seen other um towns do so and I think it just me matters that we are actually taking a stand and I just appreciate that and thank you Councilwoman uh Williams for also supporting those efforts. Appreciate it.

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Um I also want to um I'm sharing these acknowledgements publicly because I believe the council is trying to figure out how to honor township's obligations and providing the kind of oversight that the public is asking for. And it's not an easy balance and I don't take it for granted. But I do have an ordinance. I

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emailed it all to you guys. I know you're busy. You probably you might not have seen it, but I do want to hand it out to you um because I've I'm still working on it until it's signed. It's going to be a living breathing organism, but I'd like you guys if you wouldn't mind just taking a copy. Um it's what

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we're calling the executive accountability and fiscal transparency ordinance. It's a proposal that I've been developing since I began seriously considering, you know, stepping into the public life. And I believe that this is addresses a structural gap in how the council's able to perform its oversight

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function. At its core, it does three things. It requires the council to receive full contract documents in advance of any vote. Enough time to actually read them. It establishes an independent financial analysis before any compensation change for senior

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township employees. It guarantees the council the right to seek an independent legal counsel when there's uncertainty about the convergence of the township's legal obligations and the council's ability to responsibly appropriate funds and this ordinance would codify all three of those. It has been vetted by

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three attorneys who donated their time. Um I can also forward a plain language summary. Um the full text is available online. I've already shared it but I'm not expecting everybody to have followed me but I can share it if anybody needs any questions. If you guys want me to send anything, I'm be happy to. Um, not

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asking for immediate action. I understand that we're the budget takes precedence. The council needs time to review the proposal carefully. And so, what I'm just I don't asking is that once um there is a uh the budget settled that the council gave it a genuine read and that we have a public conversation about it at the next appropriate

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meeting. Thank you guys for your time. Appreciate. >> I want you to know I did send it to our legal. I took the time and council is already working. >> I know. That's why I kind of was like, "Let me slip this in there and see if maybe there's some." >> He's your guy. >> There's some, you know, overlap and maybe we >> But I did send it. >> Oh, great. That Thank you. I appreciate

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it. Thank you guys. >> Okay. Anyone else over here? Come on up. >> Hi, Christa Pencilon, 19 drive east. >> Welcome. I'm the mother of five children who are currently attending West Orange High School, Roosevelt Middle School, and Hazel Avenue Elementary, and I'm

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here to raise a concern once again about the dangerous pedestrian crossing at Mitchell Street and Gregory Avenue. I'm not alone in my concerns. Parents, teachers, administrators, members of the BOE, and over 750 community members who signed our petition calling for

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immediate action at Mitchell and Gregory want to protect our kids from this looming threat. I'm asking that this council and this administration do something now before a tragedy happens. I looked back at my correspondence from this very about this very intersection

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and they date back to 2015 when Mayor Paresi was in office. This spot has been treacherous for years. And it's only getting worse with drivers becoming increasingly aggressive and distracted. I stopped allowing my daughter to walk to middle school with her friends when

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in September there was a crash as kids were crossing the street after school. The elderly crossing guard who was there at the time pulled k out of the street to safety and thankfully my daughter had just stepped onto the sidewalk. But close calls like this are not uncommon in and around this area. Just this

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month, there have been five crashes that we know of. On May 5th, at 8 a.m., while children were still crossing, I witnessed a car pulling onto Gregory from Mitchell be hit by a car traveling toward Northfield. On May 7th, at 7:40 in the morning, a car hit a parked

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vehicle and overturned as children were walking to school. There were additional crashes involving cars on May 10th, May 16th, and on May 16th, a cyclist was also hit. This intersection is inherently dangerous with traffic from South Orange coming around a blind curb to be met

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with a crosswalk full of children. Speeding is all too common. Children are routinely in the crosswalks when a car either going too fast to stop or not caring swerves around them. It's happened to my daughter and I've witnessed it happening to other kids. Brian Rock from the board of ed has

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posted about this very thing happening at this same intersection. and Brian Rock along with Miss Scarpa and I were on an easy ride walking audit to find potentially potential safety hazards on our kids' school routes and we witnessed

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a near accident at that spot. There has been a traffic study commissioned by our town engineer which indicates a need for a traffic light to be installed. I understand this is a county road so there needs to be coordination but it sounds like there's agreement that this is a necessity. Still, I was told a

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traffic light could take a year to install. So my question is, what are we doing in the meantime? Why is everyone seemingly willing to gamble with the lives and safety of the children who live below Gregory? In addition to this being a safety problem, it's an equity

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problem. All of our children deserve safety. All of our children should be able to walk to school without worrying about crossing a dangerous intersection. We want a four-way stop at that spot until a light can be installed. Lisa Lee at Easyide was able to propose measures

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that would make a four-way stop safe for both pedestrians and motorists, including advanced warning signs and pavement markers that say stop ahead, a sign a few weeks prior to installing the four-way stops informing drivers of a

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new traffic pattern coming and flashing stop signs. There are also other measures that can be put into use to calm traffic as well, such as rumble strips or a raised crosswalk. The bottom line is do something. It's not a question of if, but when a pedestrian is

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struck at this intersection. What kind of liability does the town have ignoring a known danger that has been brought to this council and the mayor and former council people and mayors? A danger confirmed by a traffic study confirmed

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by multiple accidents in one month. Our community demands action to be taken to prevent a foreseeable tragedy and to protect our kids. >> Thank you, Kristen. >> Is there anyone else over here who'd like to make public comment on the left

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side of the Okay, we'll go over here. Justin, come on up. Um, good evening. Justin Goldzman, West Orange. Um, first, as we commemorate Military Appreciation Month, thank you to everyone who served our nation. As we reflected on Memorial Day yesterday, um,

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I think it just speaks to the ability for us to engage in these democratic processes tonight. Um, I like to view myself as a problem solver and someone who thinks for the nod to the future while discussing challenges is certainly a worthwhile endeavor. Providing solutions is more productive and helps move West Orange forward. Yes, this body

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has a fiduciary oversight responsibility that is without question and important, but it also has a legislative one that is paramount to our town's success and future. First, on the cannabis amendment ordinance, Bloomfield just reported it collected almost $800,000 and Maplewood $413,000,

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which is a 1.1% increase from last year in cannabis tax revenue. Cannabis sales went up statewide by 15% between 2024 and 2025. While I don't partake, I encourage you to vote yes to allow our businesses to be competitive with neighboring towns and to generate additional revenues to lower our taxes

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and burdens. As it relates to one of the previous council meetings where we heard from residents about the parking on the alphabet streets in the valley, it's clear that residents didn't feel valued or that their feedback was heard to alleviate the parking situation and their quality of life. As we learned from that presentation, part of the

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frustration, I'm not speaking for anyone, only from my own observances from being in the meeting stemmed from a lack of communication. The ability for a community to engage is paramount. We learned that some of those notices were not received, were not sent in a manner that certain residents could understand due to language barriers and other

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issues with communication. So, with a nod to Productive Solutions, I'm presenting an ordinance tonight to amend chapter 20 by adding a new section requiring prior notice for non-emergent sidewalk or street repairs. The purpose of this new section is to alert residents, yes, with a physical letter,

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and when possible, in the primary language of the resident, but also a municipal phone call, an online posting on the township website, and on street signages. These notices, as written in this ordinance, will also apply to proposed community meetings like that parking presentation when discussed

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anticipating projects. I'm suggesting such an ordinance because as times change, our demographics change, our community sty communication styles change. What cannot change is the inclusion of our community and the participation of our residents. This improves good governance. It provides more community input and it strengthens

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our solutions. I will pass out the amendment to chapter 20. Um, additionally on another topic with a nod to the future, a future that impacts our environment, affordability, and quality of life. Data centers by nature present an intense and unique form of land use

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and development posing significant challenges related to electricity consumption, noise, air quality, water use, community character, and long-term planning objectives. Large-scale data centers can use as much as 3 to 5 million gallons of water in a single day. Such extreme volume of water usage

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impacts homes and businesses immensely. Some data centers require 300 megawatts of electricity, which is roughly equivalent to the output of a small modular nuclear reactor. Across the state, utility prices are skyrocketing in part due to the proliferation of data centers. One data center can use up to

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the same amount of electricity as 80,000 households, which is four times the amount of homes in West Orange. I spent the last few days researching other towns. It is time, in my opinion, for West Orange to join the growing list of towns in New Jersey and across the nation that are proactively addressing

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the concerns and dangers that data centers present to a community. I am proposing two ordinances. They both do the same. To amend Chapter 25, land use regulations, both section 25-4-B and 25-24.5, by defining data centers and their

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tangential subsidiaries and adding them to the prohibited use section. In essence, it is time for West Orange to have a moratorium and a prohibition on data centers. And should the town ever consider a data center, I am imploring you to ensure they build their own nuclear renewable energy, submit an annual water and electricity usage

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report to the township. Doing this now before a proposed data center finds its way onto a planning board or a zoning board agenda gives us an easier time to address them as opposed to litigate and fight as we saw with the West Essex Highlands. It signals our sincere desire to preserve the quality of life in West

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Orange. It shows residents we are thinking long term. It will ensure we do not subject our residents to noise, decreased air quality, increased electricity costs, and environmental damage. It is time that West Orange, the home is Edison and innovation, operates with foresight, not hindsight. I urge

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you to join the growing list of New Jersey municipalities and ban data centers in West Orange. I will pass them out. Thank you for your time tonight and I hope you'll consider these ordinances. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thanks, Councilman. >> Is there anyone else over here who'd like to make a public comment?

