Good evening, West Orange. Uh we're a little bit behind schedule. Thank you for your patience. Welcome to the township council meeting for January 6, 2026. We are coming to you live from Council Chambers, 66 Main Street, uh where public comment is only permitted
in person and not on Zoom. Uh at this time, I'd like to turn the floor over for the last time to our sitting council president, Council President Joe Koviaak. Thank you, Mr. Fagan. For those of you who weren't expecting me to be here since legally my position expired, as
one of the other council people put it, expired on December 31st, I'm just here to sort of kick off the meeting and uh madame clerk, it's now in your hands. >> Thank you. Thank you. 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, 2025. Councilwoman Castelino, >> present.
>> Councilwoman Ruden, >> here. >> Councilwoman Scarpa, >> present. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> present. >> Councilman Kokovia, >> present. Mayor McCartney, thank you. >> I forgot one thing.
>> Anyhow, welcome to >> H I wonder what to to those of you who aren't aware uh at our first meeting of the year, it's considered to be our reorganization meeting in which we elect
a new council president. So that's what all this I won't say fumbling but uncertainty as to the procedure be just because we only do this once a year and uh so we're waiting for madam clerk to come back and save me
>> excitement. So, so while we're doing that, I just if you notice these little gifts up here, this is the uh gifts from the former council president to the other council members. And over on the end uh where
Councilwoman Scarpa is is sitting is there an unopened uh present and that's for uh former council woman Gabbor Michael who was who served for two and a half years and had to resign uh last year for health reasons. But I just wanted everybody to remember that she
was a part of an important part of the 2025 uh council. So just going to leave that up there and and take it to her at some point. >> Madame clerk. >> Yes, sir. Okay. So um is there I need a nomination for the 2026 council
president. >> I'll nominate Councilwoman Scarpa. Second. >> Okay. I'll take a roll call vote. Councilwoman Castelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Scarpa, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> Councilwoman Koviaak, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries. Congratulations. >> And to the swearing in is going to be administered by uh Mayor McCartney.
>> Yeah. No. so we can get on with the show. >> You jump right into it. >> All right. >> Have a bottle here. Here's a bottle. The official oath of public office say I state your name. I, Susan Scarpa,
>> 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 that I will bear true faith >> and 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 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 further solemnly swear
>> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of council president >> all the duties of the office of council president >> to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God.
>> So help me God. >> Congratulations photo. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> That's okay. Thank you. >> No. >> Yes. forward as council. >> Well, she doesn't have signs.
>> Yes, she does. >> No, she does not. >> Okay. L ladies, let's not do this here now. She's in the seat. You should answer for that before. >> She doesn't have scient. >> Yeah, we there's never been assignment of seats. that's not under the council
president's jurisdiction. So, >> okay. So, we're going to move forward with the um liaison appointments, >> okay, >> for each of the committees. So, um if we go through the list and there's more than one person interested, then we'll
take a vote. Otherwise, >> what I'd like to do since a lot of the council members have suggested to me that they'd like to keep their council um commissions that they have and you know, they've just gotten started working on different things and they're in the middle of projects. I'd like to go to Councilwoman Castelino first
because she did express interest in keeping her commissions and ask, you know, if she would like to nominate herself or >> Well, what I'm saying is if we're going to keep them the same, we don't have to do the nominations and all that. We could just go through the list, but if you do have something that
>> Well, the easiest way to do it, >> we have Councilwoman Williams who is back. So, is she on here with everybody? >> There's actually two committees for Tammy Williams that was from Asma at Gabra Michael, >> right?
>> Um there are several councilwoman Scarpa has five boards. So, I think um we need to make some changes there. So, I agree. We can go through the list and if there's something that I would like to self-nominate for, we can go through the list as we've always done. >> Perfect.
>> Okay. But just keep in mind that a number of um our council people have expressed interest in keeping the mission. >> Then we'll take a 12. >> Right. Exactly. Okay. So, let's first one is downtown West Orange Alliance. Currently, uh Councilwoman Castle.
>> Yeah. interested in staying on if my >> I'd like to nominate Councilwoman Castelino for the downtown Alliance. >> So, do we have That's what I'm asking. >> Yeah, just do the nominations. If you get a second and there's no other nominations, you could take one vote on all of them at once,
>> right? If there's no second nomination for this one, just keep moving. As long as there's no second nomination for a particular board, >> then you can do them all at once. If there's a second nomination for the individual board, pull that one aside and just ask. >> Okay. So, I'm just going to Okay. So, I
don't need to do a nomination for each a motion for each, >> right? It'll be one motion, but you'll you'll take the nomination. If there's no second nomination, >> then we'll do one vote. If there's a second nomination, pull that one for separate consideration. >> You understand?
>> Yeah. So, I don't need to do I don't understand. Right. >> Right. >> Right. So, they don't need to do a motion and a second. Only if there's two people interested in one committee, then they have to >> Exactly. >> Got it. Okay. So, >> do we understand that? >> I think so.
>> All right. So, Councilwoman Castleino will keep that. >> And I think she also wants to keep the public relations commission. >> Uh, yes. >> The next one. And I'd like to nominate her for that. >> I'll second. >> No, we don't need to nominate. If >> Okay. If there's no if no one else is in
only if someone else is interested in one particular committee then we have to do separate nominations otherwise we can just go through the list quickly and >> move forward. Great. Yeah, I like that. Okay. I'd like to uh keep the planning board. I'd like to nominate myself for the planning board.
>> Okay. Is there any anyone else that was interested? >> I'm interested in board as well. >> Okay. So, I need a motion to nominate uh Councilwoman Scarpa. >> I make a motion to nominate Councilwoman Scarpa for the planning board.
>> All right. And is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. And a minute. Um Okay. So, Councilwoman Castelino. >> So, I am So, so yes. >> Yes. For Councilwoman uh Scarpa.
>> Yes. And and just to define that, we always said people should get two years in a row, especially on that one. So, I'm I'm okay with that, her staying there for the second. >> Yeah, I would agree. That's a board that takes a lot of time to get up to speed on. There's so much to learn and I've
only begun to to skim the surface of it and also, you know, we have the West Essex Highlands project going that I need to continue on. >> Right. Okay. >> And that was my reason. My next question is are is there supposed to be discussion about why they're doing their non like I always thought
>> that's council president's discussion on that. >> Okay. >> I just wanted to clarify a few things. >> Yeah. I just wanted to make sure. Okay. So, Councilwoman Castleino, you said yes. Councilwoman Ruden, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Scarpa, >> yes. >> It's actually Council President. I got
to move that around. Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Councilman Koviaak, >> yes. >> Okay. So, the motion carries. And I would like to keep the DGEN house, which is >> okay. I I would like to have the DNA house or either the Rena House. So I
again, Council President, you have five boards. >> I'd be happy to give up a house pack. >> No, I don't want >> But I do work a lot with the seniors and I'd like to continue my work with the seniors. >> Okay. So then maybe consider giving up one since you're council president now. >> I would prefer to keep both. What do you
>> I I I I think it's fair. I had given up last year. Um because I was did the rent a house for a couple years >> and I had four and I gave up the rent a house so somebody else could have it. So >> we're doing a lot of work on the rent a house very actively now. So if you want
the dant take that's >> I'm not sorry I'm sorry the dagnant. I did the dant not the yeah I think it's fair not you have five. Who else has >> and I have ospek which somebody else could take too if they want. Okay.