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>> Welcome. Good evening, uh, Briel Winsel Majette, uh, 265 Mount Pleasant Avenue. Uh, good evening, mayor and council members and members of the community. Um, once again, my name is Bel Windette and I'm here today not only as a resident, um, an educator, an advocate, a member of the Human Relations Commission, although

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I'm speaking as myself, um, a me and but also someone who deeply believes in what West Orange stands for or claims to stand for, which is inclusion, visibility, and belonging. Tonight, I urge this council to support the installation of a permanent rainbow crosswalk in West Orange. A rainbow

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crosswalk is not simply paint on pavement. It is a public declaration of values. It tells LGBTQ residents, youth, family, and vi visitors, you are seen, you are safe, and you belong here. At a time when LGBTQ plus rights are under attack across the country when books are

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being banned, healthc care restricted, and even pride symbols are targeted for removal, like it was here. Um, local governments have responsibility to decide whether they will lead with courage or retreat into silence. Symbols matter because people matter. We have

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already seen firsthand the pain and confusion caused when visible symbols of inclusion are removed without community engagement. The removal of the rainbow steps before Pride Month sent a message. Intentional or not, the LGBTQ plus visibility was and is negotiable. The

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overwhelming public response showed that our community does not want neutrality when it comes to human dignity. They want leadership. And let's be honest, a rainbow crosswalk does not divide a community like people are saying and on social media comments. Exclusion does,

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silence does, removal does, erasure does. Communities across New Jersey and the country have embraced rainbow crosswalks as symbols of welcome and civic pride. Municipal leaders in places like Maplewood, which is right next door in Asbury Park, where I work, um have

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publicly defended them as beacons of inclusivity and LGBTQ affirmation. These installations have become landmarks that communicate safety, tourism, community identity, and belonging. In the past week alone, we've seen Salt Lake City

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defy their state flag ban by creating an ordinance to fly the trans and pride FL flags in their city. We have seen the city of Woodbury in New Jersey appoint an LGBTQIA liaison along with Jersey City. We continue to see officials who were elected by the communities that

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choose who we choose. We need them to stand up in the face of adversity to ensure that our constituents are both heard and served. West Orange has already demonstrated a commitment to walkability, safety, and inclusive public spaces through its complete streets policies, which prioritize

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pedestrian experience and community- centered design. A rainbow crosswalk aligns directly with those goals by transforming public infrastructure into reflection of the people who live here. As someone who teaches LGBTQIA policy at Ruckers New Brunswick, I often tell my

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students that policy is not only legislation. And I'm going to say that one more time. Policy is not only legislation. Policy is what communities choose to prioritize publicly. Um, it is what governments are willing to defend when it becomes inconvenient. And I want to speak to the LGBTQ youth in West

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Orange tonight, especially because we have parents here. There are young people who are watching what we do. They're watching this meeting, this meeting. They're wondering whether this town sees them. They're wondering whether they can walk to their schools, their neighborhoods, and public spaces without feeling invisible. A rainbow

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crosswalk may feel small to some adults, but to a young person struggling to feel accepted, visibility can be life-changing. I spoke to a 13-year-old resident of West Orange this weekend and she said,"What is the point of voting when Mayor McCartney and you all don't

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see her life included on a platform that y'all ran on? That she feels like her existence is debatable." Then she asked why the Irish flag was able to be flown or why the American flags were still standing outside but the flag that meant

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everything to her could not be flown. This is not about politics. It's about humanity. A rainbow crosswalk says, "We will not disappear you. We will not minimize you. We will not ask you to wait until it's more convenient to be visible." West Orange has an opportunity

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right now to move from reaction to action to show that inclusion is not seasonal. To prove that pride is not just a proclamation read once a year or an event matched with another fulfill of quota, but a value woven into the fabric of this town. I urge the council to

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approve and support the installation of a rainbow crosswork walk and to work collaboratively with the LGBTQ community, the human rights commission, local advocates, and residents to make it happen. Not only because the community wants it, but also because Mayor McCartney agreed to it during our HRC meeting um early last week. So now

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it is her time to show that she is not a mayor like in Bootin who vetoed the rainbow flag being flown last week and that we are not just another city that the HRC municipal index skips over on the category of inclusivity because history will remember whether communities choose courage or comfort in

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moments like this. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else who'd like to make public comment? Rosemary Martos, 34, Rosemont Terrace. Um, I'm going to first uh start by reading words of my 13-year-old who gave

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me permission to read their words. Um, these were written um before we understood or were given background on our stairs, but they speak directly to visibility and what it means to our young people in town. In the current time and place,

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representation and supportive acts go much deeper than surface level. The implications and effects of actions weigh much more in a time where people are being attacked on such a large scale. This is to say that pride and representation goes so much farther than

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a lights display or a little sign. As we are taught from such a young age to make things really meaningful, you have to show, not tell. A mark of the queer community on major location is helpful and flag raising means a lot. But removing visible supports on the premise

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of well there'll be something in its place like a singular lights display gives a completely opposite impression of what this town stands for. It just reinforces the idea that we should be silent and less noticeable. So people

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don't have to acknowledge that we exist and we are people. It's much easier to discriminate against people when you don't even see them as people. Just think about it. If you look someone in the eyes, hear their story, and understand their pain, it is now so much

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harder to be quick to act against them, there is now there's no hiding the truth. This ties back to the idea of show, not tell. If this place wishes to actually support the LGBTQ plus community, it means helping and

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providing resources and representation all year round, not just during a single day, week, or month. I as a queer minor just want to live and exist as myself and to see our acts of showing up to refer showing up referred to as defiant

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activism again does not give an impression of inclusive community. Myself and many people like me suffer through daily discrimination and even loss of our rights as humans. Seeing a major symbol removed without warning feels like just another stab saying you

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are not welcome here. So again, if you really wish to support us, first consider what impression you are giving off and how that truly affects the people who are already struggling. Think about the people who are just out here wanting to be as they are. The younger

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kids who are confused why nobody is listening to them. The pre-teens who ask why people look at them weirdly. The teenagers who question over and over why them? Why are things so unfair? The adults who look back and see what could have been. who watch everything crumble

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and the elders who have watched how the world has changed so much. These are the stories of normal people who walk this earth every day. These are the truths that don't discriminate. I will leave you with simply this. We are people. We are humans. We are parents, teachers,

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siblings, cousins, and workers. We are here. We have always been here and we will continue to be here. And you have a choice to make that existence easier. So, those are the words of my child. I

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now have um a pledge that we would uh to put a permanent replacement of a sign of visibility, acceptance, and love in West Orange that is out in the community and has some community support. Um I am watching my time. So, in the wake of a um

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in the wake of a deeply concerning removal of the pride stairs of West Orange Town Hall, we the undersigned called upon our community members, allies, and leaders across New Jersey to stand united in action. This pledge is to call to Mayor Susan McCartney to stand on the values of her guiding commitment to the community unity,

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compassionate governance, and transparent communication to the residents of West Orange Township. The mayor and the township's removal of the pride stairs were a direct violation of those values. A commitment to community unity happened in 2022 when the community came together to paint a symbol of solidarity on the stairs.

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However, there was no compassionate governance nor transparent communication in the removal of the stairs weeks before the beginning of the pride season without a plan to replace them. The risks are real. We have watched a Supreme Court aligned with anti-LGBTQIA

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plus agenda continue to endanger hard one rights, increase hate crimes and rhetoric, and treat the LGBTQ plus community like secondclass citizens. We have watched roll backs that have taken away protections from LGBTQ plus workers, critical advancements in

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healthcare and immigration, and vital efforts to end our HIV end the HIV epidemic. In the face of these threats, we must act with urgency. We must protect our home. Months ago, under the direction of Donald Trump, flags were removed from Stonewall in our neighboring state of New York. Stonewall

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National Park is one of the most sacred and historic landmarks in the LGBTQ plus community and was defaced by an administration that believes the lives and legacies of people from New Jersey like Sakia Gun, Marsha Marsha P. Johnson, Venus Extravaganza, and Tyler

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Clemente do not matter. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your and your 15year-old for your very moving account of our young people's feelings. 13. Okay, come on up. Matt Dragon, 13 Sheridan Avenue. Uh,

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also a defiant activist apparently. Uh, I wanted to start with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from a Birmingham jail. First, I must confess that over the past few years, I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's

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greatest stumbling block in his stride towards freedom is not the white citizens counselor or the Ku Klux Clanner, but the white moderate, who is more devo devoted to order than to justice, who prefers a negative peace, which is the absence of tension, to a

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positive peace, which is the presence of justice. who constantly says, "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action." Who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another

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man's freedom, who lives by a mythical concept of time, and who constantly advises the negro to wait for a more convenient season. Shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill

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will. lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose, they become dangerously structured dams

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that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the south is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace in which the negro passively accepted his unjust plight to a substantive and positive

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peace in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in non-violent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring this surf to the surface the hidden tension that is

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already alive. We bring it out into the open where it can be seen and dealt with. As Dr. King notes, nonviolent direct action does not create tension. Existing tension is surfaced by that action. The tension that's felt is already there

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being felt day in and day out by those affected by it. It is those of us in the community and those of you in leadership who may be able to go through our days unaware or unthinking. But that is a privilege. Last Sunday, we surfaced that

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tension in putting the pride flag back and modernizing by adding the trans flag. We took that tension that our neighbors and our children were already feeling from the flag being removed and surfaced it to the mayor. And the mayor

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felt that tension. Chalk, not expensive, not permanent, not destructive, not violent, made the mayor feel the tension, and that tension compelled her to respond. Initially, that response was wildly off base and inappropriate. Her

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public statement, still not retracted or followed up on, completely missed the point. She assigned the source of that tension to the chalk on the stairs, not to her own actions and the removal of the painted flag. But in Monday's night's HRC meeting, she realized the

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errors of her ways. She promised a pride crosswalk, but confusingly promised it on county roads, not a town property she actually controls, a project she could move forward herself. Now, a week has passed. There's been no follow-up statement, no public commitment, no

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announcement of conversations with the county. Nothing has fundamentally changed from the day the steps were erased. So maybe we need to update King's speech for 2026 in West Orange. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that

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the LGBTQIA+'s greatest stumbling block in their stride toward freedom is not the transphobe or the straight pride commenter, but the cis straight moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice.

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So council members, what will you do? Not photo opportunities, not platitudes, not thanks for bringing this to your attention. Who has already contacted the county? Who has already amplified the

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community's demands to the mayor? Who is an actual leader and who will remain a leader after the election? I understand that the the signon letter referenced earlier has 75 signatures. That's as many as people as you needed signatures

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for to run for council. So, if that doesn't represent something that becomes actionable in the township, I'm not sure what will. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else who'd like to make public comment? Okay, seeing none, we'll close public

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comment. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I >> So I found out just this evening that Mr. Smaldo RBA went homesick. Sorry to hear that. So I would like to respond to

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some of the comments that were just made. Starting with Ken Gibbons. Um Ken, you talked about uh the 80 Main Street project. This has been in the works for a couple of years. There is no pilot attributed to that um project. uh what

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we are looking at or what the property owner is looking at after investing millions of dollars into our downtown uh office space is really not viable and we're looking to change the permitted uses within that building um through an

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ordin ordinance change. So that's what that project is all about. Um Gregory and Mitchell, I'm sitting right here with the police chief. I am very sorry that these projects take so long and I'm sorry that I was not at the

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audit with easy ride uh with the wala audit recommendations that were made by Lisa Lee seem very feasible and immediate. Uh we have already you are on all of the emails with the engineer. So, we will do what we can and the police

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chief assures me that there has been a police officer uh at that stop every day because we realize it is an issue. So, I'm hoping that I will reach out to Lisa Lee, get her recommendations, and see what we can implement as soon as

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possible. We've been exchanging with for a long time. >> Um Justin, thank you for the data center ordinance. I want to say thank you for that. Um, really the only place that that might be would be the 22 acres that are right behind the Thomas Edison

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National Historic Park. And I sure hope that the council we all move forward with the film production studios and not a data center. So, thank you for bringing that uh that forward. >> And to Bel and Rosemary and Matt, I'm sorry that you were not at the meeting

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last Monday. I did meet with them and I want to thank Belle for bringing that um just for having such a civil respectful conversation. Uh I am deeply sorry about the what happened on the steps. I

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explained what happened and that the stairs did need to be repaired. You know, we went out there to see that the route has needed to be replaced and DPW came. I did pull them off the job on Thursday. I did not know they were coming back on Monday, but they had to

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repair the steps for the Memorial Day and we ended up inside yesterday. Anyway, at that meeting, what the discussion was all about, and I do appreciate you acknowledging uh Belle acknowledging this, uh we did talk about the colored lights that could be

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inclusive uh for many um cultures and values in our community. uh they have already been installed and they will they are operable. Uh that was one of the compromise that we did discuss. Uh it seemed like uh Matt talked about my

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statement. What I was saying in my statement was imploring the community to come up with alternative suggestions. What happened the very next day is that I did meet with the landscaping lighting company to look at what we can do outdoors to have a physical presence.

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That's what I was doing. the very next day and I also the very next day did reach out to the county engineer. That was one of the questions that were I reached out to our engineer. Our engineer um said that she was meeting with the county engineer and would bring

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the request forward. I will follow up with her now that the holiday is over. I can follow up with her. Um, and I'm sorry that you were at the meeting because I felt it was so respectful and I felt that we were meeting of the minds and community

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spirit. So, I do appreciate everyone that did attend the HRC meeting last Monday. Um, >> okay. Thank you, mayor, for clarifying. And if you have any other solutions, I think what and I know Belle did admit this that we do have a moratorum or a

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policy in place on uh any type of physical display in front of town hall. So we will look at a crosswalk. I I did agree to that. Uh I have followed up with the engineer on that. Um, and if there's any other solutions, we can,

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Rosemary, I did reach out to Principal Castillo to try to get your contact information. So, so I was uh trying to follow up with you. Um, and I just thank you and if there is something else that we should do, I am willing to listen. Thank you.

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>> Okay. Thank you, mayor. >> Okay. Yeah. Okay. I could go. Yeah. Thanks. And thanks, mayor, for taking care of some of the items. Thank you everybody for coming down. Um, regards to Gregory and Mitchell, uh, Christine and I spoke to you a couple

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times and through email and I hear your frustration because it is it is scary, you know, send your kids out that door and have that ill feeling in your stomach. Um, and I appreciate the chief having somebody uh at at the out there every day, but um unfortunately it is so

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frustrating because it is a process and I know uh last when I spoke with director Carbala, she came to us uh they're working on the traffic study. As far as Mr. Rock, uh, I I had you also on the email asking the board of ed if they

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wanted to contribute to the light, which we have done in the past, at least a drive up at the high school. We all had divided the cost up there. And, um, you know, I couldn't believe how expensive the light was, but we'll figure it out. We have grant money coming in.

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Unfortunately, it's not going to get here quick enough to satisfy this issue immediately. Um, so I don't know. uh to leave it up to traffic. Do you do a four-way stop immediately? Do you you know, so this is what we they need

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to settle with the county officials. Um but everybody has been working on it and it is gets scarier week after week cuz I just can't understand how people drive like lunatics up and down all throughout this town. It's it's shameful. Um and

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we'll pray that no one gets hurt, but they are working on it and thank you for coming down. and I hear the the fear in your voice and we're going to continue to follow up on it and get it done. Um, regards to the data centers, um, thank you Justin. I had mentioned that to Mr.

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Smalda last week in fact because because that is a concern. I watched the news and see how they're going to drain uh all our energy. U, but as the mayor stated, the one site would be uh where we want to put the the movie studio. So, as far

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as needing an ordinance, I I you know, we do we do um he's already looking into that for us. Um and we and I appreciate yourself, Jackie. You know, I and everyone come down suggesting ordinances

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and I appreciate your passion, our attorney, and you've seen us before, we even ourselves putting forth ordinances to get move forward. Um we have a process in pending matters

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um for ourselves and our attorney is extremely extremely busy. We actually I think we gave Councilman Kakoviaak a a little bit of a hard time in regards to the one he's was working on with a lot of the transparency whatnot because uh

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uh some of the items in here is encumbersome to the staff and so that all that has to be taken in consideration. Um so yeah, so we appreciate the recommendations. We're going to look at them and and see how we move forward.

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But our attorney is kneedeep and trying to get him for the ordinances that I've been working on uh in some areas uh has been uh tough. So, we'll see. But I appreciate you coming forward with some great ideas and

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whatnot. Um and all of your energy. Um we appreciate that. Uh mayor took care of um Mr. Gibbons. Thank you. But yes, there's there's not a a pilot. I'm not going to comment to the rest of it because we have a close session later.

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Um, in regards to Thank you for all the folks who came down with the um with in regards to our uh pride celebrations and in regards to what happened on town hall. You know, for years for many many

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years we have enjoyed our diversity and celebrating everyone. And for many years had flag raisings, we had little celebrations with our schools and our township. And I've always been

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supportive of that. And it was really disappointing the past couple years when we started, we couldn't celebrate flag raisings anymore because that was just a quick enjoyable event. Um, one year one of the organizers didn't organize the um

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pride and um downtown had it last year. We had a great great event um with the phone frenzy and you know everybody seemed to enjoy that. I'm sorry that wasn't organized again for this year. Uh and I get the I get the

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hard feelings and everyone feeling bad especially what's going on in the world today. But I I I get I'm not going to be supportive of the sidewalk only because where we're at it it's just with with

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trying like we can't even do a simple flag raising anymore and and that has been really heartbreaking and I'm afraid if we now we start sidewalks that may become an issue. Um I I had said to the mayor last week you know we're going to

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tell the uh parade committee that they can't have the flag anymore. we we shouldn't be painting the green stripe down Main Street. Like, I don't know how we celebrate everyone, not hurt feelings. I just don't know how we we move forward and I hope the HRC could uh

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work on that because that's what they're charged to do. Um but yeah, it's been really sad and I I know there's been a lot of hard feelings about everything and it's been very disappointing. Um the simplest matter was in the beginning uh when Mayor Prey

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had that event uh way back when it was supposed to be temporary paint and not paint it was supposed to be watercolored and it would have washed away after the event which would and every year you have an event and that would have been fine and I was supportive of that. I

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don't know who painted oilbased paint and it stayed on there. And so now we have an situation where the steps get done and I I understand the communication and and the mayor's gone bean up on that. Um but again, I feel

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bad that there's hard feelings and and Rosemary, your daughter has to feel bad and that's a shame. It's it's a shame. So hopefully HRC could work together to figure this out. Um, and I'm just sorry we're not that town

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anymore. We used to be where we'd have celebrations and it it now I know you're shaking your head and I think we should be that town. We've always never had issues with with our celebrations and um, you know, we have to get back to that.

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So, I don't know how we get there is basically what I'm stating tonight, but uh, I do feel bad. Um, we did have a nice celebration yesterday with the Memorial Day, Mr. uh, Fagan, and I thank you for those

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efforts. Um, celebrating two fine young men from our community. um one who's no longer with us, Chris Morgan was very very heartfelt and for his uh beautiful family that was here

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and um and uh Lieutenant newly Lieutenant Bennett and to see him come through the junior ROC program up at the high school was very rewarding uh for myself. It's 10 years or more than 10 years since that program went into place

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and just seen so many careers made for so many of our our residents. I was proud to be part of that um initiative when I was on the school board and uh and congratulations on her retirement to uh Sam Sergeant Yasmin Beckham who has

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been really supportive and helpful with the cadets helping us with a lot of the downtown events and uh coming here yesterday and for coordinating all these years uh with us. Appreciate her support and hopefully she'll enjoy her retirement.

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Um I think that may be it. just make sure I got everybody. But thank you everybody for coming out and I I it's a lot of emotion and a lot of hurt feelings and and that's a shame. Hopefully we could do better. Thank you. >> Okay,

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>> Councilwoman, may I just say sure thank you for uh mentioning my name, but uh I would be remiss if I didn't say it was a collaborative effort. I was the front facing uh of the uh celebration yesterday. >> Oh, Melanie. Yes, Melanie. Melanie in the mayor's office was uh you

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know we worked both worked very hard on that and I think that we should just mention her name as well. >> Yes. And I I meant to do that. I'm sorry. But beautiful beautiful words yesterday. Thank you to everybody. It was great. >> Melanie always does a wonderful job. Thank you. Did you want to finish? >> Thank you, Council President. >> Okay. Thank you.

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>> Thank you, Council President. Good evening, West Orange. Um I want to start with um just some different facts. Um, West Orange, we don't necessarily have a tremendous amount of problems, but we do

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have some communication challenges. And so, with that, I'm going to clarify a few things because I helped with the former mayor's permission, put the Pride flag on the stairs, and it was a community event. and to say that it was

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supposed to be water-based paint. >> Mayor's words. Um, >> warmer's mayor's words. >> You know, if it if it was his words, that's fine. He's not here to defend them, and I appreciate not being interrupted cuz I didn't interrupt you. >> Sure.

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>> But, um, if that was his words, that's fine. Um, but we were directed where to get the pain. What pain? DPW knew about the pain. He knew about the pain. Mayor Paresi and Senator McKon were the first persons to lead the Pride parade in West

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Orange when we held that in 2016. In 2016, I was the chairwoman of the HRC, the Human Relations Commission for 4 years before I became a sitting council member. And it's really, really difficult for

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this issue to be so divisive in our community. And since we had the pleasure of listening to quotes um from Martin Luther King and uh highlighting Marshia P. Johnson, I'm going to repeat one of

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the things that Marcia said, which is as long as gay people don't have their rights all across America, and I'm going to strike America and say West Orange, there's no reason for celebration. West should be a community where every

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resident feels welcomed, respected, protected, and seen. When members of the LGBTQ plus community express hurt, disappointment, or concern about feeling excluded, we should listen with

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compassion instead of defensiveness. Our diversity has always been one of West Orange's greatest strengths. Inclusion is not political. It is about humanity, dignity, and making sure every

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neighbor knows they belong here. I don't know what the answer is. I don't know if it'll go back, but again, the inconsistency in government and leadership is why we're continuing to have this discussion.

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Again, we do have the line down Main Street for St. Patrick's Day. If we had a no flag raising policy, then that same application should have been for the St.

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Patrick's Day parade. And the fact that it isn't and it wasn't and it hasn't been consistent is why so many people are hurt. The stairs haven't been repaired.

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There was no plan to repair the steps. If there was a plan, then again, our VA indicated that the removal was in preparation for Memorial Day and Rev

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250. And so re Revolution 250 is a celebration, but we've always had Memorial Day events with the Pride flag painted on the stairs because it's been there since 2022.

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So again, how it manifests, how we represent the community community, how we make everyone feel welcomed is something that hopefully this administration,

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this council, and the residents in our community can collaboratively figure out again the lights. and I realized that there's some lights that are out there now. Um, you know, it's

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it's a great gesture, but there just wasn't a thoughtful response or even action to remove something symbolically that makes people feel good about moving here. When you

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talk to residents who are allies and support the community, that was a symbol of pride and it no longer is here and it's hurtful and so hopefully we can figure it out.