>> Take OPAC if nobody wants. >> Councilwoman Williams is going to have DGEN, >> right? And >> Councilwoman Scarp will take Ren. >> Okay. Gotcha. Perfect. >> West Orange Municipal Alliance Committee >> worked on that. Is that something you're interested in? >> Yeah, I'll keep that.
>> Okay. >> I don't want the arts council. I'm already on the board. So, we can have someone else be the leazison there. >> Is there anyone interested in the arts council? No. Don't you want to be the leazison to the arts council? I'm on the board. So I we need to I don't want to
give up my board position to be the leazison. >> Can you do both? >> No, because you only have one vote. We're we need board members. >> Okay. Is anybody else who else has a lot of commissions? >> I I have uh several, but I'll I'll take
uh >> the arts council if no one else wants it. >> Great. Do I have to nominate him or >> I don't believe so. >> Okay. Go ahead, Joe. Thank you for stepping up. Okay. >> Okay. Open space and recreation. I know Councilwoman Ruden is interested in maintaining her work on that commission.
>> Uh Obscar Schindler, I am currently the liaison, but if somebody else would like a turn, I'd be happy to give you. >> I'd love to do that. >> Okay, great. You've got it. Uh West Orange Board of Education. I think Councilwoman Castelino has done great work on there and I think she'd like to keep it. Is that true?
>> Yeah, I'll I'll keep that. >> Sure. Keep it. You want to give it up? Are >> you sure? >> Being a former board of education uh member, I'm fine with I'm fine with keeping it. I'll >> Okay. West Orange >> talk to the superintendent quite often
these days. >> Okay. West Orange Historic Preservation uh Councilwoman uh Councilman actually uh you've been on that. How are you interested in keeping? >> Yeah, I'm I'm I'm interested in keeping here, but I'm also cognizant that I've got a lot of other leaison now. I I know
Councilwoman Williams had done this previously. If you're interested in doing that, I can certainly step aside. >> Okay, I'll take it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh pedestrian safety. I know Councilwoman Ruden is interested in maintaining her work on that commit committee.
>> But you know what, Councilman, would you do you want to keep economic development? I'd rather have economic development. >> I'd have to fight you for it. >> You'd have to fight me for it. >> Yes. >> We're not going to fight. No fighting tonight. >> No, we're not. >> No fighting this year. It's going to be
a new year. >> A lot of collaboration like we do in the schools, right? >> As long as they know the rules. >> Okay. Pedestrian safety. That's going to be Councilwoman Ruden. Economic development. It looks like we're going to have Councilwoman Croviaak.
Uh environmental commission. I know uh Councilwoman Ruden is interested in doing her work on that commission as well. And I would like the older adults advisory board. I'm in the middle of many projects. Uh the rent leveling board. I know um Councilwoman Ruden also
has expressed interest in staying on the board. >> Also, what about the insurance board? >> It's a two-year. It's a two-year appointment. So, we have it. >> Yeah. And I do want to just mention to everyone, I did reach out to Ron Charles and he is interested, you know, aside
from this on maintaining the citizens budget advisory board if we talk about that later. I just wanted you to know that >> these our consensus appointment. Yeah, he's our consensus appointment. >> I'd like to nominate him. >> Okay. >> Right now. >> Okay. >> I'd like to nominate Ron Charles. >> Why? Why? Why? What are we doing? We
have >> It's not We're going to finish this and then we'll do that more in pending members >> unless it's >> Yeah, we need to take this. >> Yes, we position take a vote on them as
>> Okay. Okay. So, I a motion to approve all the lean. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Councilwoman Castelino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Koviaak. >> Yes. >> Council President Scarpa.
>> Yes. >> Okay. The motion carries. >> Okay. >> Was painless. >> Very, very painless. And it's not even a minute to pass. >> Oh, there we go. We're right on time. All right. So, is it time to call the council to
order? >> Yep. >> Okay, Madam Clerk. >> 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 was emailed to the West Orange Chronicle
and the Star Ledger on October 30th, 2025. Councilwoman Castalino, >> present. >> Councilwoman Ruden, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, Councilman Kobiaak, >> present. Council President Scarpa >> present. >> Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance?
>> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> The council is now in their public meeting.
>> Okay. Um good evening everyone. Thank you for coming and joining us. Hope to see more of you here more often. Uh thank you to those in council chambers and on Zoom. Um this is our first meeting obviously of the new year and I
think we'll start with uh public comment. Mr. Fagen. >> Thank you, Council President, and congratulations on your new appointment and best of luck to you in this upcoming year. So, um I'd like to start uh with Mayor
McCartney's open office hours Thursday, January 8th. That's uh this Thursday, I believe. Uh once again, no appointment is ever is ever necessary. Just show up at council ch uh council chambers. Uh I'm sorry, mayor's office, 66 Main Street, and discuss your comments,
suggestions uh with the mayor. Uh, also, um, there's no snow in the forecast right now, but, uh, we did have some, uh, uh, weather events, uh, last week, and, uh, I suspect we will before the winter's over. So, I just want to remind residents to those residents who can,
uh, when you're shoveling your, uh, your property, if you can, if there's a fire hydrant close by and you're able to, please, uh, clear a path to the street. Uh, and it just makes it it's it's overall part of public safety. And also, uh, again, if it snows, uh, you have snow on your windshield. It's the law.
You need to clean your car because, uh, what you don't clean, number one, it does, uh, affect visibility and it freezes and turns to flying ice. Um, some snow winter driving tips. This is really common sense. I don't need to dwell on this. Uh, but just a reminder
to drive according to the weather. Um, we have a rabies vaccine, a free rabies vaccine clinic for West Orange residents coming up on Wednesday, which is tomorrow, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fire Station number four, uh, 280 Pleasant Valley Way. We had one earlier, um, at
the, um, on Lakeside Avenue. Uh, but that has passed, so this one is your last chance. Um, also, January is Muslim Heritage Month. I just want to point that out. Um uh so January we uh remember Muslim Heritage. Um we also
have Martin Luther King coming up on January 19th. Municipal offices are closed. No Jity service. However, regular garbage recycling schedule is in effect. And uh also the HRC on Martin Luther King Day celebrates the 14th
annual celebration. Seems like just yesterday they started. That's at 10:00 at Liberty Middle School, One Kelly Drive. Uh all are invited. Uh for senior transportation, you can call our uh call Helen 973-325-4134.