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um about the proposals for transparency. Um I did have an opportunity to review that and I sent that also um to friends that are in the legal field. There are some conflicts with the Faulner Act, which is how we're governed. So if the

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goal is to increase transparency, hopefully we can also work together to implement some of those changes without being in conflict with our governing um charter. Uh as far as um

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Mitchell and Gregory, um you're right, 10 years. My daughter uh when I lived on Hillside Avenue used to go to that crosswalk to walk to Roosevelt every single school day. And while traffic has

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become increasingly um much more severe, um I think it is an opportunity where we realize where we have some very dangerous zones. As much as I love that crossing guard because she has been there since my daughter um actually my

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son attended Gregory and he's 28. Um maybe we need to look at placement of our crossing guards on busier intersections that have a history of being problematic. Hopefully there is something that the community

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collectively can do. You know, we can have one neighbor call um and get rubble strips on the street. One neighbor, one you just brought a petition with 75

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signatures. Um again, perhaps we can do something um to make that crosswork walk a little bit more safer. It doesn't just happen at Mitchell and Gregory. It really starts at the border. as soon as you cross South Orange. Um, and right

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there at Lington, um, again, the curves and coming around those curves, I think the speed limit is 20 and 25 miles per hour if I'm not mistaken. Um, don't quote me on that because I'm not the police. Um, but again, that's the one

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thing that residents who love living on Gregory, who knew they were buying on a on a road that, you know, is traversed very heavily, love that street. But if they could change one thing, um, that would be making the residents or the

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drivers realize that this is a family street. Many more children live on that street than in before. And um we have to prioritize safety. We do have the safe streets in the walkability um studies.

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So maybe we can integrate um some of these opportunities and put some different commissions and boards to work collectively on the same task and everyone not continue to work in silos so that we can see how um we get that

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done. And it does uh mean a stronger partnership with the county because when we work together, we can get things done. Um that would be a wonderful opportunity to remind everybody that there is an election coming up uh next

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week and um we do have county residents that have already been endorsed um from West Orange. So hopefully understanding how politics works, maybe we can work together um so that we will be become more effective.

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Um skipping around just a little bit, Briel, you you know um my heart and and you know how important this is to me and I just hope that um you can continue advocating. Um you're on the HRC for

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that very reason. So please stay the course. um please do whatever is necessary and and let's just make sure um that the community continues to be represented. Uh wanted to also speak um

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never mind it's already been uh discussed 80 Main Street. So thank you everyone for coming out. Um that's my sentiment. Um and it's tough time. It's a tough time. When you know better, you can do better. And we have to do better. Thank you.

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>> Thank you very much, Councilwoman Ruden. >> Good evening, everyone. Um to Mr. Gibbons who asked um regarding the pilots, no, there's no pilot associated with this, but he asked a different question as well. Is this a normal

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zoning process? And no, this is not a normal zoning process. a normal zoning process would go to the zoning board and not to the council first. So, we've had a lot of closed-d dooror meetings on this topic. Um, I think this is one of

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the areas that could benefit from much more transparency. Um, as far as transparency, um, thank you Justin and Jackie um, both for speaking about transparency. Um, I think that, you know, I welcome

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all of your suggestions. We have a real problem in town with lack of transparency and many of the ideas that you put forward should be should be knit into um a transparency ordinance and I would fully support you on that. Um

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Christa um the main problem that we have right now in your area is lack of enforcement. What you asked what can we do right now that is not a million dollars. What we need right now is

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better enforcement. Um I and our police chief is here right now. So I mean we really this is a 25 m hour um mile mile per hour um driving zone but it's not it

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doesn't look like that. It looks like a speedway. And with all of the accidents, we really need more police there, especially during the hours that the children are walking to and from school. It's really a shame that parents like Christa can no longer allow um their

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children to walk by themselves. So, I'm asking if there is in if there can be more enforcement until there is a better solution. Our engineer, I believe, has said that she does not favor a four-way stop sign. Um maybe there's another

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solution like a flashing yellow sign until we can come up with something. But the first priority should be to have better enforcement and start ticketing the speeders like crazy so that people who come down Gregory will get the

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message. Um Justin, the cannabis ordinance, um I fully support. We are on track to bring in a lot of money this year. Um I think we're going to be making probably over

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$380,000 just at this point and we will be making a lot more going forward. So, uh I fully support that. I've been behind that ordinance and I think it's a great great um source of of revenue to all of those

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who came out in regard to the issue of the um walkway. That is not a council issue. That is really a mayoral decision because we cannot control what's on the steps. But I I I want you to know that I've been

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thinking of some other solutions that could happen maybe quicker than getting a crosswalk in. And maybe an idea is to have a this depends on on you know how the community responds to this, but maybe a a pride parket um pocket park uh

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somewhere in our community. That would be a very clear welcoming space. um maybe a pride bench on our municipal property here. Those are some things that maybe could be done a little bit quicker than involving the county

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because I know that the experience in involving the county in anything is going to take a very very long time. So, I'm I'm just throwing those suggestions out as possible alternatives that that could possibly be looked at.

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And um thank you all for coming. I I hope I've addressed everybody's comments and if I haven't um please write me and let me know how I can um answer your questions. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilman Kovak. >> Thank you.

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First of all, I want to thank everybody who took the time to come out to speak tonight. There was a lot said uh from the podium. There's been a lot said from the day. I'm going to try to just keep this as brief as possible. As was was previously said, uh the 80 main project

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does not have a pilot or any form of tax exemption. That's because of the state law. This is being created under the state law allowing an area in need of rehabilitation and a previous council in its wisdom

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decided to make the entire town an area in need of rehabilitation. So this is uh uh my my colleague rightfully questions whether this is a normal process where this should go directly to

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the planning board. And if anybody thinks this is not normal, you should know that there is a state law that allows all of this to happen. And uh and it will eventually go through that very zoning board process. And in addition to

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that, under the law, council has complete authority over every word and number in this redevelopment plan. Okay? If something goes wrong, it's because of the council. We have complete control over this. And I think that's a that's

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an advantage. This law was set up to try uh to save time and money for the developer to encourage investment that will hopefully increase revenue for the owner which in turn will increase the value of the

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property and thus increase the property tax revenue that we get as a township, reduce the burden on residential taxpayers and also be a source of new jobs, a restaurant and additional retail. Thank you, Miss Hendy, for the kind

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words to me and my uh colleagues. Uh we'll definitely take a look at that. As everybody's mentioned, um I'm looking at the same thing about transparency. So, I appreciate your efforts. Uh, in terms of Mitchell and Gregory, uh, I

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just coincidentally had a recent call with the police chief chief and several other officers about some ideas to improve pedestrian safety uh, in the township that included that very intersection. And I thank him and the other officers for their time because it

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was a big resource uh, resource pull. And we seem to all agree that enforcement is a very important part of any sort of of pedestrian safety. And the chief indicated that we would see just that. So I thank him and encourage

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that. I don't know if anybody's seen the officers there, but I'm sure uh there's been an increase in enforcement uh there and want to encourage that to continue as we go through this process of trying to figure out uh what to do. Uh in terms

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of in terms of the matter that took up a great deal of of uh public comment tonight, we thankfully live in a very diverse community by all kinds of measures and it makes it such an

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interesting place to live with so many different people from literally all over the world and the five burrows and I think everybody would agree that we get along and interact uh uh everywhere in a in a very good way

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because of the people who live here appreciate that diversity. It's why I wanted to to move here and I continue to want to to live here. Now, I know I realize that multiple people tonight spoke who value symbols. I get it. I get symbols.

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But to me, whether a symbol or symbols are created or not that highlight a particular group or are created and removed as with the front steps, I believe this is not going to negatively impact the township

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community's longstanding culture of openness and welcoming and support for each of its residents that's born of our diversity. And I think we should always keep that in mind when we discuss diversity and everyone's place within that community and be grateful that uh

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hopefully you agree with me that I'm thankful we live in such a community where virtually all residents appear to appreciate that diversity and that appreciation of diversity is not based on on symbols and I also agree with my

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colleague that communication is a very important and big part of nourishing our diversity. So, I hope we take this as a lesson learned uh going forward. Thank you, Council President. >> Okay, great. Okay. Um I will start with

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uh Ken Gibbons. Um I Ken, I want you to know that um the project is a wonderful project. it will create, you know, a lot of revenue for our township. But we took a vote to bypass it going to the zoning

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board and I voted no. I really believe that our zoning board and our planning board are there for very important reason to really ensure that projects are put in place in the best interest of

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residents. So um thank you for asking that question. It was a very astute question. Um, but no, I think this should have gone to the through the zoning board and through the regular channels. Um, Jackie, thank you for the ordinance. Um,

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I did send it on, as I said, to our legal, as you know, they're inundated and we're trying not to send them things unless we know that it's something that the council will approve. And Councilman Koviaak is already working on this. So

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you you know can talk to him. Actually I think it's more advantageous for members of the public if they want have ideas about ordinances to talk to a council member because council members typically you know kind of have a good idea of

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what's being done, what should be done and and the best way to proceed. Um, Christa, I can't thank you enough for your advocacy and all of your neighbors. You know, I live on Gregory Avenue on that

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bend at 343 heading into South Orange. As a child, I witnessed devastating accidents there. And even just a a a year ago, I had an accident backing out of my driveway where somebody crashed

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into me going fast around that bend. Um I agree that we need to really do something and I think one of the things is creating the awareness and education which is uh what we've begun to do with

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the walk and I I will follow up with um Miss Carbalo. I know she did meet on Thursday, you know, with the county. We will um keep an eye on this. I know that we have a lot of wonderful information that was accumulated and video from the

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walk and I would like to invite you and the young children who participated to come for a conference agenda and share that information with us because I think if we can get this out to the community and stress the importance of

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it, I think it'll go a long way because that's one of the ways that I think we're going to stop the speeding in addition to the chief who I'll let speak on it when I finish up. Um, also our pedestrian safety board is working on this and they are having a meeting on

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Thursday. It is on Zoom. I will be attending and working with them on this. It's at 7:30. So, um, I'd be happy to forward information around or you can always just go right to the website, but I think you might want to tune into that and see what we'll be doing. Um,

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Justin, thank you. I agree about with everything that you've put forth, particularly the data centers, and that's one of the things that we all wanted to make sure that that kind of thing doesn't happen in our downtown. And we have our movie studio, which may

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go through. Um, Belle, uh, thank you for all of your advocacy on the human relations commission. Um, I think what we have to do is put the capital C back in community and we need to really

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understand the needs and the feelings of all of our residents. You know, I did have people come to me, believe it or not, and say, "Well, you know, the pride flag is on the steps, but what about my flag?" And you don't know how to

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respond. You know, everyone wants to be heard. Everybody wants to be included and I would be happy to work with the human relations committee commission um and the mayor and council members who have some good ideas and

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figure out how we can make everyone feel wanted because it is very very important and thank you for all you're doing. Um and I think that's about it. Uh Chief, do you want to say anything about the >> Yeah, >> could I just I forgot to say something.