Uh and for any information uh whatsoever about the event, you can contact the HRC at west.org. That information is on our website. Also coming up uh on Sundays through January 25th, there's a photo
gallery exhibit at the West Orange Arts Council, 551 Valley Road, West Orange. And this is West Orange Sports through the lens of fellow students. Um this was just placed on our website the other day. Uh parking permit survey
announcement for the valley section. Uh survey deadline is January 26th. As I say, this is our website, westarge.org. or and uh holidays come, the holidays go. So now Christmas tree collection begins January 12th. No plastic racks,
wraps, no decorations, no tinsel or other decorations. Uh basically they just want a bare tree out at the curve. You can find details at west.org. Um this is kind of a cliche message. you see something, say something. But I noticed New Jersey Transit was posting
this and many of our uh residents are commuters and they uh you know uh observe and report. You can call uh the New Jersey uh transit police um tips line or you can uh text them at 65873.
Remember uh eyes are the first defense. Um, I didn't have an an uh an opportunity to mention this because uh we only had one council meeting, but we did have the mayor's annual town hall memorial lighting on December 15th passed. It was well attended and it was
a cold day. Uh, but it was well attended. Um, also at this time I'd just like to basically look at last year and review very quickly. Uh, couple slides here. Uh, one representing each quarter. it. You know, I'm looking at some of these slides and it just seems like
yesterday. Um, you know, the uh blue envelope program I want to point out that was instituted uh first quarter last year. Uh and we had the film festival that of course is coming up and um you know many things here to
represent uh in in in a nutshell. Uh the the first quarter, second quarter uh we had Memorial Day ceremony. It was very uh very touching, memorable uh pride month Junth in May. There was a lot of things going
on. Um and we also welcomed the cheerleading team, the PAL cheerleading team here in council chambers. And we started a website redesign. Um seems like a long time ago. September, I mean, I'm sorry, third quarter, of course,
July, fourth of July. We also had uh uh spring and summer season achievements for the West Orange Mustangs. They were here in council chambers. And um you might have heard last July that there was a marker dedication for I think his
name is David Cassidy. Uh you know that was a very big event here in um uh in West Orange and uh we're still feeling the repercussions of that in a positive way. And uh the fourth quarter which was just this past quarter um I would say
that one of the most memorable things uh was the dedication of Ridgeway Park in memory of Susan Borg uh who uh was welld deserved and that event was was well attended. So uh this is just a recap
Veterans Day ceremony uh Veterans Plaza that's always November 11th. Um so that's just a recap of uh some of the things that happened last year. There was many more. And if you saw a picture that wasn't up here, it's just that we did we didn't have I didn't have any room to include everything obviously.
Um, Revolution New Jersey. Okay. 20 2026 is uh the uh 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. So, there's going to be a lot of exciting things happening in West Orange here with the Revolution.
And uh starting this Friday through the 22nd, there's going to be the traveling display at the West Orange Public Library. This basically goes from uh participating towns to towns. And uh I spoke to Dave Kubie today and he told me West Orange is the only Essex County
town that is a Revolution 250 town. And um I was up at the library this afternoon starting to work on our uh Revolution 250 uh display case uh which is going to be specific to West Orange. And uh we also set a date for March 21st
uh 2 p.m. West Orange Public Library. I'm going to be giving a um a program Divided Loyalties. And because March is women's history month, it's only appropriate that we uh that I'm going to highlight West Orange women during the American Revolution. And you would think
that wow, what did women have to do with the revolution? But here in West Orange, there is a very very uh several very very poignant stories that will be all highlighted and I'll be making subsequent announcement about this. But uh save the date March 21st 2 p.m. West
Orange Public Library. And uh Anthony Plesi is not here tonight. I communicated with him earlier this afternoon and he did want me to mention if he was here the uh deer management program will be conducted South Mountain Reservation on the dates listed here and
there are makeup dates for inclement weather and uh uh we mentioned South Mountain Reservation because of course that's here in West Orange but Hilltop Reservation also this information is on the county website uh so I would uh you know this is obviously subject to change
because of weather Uh so I would check uh frequently to make sure. Uh but they also uh if I recall in years past they have signs on Northfield Avenue indicating what's going on. So uh you know it's it's um well publicized uh uh
before the event during the event. Um so you should have no problems hopefully. And I believe that is my how do I do council president? >> Thank you. You did fabulous on >> love your uh photographs of the year in review. That was really wonderful. I do
want to ask you one thing. When you put I want um everyone in the public to understand how much opportunity they have to communicate with us, not just via email, not just here at council meetings. When you put up um Mayor McCartney's office hours, which they can come to to right after that, if you
could put up council connection with maybe our dates so that them down and they'll have them in advance for their calendars. >> Absolutely, Council President. That's a point well taken. And the only reason they're not displayed tonight is because I don't believe any dates have been set. Otherwise, there would have there would have been following there. And um I
would love to take credit for the uh year in review, but I have to say that uh I was motivated for that by none other than our mayor McCartney to uh provide that. So, as much like the credit, all credit goes to the mayor for that. >> Any other questions? >> We're good. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. Okay, council president, I have a quick question for you if you don't mind me interrupting. I had I met with Mr. sero last week and he um said that he had mentioned to you the notion of um just doing general comments on the uh on the
agenda in the beginning of the meeting and saving >> yes I would like to move forward in that direction but I think we should discuss our council colleagues should discuss it and perhaps we can do that in uh pending matters and then make a decision moving forward. >> Just wanted to bring it to your attention. Thank you.
>> Yeah, but I am in agreement. >> Sure. Good evening. >> I wanted to say thank you to Councilman Koviaak for the past year serving as council president and to wish you all the best in this upcoming year. We have a lot to do. >> Yes. >> So, um I like your word about
collaboration and I wanted to say thank you and I look forward to that. But I also wanted to say thank you. It is still winter and Joe with all the slides about snow and safety. I wanted to say thank you to Jimmy Lour, Supervisor Lour
at DPW and the DPW crew because at the end of last year, we did have two back-to-back storms and they all rose to the occasion to keep us safe uh businesses open and all the hills. We have a new resident here in town talking about our hills already. Um uh and
that's what you do in Western and we have a great DPW crew that does that. And I also wanted to say thank you to police chief uh Fula and the police department superintendent Moore and principal Guerrero for the incident at the high school last night and the way
that it was handled. So, thank you very much for that and best of wishes for the new year. >> And I want to jump in too and thank the chief. I know one of our residents got a hold of him at our Christmas party and uh he hopped right on her concern and uh emailed us the next day. So, I can't
thank you for all your your advocacy and support. Okay, >> next. Okay, now is the time for public comment. Uh, I think everyone knows the drill. You're going to state your name,
your address, you have five minutes to talk. And as uh we all know that our ordinance dictates that we conduct oursel with the utmost decorum and treat others the way we want to be treated. And I just want to say as a business person, one of the
mo the biggest uh things I've learned is that when you listen carefully and actively to people who have different points of views than your own, you actually can make good decisions and sometimes even change your thinking. So
I'm going to ask all of you to actively listen to everyone whether they you agree with them or not and think about what they say. Put yourself in their shoes. Okay, Pastor Adams. >> Uh, Doug Adams, 9 Westover Terrace. Um,
I do want to thank our police department for and the school district for the way they responded in that situation, not allowing it to escalate into more than what it needed to be and making sure to counteract the uh, false narratives that were out there on social media with the
truth. Um, outstanding job. The second thing is um I'm a little bit um I love the fact that the council took the opportunity and the time to recognize uh the West Orange PAL program. Um but I'm very disappointed and I lament the fact
that the council did not take the time to celebrate the accomplishments of the West Orange High School football team, the West Orange High School soccer team, which won the state title this year. And
we actually have the national player of the year in West Orange and he was never brought down to the council to be acknowledged. I just think that that is a travesty when the entire nation is acknowledging
one of our residents and our own council couldn't find a way to bring him down here and say thank you for representing us so well. Um the se the third thing and the final thing is in the last special meeting I understand that there were some questions about the West
Orange Mayor's program for the uniquely gifted. First off I want to say that the program was established by ordinance and it was never established to be a co uh a revenue generating center like every other center in the recreation department in
the senior department and the other departments. It is a cost center. So you can pull out whatever calculator you want. You can get whatever spreadsheets you want. There will never be a revenue generating moment. But I will tell you
that that program has been supported for well over 30 years in West Orange by residents, by the administration, and by community agencies like the Rotary and the Unicult and the various other community agencies that have donated
money to make sure that that program went forth. That program started with a grant because the state realized that unless there is some intentionality by government. If there's not some formal intentionality, people who live life
with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be left out in the community narrative and they will be left out in the process. Over the years, that program has been supported by families and volunteers all across the
spectrum. Many of our young people through the process of the high school have volunteered, had their first jobs, and went on to work in the community of people with developmental disabilities. The first football coach I can wait.