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Uh I agree with my colleague about the need for transparency in all government but especially zoning related uh and re rehabilitation and redevelopment uh issues. If anybody wants to see this plan, it's on the agenda on the township website. You can pull it down. It's kind

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of a long read, but you will see and know exactly what we see and know uh when we discuss this probably at the next uh council meeting. >> So thank you, Council President. >> Go ahead. >> Thank you, Council President. I would be remiss if I did not u bring up uh

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diversity which is the upcoming Junth film festival in West Orange. Um so if I can just indulge really briefly um we start that uh Junth film festival on Junth which is Friday uh with our opening night ceremony and speed

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networking with film screenings at Llewellyn Park Bar and Grill located at 104 Harrison Avenue. On Saturday, we start Saturday morning with cartoons and intergenerational event at the West Orange Arts Council from 11 to 1. Um, then we have family time, outdoor

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activities, double dutch, vendors, board games, community activities from 1:30 to 3:30 still at the West Orange Arts uh center gallery outdoor area. Um, we have a production house and director panel discussions from 4 to 6:30 at How Delish

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um at 55 Kingsley Street. And then we have a cinematic art gallery screening of The River at Luna Stage from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Sunday, June 21st, costume, makeup, and crew industry panel

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from 11 to to 1 at Entertain the Idea uh 134 South Valley Road. short film screenings, actor panel from 2 to 4:30 at the library dispensary, 5 Washington Street, fatherhood film screening, mental health and fatherhood discussion

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from 5:00 to 7:00 at the family healing center um at address is wrong. It's uh 98 Old uh Eagle Rock Eagle Rock Eagle Way something Eagle >> Eagle Ridgeway

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>> Eagle >> right across from the board of ed. What's the address? >> Rock. >> Eagle Rock. >> Eagle Valley. That's Valley Way. >> Valley Way. >> Valley Way. >> Valley Way. Yeah. >> Okay. At the Family Hill. Thank you. Right by the church. Um and then closing night film screening and festival

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closing celebration from 8 to 10:00 p.m. at South Valley Barbecue on 34 South Valley Street. Um except for the opening event at the Llewellyn Park Bar and Grill, everything is complimentary. um and we look forward

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to seeing you there. You can go online um to purchase tickets and or reserve space for the other screenings. Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you. >> Chief, you do you want to say anything about the crosswalk at Roosevelt? I know you're there. You've you've got guys

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station there >> and women. >> I'll I'll address any questions that you have. Um, I'll just say that my day begins with reviewing emails and the work from the the night before. I see how much enforcement I see where our officers are and I know Gregory Mitchell

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is a priority. It is on a daily basis. We have been running radar there. I'll gladly provide the council and the administration the uh statistics from there. Not everybody is receiving summones. There are a lot of warnings because a lot of them are town residents. So that is up to the

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officer's discretion. Part of it is education. Um the traffic bureau works very closely with director cabalo um providing her the information that she needs to provide to supply to the county which we have. Um it's a big engineering

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problem. Enforcement does come into play. I'm not negating that. It does come into play. Um anybody that lives in that area knows enforcement is very difficult there. uh it's not very conducive to running radar there because when we make a motor vehicle stop there

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it adds to the problem. There are cars stopped. There are people who are continually distracted because why the police are there. But we do do it. I can assure you that it has been receiving radar details. Um the council is also well aware traffic is the number one complaint that I get on a daily basis. I

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do not have unlimited resources to go everywhere. Everybody would love a police officer at their area of concern, whether it be an improper lefthand turn, whether it be a parking complaint. I do have a traffic bureau that is out there on a daily basis on motorcycles with

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marked units and running radar sporadically throughout the town. I cannot just dedicate them to that one area. Although I know it is a complete priority and I will definitely supply the um statistics to the council and the administration on how we've been uh enforcement has been taking place there.

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>> Yeah, I know you because I go through there every day and um it's really the traffic is backed up from Northfield Avenue like a quarter of a mile down the t that light is not timed too well. I don't know if that's something we need to talk to the county about. only about

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five cars can get through, right? >> And it it's that really needs a traffic study. I think >> I can assure you that the traffic bureau is there and has been doing enforcement. Um, and >> like I spoke of a few months ago, the speed trailer that the county had there,

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they removed and are not replacing it. So, we did order one. It has been received. It's being programmed and I could tell you that will be the first location it will be deployed. >> Great. Okay. Thank you for >> education is a big part of it and compliance with with the postit is also

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a big part of it also >> but you know we'll continue our efforts there resources available. >> Great. Thank you. Thank you for all you do. >> Um Chief, since pulling cars over is problematic because it causes a backup. Can you take photos and then go after

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the cars that are speeding? So, anybody can anybody can sign a motor vehicle summons against somebody if they take their license plate and they want to go to court and say this is what I observed that person doing. Um, we don't do enforcement that way. We don't take pictures of license plate and then go to

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court and and issue summones through the mail. No, we don't. We do enforcement on the spot. >> Council woman. >> Yeah. I just want to ask one other question. What what can you say to parents like Christa to reassure them

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that West Orange is doing everything that it c it could and what more can you be doing to create make this a safe zone? >> Well, like I said, I hope you have been I don't know where the young lady is that was speaking. Have you been seeing enforcement efforts out there? And do

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you see the police? You don't. Mr. President, you don't know. >> I have not seen any enforcement at that spot and I'm there all the time. I've seen accidents there in the past month with my own eyes. I've seen them. I've seen the crossing guard there, the police acting as crossing guards since

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>> that crossing guard is I I guess out ill or retired. I'm not sure. But there has been no enforcement and enforcement is not unless somebody's there all of the time. Enforcement is useless. It is useless. We need actual solutions like

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rumble strip. This is like the light the four-way stop. We need actual solutions and not pretending to have more enforcement at that spot. >> It's it's not the solution. >> I don't pretend to have enforcement there. I know there are details. I know there is radar run there every day on a

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daily basis from 7 to 9 during school opening. >> I'm there. Don't know why you don't drive that way every I've never seen anybody. >> I'm sorry. I don't I don't want to debate you and you know and say that um what you're talking about rumble strips and lights and everything. That's an engineering problem. I'm I can only

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handle the enforcement. >> Saying that's a you problem. I'm saying that's the actual solution to this problem >> and not saying that we're going to have enforcement. >> That's not helping. I think we could talk about this another time. We typically don't go back and forth, but I know this was a very important topic and

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you did ask a question. Chief, >> any any anything else? >> No, that's that's it. Thank you. >> You will see that speech trailer out there shortly. It's being programmed and then that will be the first location of deployment. >> Great. Thank you for all you do. And I

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just wanted to ask our council, I know, you know, I had forwarded the ordinance over to our legal. I don't know if you had anything that if it was sent or if you had any statement about process or anything. >> You mean the accountability and trans? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Mark and I um Mr. Sam and I went

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over it briefly. Uh a lot of the provisions are preempted by state law as as one of the council members said uh by the form of government that we're in. uh and then there a a lot of it would would create regulation and bureaucracy that

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that's going to bog down your workforce and and frankly cost extra money. So I I I >> while the the goal is laudable I don't think that the as written that ordinance would accomplish what you're looking to

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accomplish and and would be duplicative of a lot of the statutory framework that's already in place. >> Right. And I know Councilman Kovak is working on the transparency. Yes. >> Yeah. And and Councilman Koviaak would like to have a meeting so we could go over line by line, point by point to figure out what the situation is and

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what we might be able to do to to achieve the goals even if we can't. >> If people at home cannot hear you when you speak. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. I've just been waiting for literally several weeks now to get a meeting. So, I I'm glad it came

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up because I think we need a meeting. I think that's the big uh next step and I'm open to doing that whenever you can fit me in the schedule. >> Oh, that's it's not even a matter of fitting in the schedule. It's it was really more a matter of wanting to commit more financial resources to this,

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you know, to this endeavor that is sort of difficult to quantify because of, as I said, it's duplicative of a lot of the statutory framework. But I'll be happy to set something up with you next week. That would be great. Thank you, >> Councilwoman Castelina. >> Yeah, if we could continue this

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discussion in pending matters because silly me, I thought that we vote on impending matters. So, what to push forward to our attorneys because we are incurring costs. I think in the budget we're looking at $800,000 in legal fees

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this year. So, I I thought we had a process. That's all. council president >> and and and >> why you sent something over. I it just bewilders me when we did it didn't get vetted through our process. So I just >> I would have to discuss it now. We could do it later.

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>> And in in with that keeping with that theme, I see our lawyers here and we need to go into executive session. So I'm going to make a motion to close um >> recess. >> Yeah. to recess from the conference from >> well well before you do that do we have

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any directors here that need to speak before we go into executive session so we don't keep them out too late I think Mr. Fon >> Mr. Fronzino is to speak tonight. >> I don't think we need to keep him out out here too. >> There's a resolution resolution authorizing interlocal agreement with

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Burrow of North Caldwell for animal shelter services. Does anybody have a question on that particular resolution before we go into executive session? >> Yeah, Mr. Smaller briefed me on that. That's just a routine renewal of an existing shared service agreement. So, right. Unless there's anything specific that doesn't

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>> I don't have any does any of my council colleagues have anything? >> No. No. Okay. So, let's um close public comment. >> No, we already did that. Is there a second on >> and go into exe executive?

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>> Okay. Uh all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. The motion carries. >> Wait one second. We need to announce when we're coming back. >> That is a um >> Yeah, we will do that. That is more of a best practice. It's not a mandatory.

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>> Well, we have people here. Uh, I'm sorry. That is >> that is more of a best practice. That is not a mandatory rule. But of course, if you want to do that, that's fine because it's courteous. >> Okay. So, we'll say an hour and I'll come back if we're going beyond that. >> I We've been running two hours, right?

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So, let's go. You know what? Let's just be safe and go for two hours. >> Two hours and hope for the best. >> And this way, I don't have to come back. >> Okay. >> Feel bad they're waiting around and they probably know better by now.

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>> Thank you for your patience, West Star. As you can see, council has returned to the deis. And at this time, I'd like to turn the meeting over to our council president. >> Okay. Thank you those of us of you who are online and the one person that we

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have here in chambers. Thank you for staying with us. >> Okay. Is there a motion to adjourn the executive session and continue our public meeting? >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? The motion carries. The We

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are now on our public meeting. >> Okay. >> Uh should we go through the consent? >> Go through the consent. >> Approval of minutes of previous meeting budget meeting May 5th, 2026 and May 11th, 2026. >> Consent. >> Consent. Councilman, did you want to

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speak to that? I know we talked today. >> Yeah, I thought you were going to uh table both of those >> minutes at a public We have to do it at the public meeting and explain >> then I found uh I found uh

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not sure what the most neutral word is. Uh issues with the draft of the minutes. Uh I I sent an email to Madame Clerk. Both of us were way too busy to get to today. So, we thought we would just uh I'll hold them over until the next

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>> the next meeting. >> Next meeting. >> Okay. >> I don't know whether I need to make a motion on that, but >> um >> do we need a motion? >> We're not going to approve the minutes. Yes, we >> the table. >> Okay. You want to make the motion to the next meeting? >> Motion to table.

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>> A second. >> Okay. Councilwoman Castelino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Crobiac. >> Yes. Councilwoman Ruden, yes. Councilwoman Williams, yes. >> Council President, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries. >> Uh, report of township officers, none.

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Reading of petitions and communications and bids. Uh, RFQ for cancer screening for the West Orange Fire Department, >> sir. >> Billist, are there any questions on the bills? >> Yes. Um, I had pulled um a bill from

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last last time. I was not given any response, so I'm going to continue to pull that same bill. >> We don't know what that same bill is. Can you please be more specific? >> It was u Mr. Pastor's bill for

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um general counsel dated 54 2026. Mr. Samero was going to get back to us on a review of that bill. member. So, I recall madam. >> Yeah. Go ahead.