>> I'll wait. I want to reserve my time. >> No, I I want to wait. I there's a whole conversation going on in council. There's no reason for me to address council if council ain't listening. Particularly if the council woman who asked the questions about the program is not listening.
>> My thoughts. >> Hello. As a matter of fact, the first undefeated freshman football team was coached by a young man named Joe Anderson, who was a graduate of West Orange High School, who went away to
college, got injured, came back looking for what he wanted to do with his life, decided to start volunteering, and then working for the mayor's program. He loved working with that community so much he got a job as a pair professional
at the high school and worked that job all the way up until he relocated to to help his brother raise his son. The man's program is not only supporting the adult individuals that are in our town have a place and a community in our
town. They are also equipping our town, our community, and others to be able to properly accept and welcome them in in an organic way. The the the next thing I want to say is the mayor's program has been supported by every single
administration in West Orange and most of the council people. There are council people on this de who have asked questions about the mayor's program. They receive a a mailing every single month for every single event. And some
of them have never come to see, but they want to know how many people come and how come the amount of money that we get when they come doesn't pay for the event itself. When you come and see the faces of the people, you'll actually know the
value to the town and the community that that program serves. The second thing is the mayor's program budget has been cut every year for the last seven years and yet the volunteers, the recck department
and everyone still makes that happen. And the final thing I would like to say, my wife served this program as the coordinator for 18 years. I've served it for the last five years. And I can tell you, you can count on your fingers the
number of years that we've actually taken a salary to do the job that we have the right to punch in and get paid for, but we have chose not to for the benefit of the program. And my question is to the council people who want to figure out what the finances of the main
program. Have you chosen to donate your stipen back to the township for the money that the township has lost in inefficiency, bad decisions, and contextual environments. If you're not giving your
money up, please don't mess with the funding for those who are most vulnerable in our community. Thank you, Pastor Adams. Who would like to speak next? >> Lisa Adams, 9 West over Terrace, West
Orange, New Jersey. I have come to a lot of town council meetings and I have never ever ever stepped up to the mic. But this subject is a subject that's near and dear to my heart for a number of reasons. One,
I'm the blessed mother of a uniquely gifted and that's what I call her. When I started running the program for 19 years before I left, it was called the disabled program, West's disabled program. I changed that name twice until I got the right name. And that was the
mayor's program for the uniquely gifted because that's who they are. They are uniquely gifted individuals and they may my daughter who's 38 does not read, does not write. But when I tell you she's living in her own apartment, she has her
own car. She has a team and a staff and she goes where she wants to go and she visits and she makes people's lives bright. I worked the mayor's program for the uniquely gifted for 19 years. and I met some of the most amazing people that
I have ever met in my life. They may not have what we quote unquote consider intelligence and and achievement, but they've got personality. They've got compassion. They've got a sense of love and appreciation like the typically
developing individual does not have that has all those other degrees and all those other titles and all those other life achievements. And so when I tell you tonight I stand here on behalf of the mayor's program for the uniquely gifted, I want you to please, please
understand they are uniquely gifted individuals. They did not ask to be born in the life circumstance that they live in. They didn't ask for their disabilities. They didn't ask for their dysfunction. They didn't ask for their lack of ability to read. They didn't ask
for any of that. We don't necessarily ask for the things that we get. But when I tell you that that has been that program has interact allowed me to interact with some of the most kindest, authentic, fair, loving folk. And I've pastored a
church with my husband for 29 years. And I'm telling you, in the mayor's program, the love that I've encountered for those uniquely gifted people surpasses the love that I've come in contact with in a church setting of typically developing folk. And so, I am simply standing here
tonight to stand up on their behalf. They didn't ask for the situation that they're born into. They don't have a way of getting out of it. But the one thing that we can do as a town is be committed to the people in our community that live
with some challenging circumstances and do what we can do to be a blessing to them. Do what we can do to increase their their engagement opportunities. Do what we can do to give them exposure to things that they might not otherwise get
exposed to. In the mayor's program, they've taken trips. I've assigned trips. There's different things they've been exposed to that they may not have ever gotten a chance to experience or be exposed to. They've met people that they may not have ever gotten a chance to meet. They've gotten a chance to stand
up and let their unique giftedness because all of them have just like all of us have some unique gifts and unless and we make room for our gifts, right? We can go out and sell oursel. They don't necessarily have that capacity.
But to have a program that celebrates this unique group of people to have a program in town and I am grateful, grateful, grateful for how long this program has remained. My daughter firsthand has been a ble has been a a
beneficiary of it and the families that have been in I'm still in contact with all of those families. And the only reason I came out of the the the the assignment is because I lost I brought my mom and dad here from California to live with me for seven years. And my mom
and dad my dad fell and died. And my mom died four days later. Slept away because her boo of over 62 years left. And so that was a lot for me to lose mom and dad four days apart with no notice. They weren't sick. There was nothing going on. And boom, they were gone. And so I
pulled away from the mayor's program at that time. And praise be to God, my husband, because he knew how I was struggling. And I with tears in my eyes, I said, "Dear, I can't do the program right now. I can't give it the attention that it needs, but I don't know anybody that's going to love these people the way that I love them." He said, "Dear,
I'll step into that program. I'll step into that for you." And I had peace so that I could mourn the loss of my mom and my dad and get myself back on the right track. And so I stand here before you tonight to just simply say, please, please, please, I beseech you. Consider
them as if they were your own. And whatever we can do to be a blessing to these individuals, please, let's keep doing it. Thank you for your time. Is there anyone else who'd like to make public comment? Jackie, please come up.
Hi. Hi everybody. Good evening. My name is Jaclyn Hendy, six Beverly Road. Um, congratulations Council President Scarpa and happy new year everybody. Um, I just have two things that I want to discuss.
The first is regarding the rodent problem. I'm just I know that we have um our code already requires garbage to be stored in watertight containers with tight fitting lids, but we keep seeing improperly contained trash that attracts
these rodents, particularly in our densely populated areas. So, I'm wondering if there's something that we can do to enforce these existing regulations or consider further measures such as distributing proper lids, um, conducting some community outreach,
collaborating with the residents and property owners. And if it comes to it, even levying fines if these measures prove unsuccessful. It's been an ongoing problem and it's only seems to be intensifying. So, I'm just wondering if we need to, you know, respond in kind.
The separate thing I'd like to talk about, um, this was on our town's official Facebook page. Recently posted, um, a recognition of Muslim Heritage Month and then was immediately flooded with a
vile racist Islamophobic comments. And I'm just wondering where the moderation was here. There was no removals, no statements, no shutdown. And by doing this, it's not a neutral action. by not saying anything, our town is saying quite a lot. And so I'm calling on our
administration and our human relations commission to address this openly and intentionally in a way that is empathetic to those that have harmed and empowering to the community. Silence and moments like this sends a message whether we intend to or not. And last
time I checked that had 1,300 comments and 1,200 reactions. Some of them laughing emojis, angry emojis. It was pretty intense. Um, and in case we start going down the rabbit hole that monitoring equals suppressing free speech, I want to note that I had to be
physically present here today in the midst of my own profound personal grief. Because years ago, our town shut down public comment via Zoom indefinitely after a meeting was overtaken by disgusting hate speech. And so, that action proved one thing. We don't have a
problem acting decisively when hate speech is involved. But apparently not in this instance, which begs the question, why not? Thank you guys, >> Mr. Gold. Thank you. >> Um Justin Goldsman, Moran Road. Um good
evening, members of the council. Warm and happy new year. Um Councilwoman Scarpa, congrats. Uh Councilman Kovak, thank you for your service. Um, just wanted to touch on a few points. Um, I wanted to circle back to that storm water data collection ordinance that I spoke about a couple months ago and sent
to everyone just to see if there was any movement on that proposal or if there was any gaps being filled on the missing storm water data that we have. Um, 2026 is here, which hopefully this is the final year that we have residents who need feel the need to show up to
rightfully advocate for their parking permits. So hopefully this is the start to where we finally uh check that much needed box. Um as I watched back the December uh I believe it was December 9th meeting um and there was a topic that was brought
up around the cannabis retail industry regulations that we currently have in place in town. Um not here to talk about on the merits of lure or a debate on too many or too few dispensaries that we have in town. But I do want to talk about what I believe is our town's
fairness as well as our town's finances. Um, liquor stores in our town can currently operate until 10 p.m. There's many more liquor stores in our town than there are cannabis dispensaries. Um given that we had numerous and very diligent and much needed and appreciated
budget workshops um where we debated meticulously and thoroughly cost savings in town, whether that was debates over hiring freezes or several thousand worth of overtime pay aotments or funding for the West Orange Art Council. Um I see no reason as to why we would limit and
restrict the opportunity for additional tax revenue in town by not awarding dispensaries the same operating hours as our liquor stores currently have. Um, we're also entering a summer where we'll be entertaining the World Cup, which will have many games played in delayed time zones and tens of thousand Essex
County residents excitedly tuning into those games and perhaps seeking to watch those games with an alternative substance to alcohol. Um, just last month, the federal DOJ issued new guidance related to cannabis, which I believe reflects the recognition for safe and legitimate usage, which I further believe indicates broader and
growing policy trends and underscores why I believe that these extended hours make sense. Um, we had an entire great presentation on our $170 million debt and PO. So, I see no reason why we would not seek that additional revenue. Um, they're not seeking special treatment just to operate in alignment with the
current ways that we sell other substances in town until 10 p.m. Um, so for the sake of fairness and for the need of exploring additional revenue streams, I ask that you reconsider those time impositions. Um, Jackie, thank you for your comments. we must have written each other's notes.
But um you know, as a former Human Relations Commission member, since I'm not currently anymore, I wanted to speak on the issue of growing um concerning hateful rhetoric on our town social media, especially over the last few weeks. While free speech is paramount, despite the reprehensible and harmful
impact words may have, it doesn't mean we don't call it out. As we've seen on several town posts attemptingly attempting to rightfully celebrate our town's diversity, we've seen hateful comments. Um, in the world of keyboard warriors, that is very easy to do. What is harder to do and much more important
is to combat and to condemn them. There is no solution that satisfies it all. But let me just say this. Whether it's Islamic phobic comment comments on Muslim American Heritage Month or anti-Semitic rhetoric on our Hanukkah posts, we have to do a better job combating and repudiating such hateful and bigotive language in our town
because what starts in the heart uh moves to the tongue and often moves to the hand. So, racism, religious hate, bigotry, and discrimination in all its forms should be condemned. And I think we do need to have a serious conversation about how we moderate those pages. Um, I hope folks will come out to
the MLK event on the 19th. Um, if you have not heard our keynote speaker, Reginald Bledo, speak before, he's a wonderful, um, he'll be a wonderful speaker. Um, Congresswoman MacGyver is hosting an annual Black History Month contest. I spoke to her office yesterday and they're actively looking for high
school participants um throughout the district. So, you can check out her social media to visit that. And then in my one minute left, um I just want to say that, you know, the last time I was here, I gave my team very good guju and said we'll move forward in the playoffs. So, uh tomorrow I'm flying out to
Phoenix to see the Miami Hurricanes win the semi-final and then on to the final. January 20th, I will be back here with a national championship ring. So, thank you. Happy New Year, everyone. Good luck. Good evening, Sally Malanga Ridge Road.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak. It's going to be a great year. I think start fresh and uh make a lot of progress on all the issues that make West Orange a fabulous town. I want to talk about a family of deer
regularly moves through my neighborhood. They eat my plants. I don't like it, but I do not believe the answer should be to shoot them. And yet that is how we spend hundreds of thousands of of our tax dollars now approaching 19 years of a
deer hunt run by the county. I understand it's not us, but our our money still goes to fund it. And this deer hunt disrupts the peaceful use of the reservation. The reservation is actually closed down to the public. And
this continues year after year despite a lack of evidence that it actually solves the problems. it's supposed to fix. Deer are a native species in the region that evolved alongside our forests. But there's a big difference between
acknowledging the browsing impacts and claiming deer are eating the reservation. Scientific assessments show varied ecological outcomes depending on site conditions. And last time I checked, the reservation was still there.