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>> I recall us saying that if um there was any discrepancy that it could be deducted from the next um processing of of a bill. So, I I'm not willing to hold his bill. If there's an error, then we figure it out and we retroactively correct whatever

447
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>> the bill was not and we did not agree to pull it. and he made the statement that he would verify whether or not it was accurate and if it wasn't we would adjust it at the next >> that's how I that's what I exactly what we said >> counciloman castle >> and and c and counciloman just for your

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recollection there was a discussion also I believe by madam clerk and and council could jump in that it was was uh he reviewed all the the bill that had all the opra on it if you want to >> if you want to elaborate on how come I'm

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concerned or Well, I'm just I'll answer any specific questions you have, but um Mr. Samo did uh >> send an email around u approving that bill. I'm just trying to find it here. >> Okay. >> Uh it was it was either today or uh or

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late last week. So, if Oh, yeah. Here we go. Um >> we need a motion to table anyway. It has to be seconded. >> Not to the council. That was not sent to the council. >> Yeah, it was it was sent to Paul Reynolds, uh the business administrator. I was copied. Bills are satisfactory on

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Friday, May 22nd at 4:04 p.m. So, >> did he speak with you about the bill? >> Did he speak with me? He He told me that he was reviewing it and then he wrote back that it's satisfactory. I He didn't have any specific questions

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or concerns. C can I ask question to the so council I I just just question because I I know with Oprah >> it's it's very time consuming. What can we do here to try to streamline? Uh,

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obviously that was a big deal. >> I mean, is there anything we should be doing different to lessen the hours that you know any council would have to spend uh on that reviewing like our our procedures because >> how do we you know streamline this

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process because it's quite expensive. >> Yeah. Can I so I can tell you that last month there was some activity beyond uh just Oprah. Um but it's it's really I mean Dina does yman's work but it's more than she can handle. You you honestly

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need another person in in house for that while she >> I do because I need to train her to do other things and I have not been able to do that since she's worked here. So is that something we should be doing in your office that that could be the redactions could be done there and

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because you don't have the staff. Is that what you're saying? >> Yes. >> Yeah. I mean some of some of these items need have to be handled by an attorney because they're uh they're technical in nature. Uh whether the material is

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actually exempt from disclosure uh needs to be evaluated. um whether it's attorney client privileged that I wouldn't leave to staff but there's a I wouldn't say a lot but but probably 20 30% of what I'm doing could be handled

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by clerical staff. So I I think you need I think you need somebody else in Karen's office to to be helping with this. >> I don't don't we have somebody full-time? >> Yeah, but it's it's more than she can

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handle. Have do we need two two people? >> I think you do. I mean, you're >> one person. Now we have two. Now we need three. >> Well, you're up to 800 Oprah requests for the year, and you're not five months into the year. And some of these are thousands and thousands of pages.

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>> Um, you know, and we try and be as as responsive to the public as we can, but a lot of this stuff is uh is is just frankly harassing. Um, and so we we respond to those accordingly, but but

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it's it's just a voluminous voluminous job. Madam >> Karen, I'm sorry. >> So, yeah, I just want want to give a little bit of history about my department. When I first started here, we had three full-time people and two part-time people. Um, and over the

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years, um, you know, because of budget and and so forth, I, you know, one person transferred outside of my office upstairs to the health department, a full-time person. I was left with, well, first we got rid of one part-time

463
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person, and then I had three full-time, one part-time. Then the full-time person transferred upstairs to the health department. They needed somebody. So then it was two full-time, one part-time. couple of years ago, I agreed to let the part-time position go because

464
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at that time it it truly wasn't as busy. I literally, you know, Dena is working remotely. She will be back next week, but that's what she works on all day. It is, it is, it's a theme. Oprah is

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insane. And um and thank God she is working remotely because when the councilman reached out to me today, I didn't have a minute to breathe. I was every time I sat down in my seat today, the bell rang at my counter and I had to get back up and you know the phone is ringing. I just it was like literally

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nonstop all day. Um and you have days like that. Um there's rarely a time that I I am not doing something. I work through lunch every single day. Um, I eat lunch at my desk. So, it's very rare that I'll go out and take a break or

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whatever. You know, it it's you have to have an understanding that there is a need for a part-time person. I have to have a plan. I listen, if I retire next year and I

468
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leave Dena, she's she's not going to know what she's doing. You know, she >> time to train, >> right? She doesn't know ABC and ABC's a lot. And it took me years and I still learn things every day. Um, you know, the last two years I I feel more solid

469
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with it, but it took probably a good five, six years for me to actually get the training. Um, so >> just I just have one last question. Go ahead. >> Council, so what what do you see in other towns in regards to the volume uh

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of for Oprah? Is it >> I've never seen anything like like Star Engine honestly it's I mean I've just the sheer number I don't and I don't know what to attribute it to. I mean a lot of it's routine uh you know building department stuff uh police you know

471
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police crash uh reports and video and things like that. I mean when I started practicing 30 years ago there was no video in in these police cars. Yeah, they had a one-page accident report. Somebody was making a left and there was an accident. That was it. But this all

472
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takes uh it takes time. It's taking police time and we're doing special service charge letters five, six, seven a week um you know to to have the these videos reviewed and redacted and and

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retrieved. Um, so I I I I saw something a couple of months ago that there's consideration in the legislature to to amending the statute and I I hope it is because, you know, I am all for government transparency and I think the citizenry should be more

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involved not less in in how their especially local government operates. But um what started out as a shield has turned into a sword and it's you know it's >> really un It's almost, you know, I don't

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want to say insurmountable, but it's an untenable situation the way you have it here in West. Karen definitely needs another body for sure. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> That helped. I just wanted to get a clear picture what we have to deal with.

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But rightly legisl legislators that it's you know what what was supposed to be a well-meaning way to keep the public engaged has become literally you know a you know sort of damages over over

477
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municipal government side >> the burden for the municipality >> financial burden. Okay, great. Okay, thank you. Okay, so uh we're ready to do the resumptions. Oh, did you have anything else on the bill list council?

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>> Yes. Um I had I had pulled um resolution one uh on May 11th, resolution 131-26. >> You mean Bill? I'm sorry, Bill. >> I'm I'm sorry, Bill. No, I I had I I had the the

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administration pulled resolution 131-26 because I questioned the amount of payment going out to Llewellyn Park for their leaf collection. I have the same question on this for Llewellyn Park for the snow removal. Um the leaf collection

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total was multiplied by 9 miles when it should be 8.6 miles. Now, when you're talking about this amount of money, I want to make sure that we are multiplying it and I want to know how we are multiplying this to get

481
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that number. So, I'd like to pull that bill. It's 1 191568. Um, do you All right, let me just write it down because >> there's confusion on that because I >> Well, no, they they have a they the administration has acknowledged that

482
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they were billing for 9 miles and I'm pointing it out. Yeah. >> Again, that and I want to make >> there was a map that Mr. Leapor did that was 9 miles. >> It's in the contract. The contract from Llewellyn Park states that their their

483
02:20:48.399 --> 02:21:03.760
uh multiplier rate is by 8.6. six, >> but we've been paying nine because >> Exactly. No, not because of Mr. Leaport. We have to follow the contract. So, I just want to make sure that that's the correct number. So, I'm pulling that. >> I I

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>> So, this is the legal get opinion to back to us on this cuz >> it was confirmed to me that that's why the bill from Mr. the Tiniac that they were paying overpaying and

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>> and that's why that leaf resolution was pulled and that's why we have not seen it back yet because it will be corrected. >> I didn't hear that they were overpaying. I heard there's a discrepancy that they have to clarify because it was clocked out by Mr. Leaport that there's it was

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nine miles and it's just a matter of locating paperwork. >> No, it isn't. It's the contract between the municipality and Llewellen Park that guides that repayment. >> So 8.7. >> So I I'll you want to pull that? >> Yes, I'll second that.

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>> And councilwoman, it was 191568. >> Yes. Llewellyn Park bill for 120,8 years and 9 miles. Well, I I Councilwoman, I do agree, but at the end of the day, if we have some concerns about the correct number,

488
02:22:11.200 --> 02:22:28.000
>> whether it's overpayment, and again, it's no different from what I just suggested with Mr. Pastor, that we can correct inconsistencies and we can deduct or not pay uh if we've overpaid or whatever that situation is. But I do agree that we should be clear on what

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the amount is that Llewellen Park uh is owed. for restitution. >> Okay. So, I'm just going to take a vote on that motion to pull. Um, Council Councilwoman Castelino, >> no. >> Councilman Koviaak, yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden, yes.

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>> Councilwoman Williams, yes. >> Council President Scarpa, >> yes. >> Okay. The motion carries. >> Okay. Is that the only one? Councilwoman? >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, resolutions. >> And that'll be on the next bill list,

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correct? Once we verify. If it is verified, I can't say yes or no to follow. Mr. >> Can I request that you follow up with that to Mr. >> Diniac? >> Mr. Diniac. >> Yes. >> For the next meeting, please. >> Okay.

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>> I don't want to hold that >> 69 meeting. >> People's reimbursement. >> Okay. No problem. I will uh talk to him tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Um resolutions. Are any resolutions being pulled this evening? >> Yes. >> Okay. Councilwoman.

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>> Uh resolution get my glasses on. Um resolution or two. No, I'm sorry. It's ordinance. It's getting late. >> No, I'm good on the resolutions. Anybody?

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>> Um any resolutions? >> Yes, I'm I'm pulling 149. Okay. >> And I'm pulling 158. Anybody else? >> No. >> Nope. >> I move to consent on all the other resolutions.

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>> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Okay. The consent agenda is implemented. Uh resolution 149-26 resolution authorizing execution of a professional services agreement with Blau and Blau uh

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for municipal tax appeal attorney for a flat fee of $72,000 for a year for the first 40 cases filed in 2025 and each additional case at a rate of $1,500 per case. Councilwoman Ruden, >> right? I pulled that this because this

497
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is a professional service contract that evidently is a holdover and you know we're talking about it's now May and I'd like to really understand why we are holding this over and that that a contract was not given earlier in the

498
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year. This is it raises concerns when you have hold over practices like this. Yeah, I I'm not I know that it was on an agenda earlier and there was I don't know what the problem was. I honestly >> I spoke to Mr. Smaller about this before

499
02:25:21.680 --> 02:25:37.439
he he left uh to go home feeling well. He said that it's uh just a language change. It's it's not um a renewal or a substantive change. Um he didn't explain what exactly the language change was, but it's just a an adjustment of

500
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language from something that was previously. I know you questioned about you were concerned about language changes and we got >> in the answer to my question about why is this coming to us again >> because I I believe that we approved this earlier in the year with all the

501
02:25:53.600 --> 02:26:09.439
other professional services agreements correct and Mr. Sorero wrote back and said it didn't the language change was to completely uh incorporate the uh contract uh that was originally made and

502
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apparently the first version of this did not do it and that's why it came back again today. Now I I'll just point out it was not red line and I keep saying that. I keep saying that. >> Pardon? >> Mine's red line. Yeah, it was table. Oh,

503
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>> mine's red line. >> Yeah, >> the packet in your packet. >> I don't get a packet. I look at the stuff online. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> It I didn't read it that it was on that it was a redline version online. >> I don't know if it was or it wasn't, but

504
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I I can't say if I put it on there or not. >> The word commercial wasn't in there. And then there's the >> there's a whole paragraph there, right? >> That's that's about the fee structure about um about reverse appeals. In other

505
02:26:58.479 --> 02:27:16.880
words, where sometimes the the tax >> okay appeal that somebody's taxes are too low and the fee on any recovery above the um the assessed value uh would be based on a third of the amount

506
02:27:16.880 --> 02:27:32.800
recovered. So that's that was one of the other issues. I believe that was it. Those are those are the only two the only two revisions was the that adding commercial tax appeals and then

507
02:27:32.800 --> 02:27:52.880
that's why the the contingent fee because the commercial are generally higher value than the residential >> if you need time to review it I guess we could table >> um I don't I'm not I don't you have something >> so my question was in regards to when

508
02:27:52.880 --> 02:28:09.920
this exp it This will expire at the end of this year because I if if I >> I believe this was one of the one of the um >> one of the firms that was in the settlement agreement with the mayor.