Also, deer do not spread Lyme disease. Ticks pick up the lime pathogen primarily from small mammals like white-footed mice, not deer. This means that the policies that the county uses claiming deer hunts protect public
health from Lyme disease are using baseless science as a cover. A decadel long study found that neither recreational hunting nor fertility control significantly reduce deer populations or their browsing pressure in forested areas. So if the hunt isn't
reliably controlling deer numbers and it isn't a clear lime disease prevention, we must ask what problem is the hunt actually solving. What we should be focused on is evidence-based ecosystem management, not
outdated assumptions and madeup stories that serve gun lobbies or hunting clubs more than community values. So, I'm asking everyone to be cognizant of this and whenever you find the time and the place to speak out against this
foolish, wasteful use of violence in our community, there's a very important reason why I'm bringing this up. Violence towards animals breeds violence towards people and we don't want that here in West Orange. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Wanga. Is there anyone else who'd like to make public comment? >> Good evening. My name is Phil Litwinoff. I live on Lynen Avenue for the first the past 48 years.
First, let me congratulate Council Councilman Kakovak for a good a good year that you and thank you for the service. Second, all the best wishes to you, Susan. >> Thank you. >> And happy to say that I knew you would.
>> Okay, on to on to business. I am an immediate past member of the CBAB, the Citizens Budget Advisory Board. I finished my term effectively, I guess, December 31, similar to Councilman
Kgooviacs as president. And I'm probably going to use some of the information that I've learned over this past year and that we've discussed with the council, but I want to make sure absolutely certain that on January 6th, 2026, I am speaking to you as
nothing more than a resident and taxpayer of this town and not representing the CBA. You have on your agenda for tonight among a lot of different resolutions. One to approve a salary for a new
employee for the township. I've read through the employment agreement and I'm not going to go into the details. I don't believe it's appropriate. However, one of the things in there is that the individual in addition to a salary that at least according to gov salaries.com, which I'm
sure everybody knows about and can look at, the salary being offered to this individual is in the top 10% of anybody being paid for a similar position, which is kind of high. In addition, the individual is being
given a 10 and a half% payment to a 457 plan immediately a pound higher. Now, I've worked in corporate life for my entire career and I will tell you that when you have a benefit like a four a 401k or in this situation 457, there's
an elimination period 6 months, 12 months, not immediate, and I've gone through that. The CBAB in its recommendation letter to the council among other things and they were citing specific positions
said in par section 3 compensation paragraph G to negotiate a reduction in 456 457 457B payments currently equal a 10 and a half% of salary or negotiate a longer
time period before the benefit occurs to an individual. that's not been done in this appointment employment contract that you're going to be asked to approve. And as a long-standing taxpayer of this town, I find that objectionable. I find that if
I was running as I run my own business or anybody would run their own business regardless what the field is, you wouldn't give away other pe that type of money. But it's very easy when it's not coming out of your pocket to just say, "Oh yeah, I'm going to give it to that person." And I find that that's wrong.
And in addition, the contract also says that that 457B B payment will increase the individual's pensionable salary when they retire. So what you're doing is you're doubling up on that benefit. You're giving a fringe benefit and then
giving a second benefit on top of that. The CBAB had gone on and said that a conduct a salary analysis should be conducted and lower salaries of nonrepresented employees and employees filling vacancies if current salaries
are found to be higher than others with similar titles. As I just referenced from gov salaries.com, this particular contract is in the top 10% of anything. And before you vote on this thing, I challenge each of you on
this council to think hard and long about where the how how best to spend the taxpayers's money. It's not yours. It's not mine. It's the taxpayers. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Lit. Is there anyone else
who'd like to make public comment? I think I put it up high. Good evening, council. Um, Richard Groves, 30-year resident of West Orange, uh, Yale Terrace. Uh, I want to speak to uh, one of the things Justin was talking
about was the hate, uh, speech that was, um, put out regarding um, our mayor. And I say our mayor because regardless how you feel or anyone feels, she's our mayor and not any one mayor. But I want to give you context on why I'm I'm going to say what I'm going to say. Uh I was
born in East Orange, New Jersey, raised in North, New Jersey. My next door neighbor were Muslim, which meant that u I play with the kids. I went to the mosque. New York at South Ward was predominately Jewish. So I celebrated all those all the holidays with my friends. Um my mother sent me to a
Catholic school. So, I'm I'm baptized, confirmed, and everything else. On top of that, my great-grandmother founded this Zion Hill Baptist Church, which I also attended uh in Newark, Madrid, which is still there almost 100 plus years later. Uh suffice to say, I am
well-rounded in in that area in the area of of um beliefs and so forth. The one thing I didn't see when I was growing up was the amount of hate or vitual that I see today and I
grew up in in the 60s and the civil rights when we first got the civil rights when the affirmative action was first place I was born then I watched uh when Malcolm X and Martin Luther King were killed I saw those things right but I don't ever remember the vitual that
was expressed in in now maybe it was I know there was there was still things that I've encountered as being a person of color. Um that has is historical. Um and why do I tell you all this? I'm looking at the remarks that were placed underneath um regarding um the mayor's
comments. And now my background in terms of my family background is Muslim. I have family members who are Muslim. I have family members who are Hispanic. I personally am have Hispanic background. I have spam family members who are Italian. I have family members who are Asian. And so I'm offended the fact that
we can't come together uh in a town that is so diverse, one of the most diverse uh towns in the state, maybe even in the country, that they were going after a group of people who by and large are not going anywhere. I look up the stats and then New Jersey is one of the highest
areas of of folks of Muslim descent in Essis County, almost the largest in the the country, one of the largest areas in the country. And so what I'm looking for is some definitive definitive action even on the body that's here when we
actually start to come together and because even the body that's here we've had um negative interactions right over the last few years and and those who know some of the things I'm talking about but we don't move ahead if we continue to look backwards and what my fear is that growing up in the 60s and
70s I remember some of the crazy things that were going in going on and how my mother protected me from those those things and what I see from from a national perspective and we're going backwards now before you know I I just walking down the street being black I could get pulled over and I had been when I was growing up and now they cite
things like DEI right as as a code name for you know you're not you're not um capable enough and I speak a number of languages I've traveled around the world my daughter my wife speak spoke five languages when I met her you know other family members have been you know around the world lawyers doctors you know the
whole things and somehow how we're not capable. I don't get that. You know, the the highest educational person in the United States is a woman of color. Highest educational bar none. Right. So, I don't get all this. Um I want to read you
something regarding a minute. Finish this thing up. We're regarding the faceless people online. This was from the journal of humanities and social sciences. And I want you to really take this into uh context. is exposure to hate in online and traditional media. A
systematic review and media analysis the impact of this exposure on individuals and communities. Key findings exposure to hate in media is linked to attitudal change intergroup trust online and offline aggression and normalizing normalization of prejudice confirming
harm to intergroup relations and community climate. my prayer. You know, I I one of other people I work with, you know, John Blandon, he can quote something from from his f favorite book. I I don't have that ability. Um but I will say I'm looking for the leaders
because people follow the leaders, right? You lead, people follow. And so I'm I'm asking that we see a better a day, a better communication, better outline um in this 2026. And to that uh note, um we are produc
putting on a um unity meeting, unity breakfast in u end of this month, January 31st, and I'm asking everyone if you'd like to attend. I'm going to give you the flyers so you have it um to participate in. Thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Gross.
>> Is there anyone else who'd like to make a public comment? get sick. >> Come on, bro. >> No, I I'm sick. We do not want you sick. >> Good evening, everyone. Happy new year
to you. Uh, Councilman Conco, you stop the clock. Thank you, Councilman Krovia. Thank you very much uh for your service uh over the years our township council. Um, appreciate you
uh a great deal. Uh, Councilwoman Scarp, congratulation on being ahead of the DES. Uh, ready to pull your sleeves up. Uh, you're getting ready to enter some territory that I don't think you could ever imagine as an educator.
Uh, I come up I wasn't even planning uh to speak this evening, but listening to everything that has been said uh this evening um you know so I pre Apologize for our appearance. I just
woke out. Woked out. I didn't I just wanted to come here and listen this evening. You all look up at that board. It's January the 6th, 2026. And if you all can remember a few years ago, the images
on January the 2, January the 6th. a little emotional about it because I have federal officers in my family. I have state law enforcement officers in my family.
I have county law enforcement officers in my county in our family, I mean. And I have local law enforcement people in my family. So, we cross a very large projector.
We all were together for the holidays. Just so happened that everybody was off on this particular holiday. And we had some discussions about hate. And it's happening all over this country. And for those of you that are
participating that in this township, you need to stop because you have no idea what you do in the position that you put our law enforcement officers in when you do that stuff.
And we also have to be mindful that people have family and friends. And if you all watching the news over the weekend with the invasion of Venezuela, our VP disappeared and it's kind of on the news now what
took place. And people when people start attacking our president, two attempted assassinations, regardless how you feel about him, he's the president of our country. You may not want to claim him. I would never want to see anything happen to him. Something similar
happened this past weekend at our VP's house. You guys have to be escorted out of here by the police and we say we are West French. It's becoming insane. Living in this town nearly 30 years, I've never
seen anything like what I've seen. Social media was not created for the stuff that is going on. And we has to stop all of us as we are West Orange. We have to stop giving credence to this nonsense that's going on. Be it you
personally or anyone else. On the same note, I want to thank our police department for what could have been a tragedy here in our township. We always think it couldn't happen to us, but I thank God that nothing happened. I
want to thank our fire department for responding because it could have been much worse to what happened over the holidays with the fire in our town. I want to thank our fire department. And so when we think about our fire
department and our police department and their salaries, we need to give deep thought to you make a phone call or 911 and you don't get a response or a late response. And lastly, two things, our children.
Very disappointed in you guys that we've come a long way in this town with athletics and we have the national athlete of the year and we didn't honor that person. We should have banners and all kind of things up. The number one
athlete recognized by others and we say we are West Orange and didn't recognize this person. Then our soccer team won the state championship. Our football team had a very successful season and we haven't called those young
people in to honor them. Shame on us. Shame on us. And lastly, our special needs children. When I worked at Bethany Church, had an opportunity to meet a lot of special
needs children. And can I just go have a 10 seconds? You an educator, as some people that came to the mic said, they don't get the opportunities that we get. And I want to finish by saying I have been blessed
to have been a very highprofile student athlete and the benefits that was given to me and the opportunities that I had to fly all over the world as an athlete because
of my talents. And I just listened to someone pleading with you this evening for people that I know that I grew up with, some I went to school with, some I went to post-graduate school with that would never have the opportunity that I
had. And we're talking about cutting things from them that would help them grow in our society. And so think about the decisions that you make when you're making them and what the implications are when you do it. God bless you all.
Heaven smiled upon you and thank you for give me a couple of seconds to get my thoughts out of my head. Thank you. >> Thank you. Welld deserved. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else who'd like to make public comment? No. Okay. Seeing none, I think we'll
close public comment. >> Okay. Um, next we're going to uh think about pulling resolutions. >> Well, we'll respond. Yeah. >> Um, okay. And we'll save what I have to say then. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. Um, would you start, Councilwoman?
>> Thank you. Happy New Year, West Orange. It is so glad to see all of you here in council chambers uh this evening as well as those who are on Zoom. Um I want to begin my remarks
uh responding to the statements on the vile and hateful online comments regarding Muslim American Heritage Month. Um so this is maybe day four after the post uh hit social media. Uh, my response is simply that I was deeply
disturbed by the vile and hateful comments posted in response to the West Orange recognition of Muslim American Heritage Month. Let me be very clear and unequivocable. This rhetoric has no place in our
community and stands in direct opposition to the values we hold dear in West Orange. I was contacted by several residents who were rightfully upset and hurt by many of these comments. It is also important to note that many of the most offensive remarks appear to have
come from individuals who do not live in our beloved town. Regardless of their origin, hate does not get a pass in West Orange. West Orange is a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community. Our
strength has always come from our differences and our shared commitment to respect, dignity, and coexistence. We proudly recognize and celebrate many cultures, faiths, and identities that make up the fabric of our township. I am
grateful to the residents who spoke out against the rhetoric online and here tonight because we as a community will make the difference. Our voices matter. Our refusal to remain silent in the face
of hate reflects the true spirit of West Orange. As an elected official, I unequivocally denounce Islamophobia, racism, anti-semitism,
and all forms of hate. We will stand for unity, respect, and the safety and belonging of every resident. West Orange will never be defined by hate, no matter where it comes from. We will always
choose community, compassion, and courage. And I'm looking forward to us getting a better understanding on how we can handle hateful rhetoric, whether we as a community, as a governing body,
have to allow comments to stay on. I think that that is a first step in trying to eliminate negative commentary. So, I do ask that the administration look very hard to
find how we can solve the problem of allowing hate speech. I'm very clear that it's a first amendment right, but no hate belongs on our municipal government sites and that's just the way
I feel about it. Um, it just can't continue to happen here. It's not acceptable and we must just like we ended public comment on Zoom because we didn't have the capacity to control the comments. We have to do the
same thing with our government sites. The other thing that I wanted to um discuss and thank you for indulging me in that opportunity, but it it's very disappointing um to to see that type of engagement on
our West Orange pages. As far as my um responses to public comment, I do agree um and I'm excited and looking forward to this new opportunity on Friday with the West Orange Sports
Media Group um bringing their exhibits, their photography to the Arts Center Gallery, which is really struggling to keep its doors open um because of the cuts to the budget and the subsidy that the council has ended. administration
has always supported um the arts council with. I think we need to take a very hard look at how we allocate um our priorities in our community of the arts and our other organizational programs. We have to find a way to be equitable.