509
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>> That does not matter. I thought it's not it's not a contractual agreement. It was a >> I thought it went to the end of her term. >> And was this bid? >> No. No. >> Wasn't Yes. Councilman Kobia, >> I just want to just want to follow up on

510
02:28:26.319 --> 02:28:41.840
this. We've gotten into this habit of when we give when when the council is given amended legislation that it is not automatically instantly all the time consistently showing the red line. Not just for us,

511
02:28:41.840 --> 02:28:58.479
>> but for everybody out there in >> it. It's on the website. I'm sure of it. Uh, it's not. I just Well, I just downloaded it from from SharePoint and that's what I look at when I'm trying to get ready for the council meeting. >> It is on SharePoint, but >> it is not redlined on SharePoint. That's

512
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the point I'm making. >> All right. Well, but was it redlined on the website? >> Yes. >> Okay. I I don't go from the I go early from the SharePoint. That's what I'm looking at. >> No, I understand. And I'll make sure that going forward. I Yeah. I apologize

513
02:29:14.399 --> 02:29:30.479
for that. Absolutely. will do that. >> So, >> and I think everybody recognizes that commercial tax appeals can tend to go on year after year after year. They'll go on four, five, six, seven years. So, that's >> executive part, >> right? So that's why this one, this

514
02:29:30.479 --> 02:29:46.240
resolution is still referring back to 2025 because you're going to have, >> you know, I guarantee if you look at your commercial tax appeals, 90% of them cover more than one year, whereas residential is going to be, you know, each year that the taxpayer, you know,

515
02:29:46.240 --> 02:30:02.160
may or may not feel that they're entitled to a to a reduced assessment. But the the commercials tend to go on uh for much longer forward. >> Any other questions? >> Council Ruden. >> No. >> No.

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>> Okay. Okay. Is there a motion? >> Action 149-26. >> Is there a second? >> I'm sorry. What was the motion? >> I'll second >> to approve the 14926. Okay. Uh, Councilwoman Castelino,

517
02:30:20.960 --> 02:30:36.960
>> yes. >> Councilman Koviaak, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden, >> no. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President Scarpa, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries. Uh, second one pulled this evening was 158-26,

518
02:30:36.960 --> 02:30:53.600
a resolution authorizing interlocal agreement with Burrow of North Caldwell for animal shelter services for 2026. Councilwoman Rooting. Um, we discussed this during budget hearing that the animal control center is currently underststaffed

519
02:30:53.600 --> 02:31:09.920
and um eventually will need to be moved. It's in a a building that is not wellmaintained and um and is not up is is not fully staffed and nor do I think it should be at this point because I think we need to

520
02:31:09.920 --> 02:31:27.280
move towards getting rid of um this animal control center. I don't think that we should be continuing outside relations with other municipalities and being responsible for their animals and even housing their animals even temporarily because I think we need to

521
02:31:27.280 --> 02:31:42.240
move to a shared a shared service agreement with another municipality and to start moving the animals that are there into proper shelters not in an animal control facility. >> Councilwoman Castelina. So,

522
02:31:42.240 --> 02:31:59.040
Councilwoman, I had asked Mr. Soraldo to if I could talk to Mr. Fonino, and he called me right before I got to the meeting, and I didn't ask him for questions before because it was I felt we needed to get right into executive session. So, no need to keep him here.

523
02:31:59.040 --> 02:32:15.439
But basically he is working with a local veterinarian to um he really couldn't talk about it because they don't have it finalized yet to uh take on more of our animals as you know because the council has expressed and he has been looking

524
02:32:15.439 --> 02:32:30.880
for a shared service agreement um that would benefit us to get us out of that building. That's number one. Number two, um this township had one uh last year and they came that day to pick pick them

525
02:32:30.880 --> 02:32:46.560
up. So, no one's being housed there. We're not picking up their dead deer or anything like that for their agreement. We're just purely sheltering. And so, he, you know, he highly recommends that uh we accept this. he

526
02:32:46.560 --> 02:33:02.720
could get out of the contract with a with a certain notification if uh you know all miracle occurs and uh we're able to get that site done within the next year when this would expire. So I I see no reason I understand your

527
02:33:02.720 --> 02:33:19.040
concerns and rightfully so. He also uh was going to hire a second person. We didn't give him the second person with the budget. We're going to give him two part-time people which is hard to find. but he'll keep looking. Um, and still prefers the full-time person, uh, second

528
02:33:19.040 --> 02:33:34.640
full-time person. But with all that being said, um, I'm I'm okay with it tonight. Uh, I appreciate I know, you know, hopefully the situation will change and, um, there's also volunteers that go to the site as well, but as far

529
02:33:34.640 --> 02:33:52.319
as the full-time person, um, you know, he's going to work on the two part-time people. Is that a 60-day to re be released from the contract? >> Uh, I forgot to ask him that. It's either 30 or 60. >> Okay. So, it's a reasonable

530
02:33:52.319 --> 02:34:07.040
cancel. >> Anybody? Yeah. It's on us, too. Right. >> But we do need to look at this and move towards a shared service. I >> Well, he's trying to do that. He's trying to do that. >> So, that's it. I don't I just don't think it's worth that much time. But I

531
02:34:07.040 --> 02:34:22.640
do appreciate your concern and your care because I know this this subject matter really upsets you and and I just I just don't I don't think it's harmful to to go forward with this. I just really don't

532
02:34:22.640 --> 02:34:40.000
>> Oh, but we do need revenue. So I I I'm fine with the second we can go ahead and vote. >> Well, I need a motion to approve. I move to adopt uh 158-26. >> Sir, second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Council Councilwoman

533
02:34:40.000 --> 02:34:56.319
Castalino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Koviaak. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden. >> No. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Scarp. >> Yes. >> Okay. The motion carries. >> Ordinances on first reading 2973-26. An ordinance amending and supplementing

534
02:34:56.319 --> 02:35:12.960
chapter 5 general licensing article 7 cannabis licenses subsection 5-34.8 a operating requirements and prohibitions permitted operating hours for licensed cannabis entities of the revised general ordinances of the

535
02:35:12.960 --> 02:35:28.479
township of breast arms move >> to adopt on first reading >> no introduced introduced on first reading. Okay. Is there a second? Thank you. Councilwoman Castelino. >> Uh, yes. >> Counciloman Kovia, yes. Councilwoman

536
02:35:28.479 --> 02:35:43.200
Ruden, yes. Councilwoman Williams, yes. Council President, the motion carries. >> There there's I think the times don't match up though on the first paragraph and and the other

537
02:35:43.200 --> 02:35:59.520
hours. I mean, I wanted it only to go to nine o'clock on Sundays, but it says and it says nine, which I mean, is that what everybody approved? I forgot. >> Revised I gave it. >> Oh, okay. >> Gave a revised version.

538
02:35:59.520 --> 02:36:14.240
>> Yeah, we had revised it. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we're good. >> So, it's that was on my desk. >> Monday through Yeah, it was in your pile. >> Monday through Sundays, >> 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. >> Correct. and Sundays 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

539
02:36:14.240 --> 02:36:32.080
>> was what we agreed upon initially in discussion. >> Yeah. But it's Monday through Sunday, 8 to 10. >> Yeah. I had asked for it to go to 9:00 because even the >> the uh the the Yeah, even the party

540
02:36:32.080 --> 02:36:48.080
asked for it just to the store asked for it just to go to nine because they weren't even going to put somebody to 10. So I don't know why we could go to nine. >> That option. They don't have to stay open, you know. That's that's up to them that they have the option of staying open. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I move to adopt this

541
02:36:48.080 --> 02:37:04.720
>> uh introduce >> you introduced introduced it. >> We introduced >> Yeah, we already did. >> We did it. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> We're on to the next one. >> Yeah. 29 >> 2974-26 an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 7 traffic section 32.2

542
02:37:04.720 --> 02:37:21.280
restrictive parking zones of the municipal code of West Orange. It's introduced first. >> A second. Thank you. >> Councilwoman Castelino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Kov. Um, sorry. Council, sorry, Councilwoman Ruden. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams.

543
02:37:21.280 --> 02:37:38.880
>> Council President Harpa. The motion carries. >> Okay. The next one. 2975-26. Is there I'm sorry, I'll read it. An ordinance amending chapter 2 administration section 40.2 two, judge of the municipal court uh powers and

544
02:37:38.880 --> 02:37:55.200
of the revised general ordinances of West Orange to consolidate the judge of the municipal court positions. Is there a motion to table? >> Yes. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Uh Councilwoman Castelino

545
02:37:55.200 --> 02:38:11.439
to table. >> Yes. >> Councilman Koviaak. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Council President Scarlet. Yes. Okay. Motion carries. >> And excuse me, council president. Uh I just want to make sure that there's a conversation had with the judge. Why?

546
02:38:11.439 --> 02:38:26.960
Till we get the clarifications on our questions. That's all. >> Okay. Thank you. >> 2976-26 an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 7 traffic subsection 7-20 stop intersections of the revised general ordinances of West Orange.

547
02:38:26.960 --> 02:38:45.760
>> Move to introduce our first. Second. >> Councilwoman Castellino. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Kovia. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. Yes. >> Council President Scarlet. >> Yes. >> The motion carries. >> 2977-26.

548
02:38:45.760 --> 02:39:01.600
An ordinance adopting redevelopment plan for 80 Main Street. Is there a motion to >> table? >> I'm sorry. I didn't hear table. >> Make a motion to the table. >> Second. Thank you. >> Councilwoman Castelino, yes.

549
02:39:01.600 --> 02:39:17.120
>> Counciloman Koviaak, yes. Councilwoman Ruden, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Council President's Park, >> yes. >> And for the record, that's tabled to June 9th with unless there's further notes. >> Thank you. >> Okay,

550
02:39:17.120 --> 02:39:34.640
perfect. Pending matters, new matters, council discussion. Do you have any >> um on council discussion? >> Um I have some concerns with uh

551
02:39:34.640 --> 02:39:50.880
procedurally um what we identified as council president forwarding a um something that had not been vetted and approved by this body um that had just been sent to us by the public. and it is our practice for

552
02:39:50.880 --> 02:40:08.399
us to make a collective decision uh with the majority vote of this council before anything is moved forward. Um so I just want to bring to the attention that that is outside of our procedure. Um that is automatically uh having us incur costs for something

553
02:40:08.399 --> 02:40:24.960
that we have not even agreed upon um being significant and relevant. And again, as I indicated and has been uh iterated by our legal counsel present here tonight, that many of the points in the recommendation specifically um the

554
02:40:24.960 --> 02:40:41.120
transparency recommendation um is problematic with our governing uh ordinance, the Faulner. >> I just want to clarify. Go ahead. >> So, I would just request that we maintain and follow procedure. Why you did it is really not important. It's the

555
02:40:41.120 --> 02:40:57.840
fact it's the fact that we have a policy and procedure that we vet and agree with the majority vote on anything that is forwarded to our legal counsel. I understand that you were trying to jump the gun. No, >> but that's not our that's not our

556
02:40:57.840 --> 02:41:15.359
>> We are already have a transparency or um ordinance or resolution that Councilman Kovak is working on. So I simply forward it through because he's already working on that so that that he can >> that's not our policy. >> I would ask that you maintaining our

557
02:41:15.359 --> 02:41:32.880
policy. Please we cannot be inconsistent on how we govern. We can't pick and choose who we want to support and what ordinances we want to push through. We are a governing body and we have a policy. >> Councilwoman Castelina. So, I have to

558
02:41:32.880 --> 02:41:48.640
agree with that and I as I stated earlier this evening because the legal bills are astronomical as we heard this evening and um you know, new attorney coming in doing a lot of work. We have a

559
02:41:48.640 --> 02:42:04.560
lot of litigation and they're busy. And then I I have to be honest with you, Councilwoman, you know, we're all trying to, you know, whatever we try to get passed and trying to get our agenda done, we all agreed to come to pending matters to vet whatever ordinances we're

560
02:42:04.560 --> 02:42:20.080
going to vet. And I appreciate the public for making recommendations. Um, but we know our attorneys don't have the time. We couldn't even get answers back for councilwoman that she's been waiting on from the last meeting. So I

561
02:42:20.080 --> 02:42:35.359
think we have to just stick to our procedure. If a member of public wants to give something to us tonight like they did tonight, we could read it over at the next meeting if there is support. Um but again, I don't want to get in the habit of the public

562
02:42:35.359 --> 02:42:50.000
making ordinances for the council. That's, you know, that that's part of our job. Number one. Uh number two, we always appreciate great ideas. And number three, I'm going to call it as it is because I guess because I'm the only one not up here on the ballot this

563
02:42:50.000 --> 02:43:07.040
November. Um, you know, it's an election year, big election year, you know. So, I just think we just need to be mindful of our professionals time, the public's money, and um, you got to get a lot of stuff done. Got to get a lot of stuff

564
02:43:07.040 --> 02:43:21.680
done. >> I completely agree. That's why I asked the public to find a council person to work on that kind of thing with >> No, you sent it to our legal department. >> I said I asked them to do that in the future. I only did that because we have a transparency ordinance.

565
02:43:21.680 --> 02:43:37.840
>> But you should have done it. And listen, I I understand why you did it. >> I was trying to facilitate. >> Trying to be helpful and facilitating. I get all that. But but and I gotta be honest, Councilman Kobia, did we even >> No, he approve. you haven't even proved it yet to even go to council, legal

566
02:43:37.840 --> 02:43:54.080
counsel. So, that's where I was really confused with all this. But again, when it some you have something ready to give to us, I don't want to feel under pressure that we're not respectful to the folks coming here trying to give us recommendations and suggestions because that's not what this is. But the same

567
02:43:54.080 --> 02:44:12.160
token, the workload that our our our legal council has right now is exorbitant. It's it's it's massive. And again, binding, you know, tying them up to do ordinance after ordinance after

568
02:44:12.160 --> 02:44:26.960
ordinance, unless it comes from a department head within the administration. >> Um, where it usually came from, where these ordinances usually came from, >> that's where I think it needs to be. like you know the the director she comes

569
02:44:26.960 --> 02:44:43.520
to us you know she sees the public they need a stop sign she does a survey we have processes for everything and I think you know for the sake of time money and everybody's sanity we need to follow that process so I'm done talking about it thank you >> okay great so we'll move on to anything

570
02:44:43.520 --> 02:45:03.200
else >> okay >> okay do I have a motion to enter into the ABC hearing uh I have I move to enter into ABC public done >> public meeting I'm to close out

571
02:45:03.200 --> 02:45:20.960
until they >> No. >> Yeah. Well, yeah. >> No, we don't need to. We don't we don't normally adjourn until the end even and then do ABC separately. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> Yeah. Okay. Uh all in favor of uh close

572
02:45:20.960 --> 02:45:36.479
out the meeting. >> Yeah. Actually, I'll take a roll call vote. I'd rather do >> Okay. Okay. >> To uh motion to recess public meeting and enter an ABC hearing. I I already have the motion and a second. >> Councilwoman Castelino, >> yes. >> Councilman Koviaak, yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden, >> yes.

573
02:45:36.479 --> 02:45:51.840
>> Councilwoman Williams, yes. >> Council President Scarfa. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we have uh >> Okay. Good night. >> Good night, West. >> No. Yes. >> No. >> Oh, ABC. No. No. He goes home. He goes home.

574
02:45:51.840 --> 02:46:06.560
>> No. No. >> Yeah. >> When it's a hearing. >> Okay. >> You don't have to keep it in public. It can certainly fine. It's fine about it. That's >> I was just making the point that this is not a disciplinary hearing that might

575
02:46:06.560 --> 02:46:23.200
otherwise be held in in a closed >> right environment, right? >> It's just renewals, >> right? And we did a motion to recess the public meeting and enter into the ABC hearing. Okay. Re I thought you sent him home. It's been a while. No, there was a time we actually did

576
02:46:23.200 --> 02:46:40.479
that and be stopped last year. So, >> that's what I thought. >> Sorry, Joe. >> I need What's What's the address? >> Okay. I Oh, I have to >> Oh, no. That's a pocket license that's going into his pocket. >> Okay. Yeah.

577
02:46:40.479 --> 02:46:55.760
>> Um Oh, that's right. >> Yeah. So, okay. 786-26 hearing on renewal for pleary retail consumption distribution and uh club licenses for the 202627

578
02:46:55.760 --> 02:47:12.560
license term. Um all the licences listed on this resolution have met their requirements of uh tax clearance uh paying their township fees, paying their state fee

579
02:47:12.560 --> 02:47:33.200
um and they are ready to renew. >> Um what about the ones that were pulled out in in the memo that that had some concerns? They're not none of them are on here. Right. Right. So, there was one who was ready to renew um this evening, but I left

580
02:47:33.200 --> 02:47:49.279
them off the list because the police department did recommend uh special conditions for them. So, that will give the council or the ABC board an opportunity to implement those special conditions. >> There were two that two that had special

581
02:47:49.279 --> 02:48:05.680
conditions, >> right? But only one was ready to renew tonight. But they're not on this. >> They're not all ready to renew yet because some have need tax clearance, some haven't paid some of their fees, whatever. So, it's I keep a big Excel sheet. So, the one that was ready was

582
02:48:05.680 --> 02:48:21.520
not put on this list because of the recommendation. Um, the other one is not ready to renew yet, but I already alerted the ABC prosecutor that um I gave him this letter and said that you

583
02:48:21.520 --> 02:48:36.640
know I'm assuming you are going to want to implement special conditions. >> Absolutely. That would recommend council >> and the annual licenses don't expire till June 30th. So there are two meetings in June that you can consider those when they're ready.

584
02:48:36.640 --> 02:48:52.880
>> Right. And in fact, the special condition lences are have to have I have to send a letter every year giving them the opportunity to appear before the ABC board to ask for removal or whatever. None of them

585
02:48:52.880 --> 02:49:08.399
usually do ask for that. So, >> I don't think I've ever council has a question. >> Just just to clarify, you made some relatively last minute changes that you gave to us printed out in red. Yeah, >> those are not online, but you will be

586
02:49:08.399 --> 02:49:23.600
putting that online tomorrow. Correct. Okay. Just want to be >> I will put the updated resolution online. Absolutely. >> I move. >> Wait, I I still have the >> Okay. >> Um, so I'm just reviewing the the memo that was given to us and there are

587
02:49:23.600 --> 02:49:38.479
actually three that have special conditions and I would like to make sure that none of them are on >> they're not on three are not >> correct. They're not. >> Okay. I just the two on the on the

588
02:49:38.479 --> 02:49:56.160
second page currently do not have special conditions on their licenses. The police department is recommending that the ABC board implement these special conditions. So they will be added to the special condition lences.

589
02:49:56.160 --> 02:50:09.920
The third one >> does have special conditions. >> They will have a separate resolution. All special condition licenses have their own resolutions with basically a history of what has happened over the

590
02:50:09.920 --> 02:50:27.600
years. Um, so there's a different recommendation for that particular one that I don't know if we really should discuss. >> No, no. When can we schedule this? Because I you said that maybe we should vote on this first.

591
02:50:27.600 --> 02:50:44.080
Let's vote. Let's vote a question since we brought this out. These licenses are expiring in June. >> June 30th. >> June 30th. So, can we have an ABC hearing before that? >> June 9th at We have the ABC hearings at the um

592
02:50:44.080 --> 02:51:00.000
>> council meetings, >> right? So, are you talking about when the prosecutor comes in and they No, because they haven't been charged. There's been no charges. >> So, we can make a decision at the next meeting >> as to what at the police >> in June whether or not to renew or

593
02:51:00.000 --> 02:51:16.960
>> Yes. But you you need to understand and the ABC our our attorney our ABC attorney will um explain what happens if you choose not to. >> I understand. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean I can tell you that they can apply for an interim license that takes effect July 1st and then they

594
02:51:16.960 --> 02:51:32.080
appeal the denial of the renewal to the state who ordinarily unless there's something really egregious will will will grant the renewal. So I mean and and I I I can see the concerns. I mean there obviously some of these uh

595
02:51:32.080 --> 02:51:50.000
licences have have history that's significant u but but that's the process. If if the township decides not to renew on time >> and let's be mindful for the one that has the most egregious >> concerns they were fined $500.

596
02:51:50.000 --> 02:52:06.000
That's it >> for egregious concerns. So we just need to understand that the state >> is not always our friend. >> Right. And the state and that was my point is that you know the state well

597
02:52:06.000 --> 02:52:22.160
>> more than likely absolutely >> and the state also >> brought the charges wasn't the town. >> It wasn't the town it was the state >> right though again >> well they'll try. >> Yeah. Exactly. But you know >> I mean that's why we want to implement special conditions. >> Correct. Correct.

598
02:52:22.160 --> 02:52:38.160
>> If we I would like to move for the adoption of 78622. >> Second. Okay. Councilwoman Castelino, yes. Councilman Kokovia, yes. Councilwoman Ruden, yes. Councilwoman Williams, yes. >> Council President Scarpa,

599
02:52:38.160 --> 02:52:52.160
>> yes. I move to adjourn. >> Hold on. >> Hold on. A motion to adjourn the ABC hearing and adjourn the public meeting. >> Yes. Second. >> I'll second that. Okay. All in favor? >> Any opposed? The meeting is adjourned.

600
02:52:52.160 --> 02:52:56.600
>> Thank you. Good night, West Orange.