We give money to OPAC. We give money to the Downtown Alliance. We give money to the Uniquely Gifted program. We give money to PAL. We give money to the Mountaintop League. and then to cut off funding for the arts center and to leave them flat um on the face is just very
disappointing. So, everyone is invited on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 to go to the art center gallery. This is a new partnership with the West Orange High School and hopefully uh see an opportunity of why it is so important uh to keep the arts
alive. In addition um to that wanted to also respond to uh the rodent problem and um hopefully as we will revisit in the very near future uh the garbage uh contract
and its renewal. The last council looked at buying containers for all residents and we were advised strongly advised that that would be one way of eliminating uh the rodent problem. Unfortunately, we did not move in that direction, but I hope when we look to
renew that contract, um, that is something that we will consider because of course that will keep the garbage and those who don't have cans from just placing their bags outside. Also wanted to speak to um parking permits that are still needed,
especially in the alphabet streets. I'm hoping that the with the survey that is going to be done that we will really indeed listen to the needs of the residents. Um I understand that we're doing some different parking themes around different parts of the town and we'll speak to that um when we get to
our agenda. Um but I just think that we need to make a very concerted effort listening to the residents and responding to their needs before we make any uh parking changes um to the entire township.
also wanted to um show my support uh for the extension of the cannabis hours as well. Um I made that uh statement on the record at the last meeting um that I do not object to the extension of the hours just like our ABC stores. Um we did do a
conservative approach to the hours of operation when we first this is new for our town. Um but we've not had any incidents at any of our cannabis facilities. We don't have any lording at any of our cannabis facilities. And this is a local business that I believe that
we do need to support. Um, if you aren't aware, we have several businesses in the downtown corridor um that aren't reopening in this January 2026. Um, so we can do everything that we can to support our small businesses. And if they just need a couple more hours of
operation, um, when there are no incidents reported whatsoever, um, I don't see any harm in that. and it would be consistent with the ABC hours um that are also regulated by the state.
Um we'll talk about the salary when we get to that point. I don't think that's a matter that we need to discuss publicly. Um my colleagues and I will deal with that, but do want to acknowledge that the points that were made were wellreceived. Thank you.
Um, also looking forward and hoping, council president, that uh we do put in on the agenda or either either the mayor um to have our winning athletic teams to come into council chambers and celebrate them. Uh we did do that um the first
year that the football team won uh their award. So just looking forward to an opportunity to celebrate uh our community and our students. And there are some banners around for our soccer player of the year. Um that did just go up this week. Um we had the art install
for the uh media sports um exhibit last night and so the um students were really excited about some of the photos that they've taken and the banners that are going up around town. Uh I think I have addressed everyone's
comments and if I have not uh addressed everyone then I'm sure it's something on the agenda that I can get to. Um but again just welcome uh the new year. Looking forward to working with all my colleagues. And my final update is just some of the different things that I've
done since the last council meeting. We did have a special meeting on the 30th. Um but again that was not for us to talk about anything but what was on the agenda. Um but I did um and I do want to share that we did hold a unity call uh
with the mayor and several members of West Orange clergy on Sunday evening just to do a genuine um outreach uh collective prayer uh for our community for the well-being of our community. Um and that went very well.
And so I want to thank those uh clergy me members uh who participated as well as the mayor um for welcoming um that event. Uh I've also attended the West Orange Hispanic Foundation Christmas toy giveaway. Um they've been doing that for
11 years. It was very successful. They distributed over a thousand toys. Um went to one additional tree ordinance meeting with our legal team and the administration. attended the West Orange Democratic Committee holiday party at Anenas. Uh attended the senior holiday
lunchon at Bella Italia with our senior department. Oh my gosh, our seniors are amazing. If you want to talk about age is nothing but a number, just go to one of our senior parties. They get up, they dance, they have fun. It makes me think
um that uh I I don't know. They they out dance me. That's all I can say. My daughter's a dancer, so I can dance. Um, also attended the West Orange Arts Council Board meeting. Um, again where we're desperately trying to find out how we can maintain our space at 551 Valley
Road. Also attended the West Orange special education uh student holiday party at West Orange High School as well as the DNET House senior holiday party. And then finally the West Orange African Heritage Organization Quanza celebration at
Washington Elementary School. Um, I just want to acknowledge that with collaborative collaboration, um, you can do a lot of things. And so I want to highlight and say thanks to the St. Benedict's Prep Girls Division who this year, uh, second year in a row
supported my councilwoman's toy drive. First year they collected a 100 toys. This year they collected over 200 toys. These are students, um, going out to, um, use their hard-earned money to give to others. Um, so 200 toys given to
additional residents in the West Orange community as well as we donated to the Newark Bible Fellowship Church in Newark. Um, so again, just proud of those young ladies. Um, the girls division is something newer at Newark Prep. Um, but again, just community,
community, community. So the holidays was a wonderful time and I'm just excited about what's looking ahead for us in West Orange in 2026. Thank you. >> Thank you. and I assure you I will reach out to Superintendent Moore and we will invite them in. Thank you,
Councilwoman Ruden. >> Uh, sure. Um, thank you everybody who spoke tonight. I just want to hit on a couple of issues. Um, the Facebook page, I'm not sure how that can be controlled other than that is under the um mayor's
um jurisdiction, I would I would assume. And um I think she is looking into right now what our legal responsibilities are in terms of shutting down comments on that. Certainly nobody wants to see see those type of comments and most of those
comments from my understanding came from the outside. So I know that the mayor is looking into that and will respond to that. Um as far as the parking permits, thank you for raising that again Justin. I think Justin is no longer here, but I
appreciate that he raised it. Um, I want to get that on the agenda, moving on the agenda for next time. Um, and I have once again proposed an ordinance. We don't really need to have any more meetings on this. Um, we have heard from the community. We know what they want.
They want parking permits and they want it now and we need to provide that for them. um they have met with DT our our uh dynamic traffic engineers. They have said that they can accommodate that request and that they are just waiting for direction from the mayor and from
our business administrator. So I think that we should be moving on that and that will be one of the ordinances that I'm bringing back once again for consideration. Um, as far as the cannabis, I also don't feel that there is any reason why those businesses
should be um closed early if our um liquor stores are allowed to remain o open. Um, thank you Sally for bringing the issue of the deer hunt um to the public. I have long been an advocate
against this deer hunt. It does not make any sense. The county has spent over a million dollars killing over 3,000 deer since uh 2008. 1,200 of those deer were unborn.
Um sharpshooters bait the deer and position themselves in trees when unsuspecting deer come out for their food traps and they are shot to death. What does this say about us as a municipality? We should not be allowing
lethal gunfire in our reservations which are supposed to be preserves of nature. This evening, right before council meeting, um one of the commissioners was here, Commissioner Luchanu, and he's he said he himself is has been a longtime
advocate against the hunt and he realizes that even when you kill the deer, they multiply more because they that's what deer do. When the population goes down, they have multiple births. So the the the kill does not prevent the
deers the deer from from being in our community. He said that even the um county um commission um county executive Joe Deansenzo believes in home rule that if we as a community West Orange vote not
to allow the deer hunt in West Orange and we as a council can do that then we will not have to put up with these gun hunts in West Orange. It is really terrible. our children are are exposed to guns and gun violence and fear in their schools and then they live in in
our neighborhoods and they hear guns popping behind them because we're killing the deer. Yes, deer are a problem for some people's yards and we have ways to to deal with that. Um furthermore, there are several um more
successful ways to deal with the the deer deer issue. Um, deer sterilization has been successful in Clif Clifton, Ohio, San Jose, California, and Bethesda, Maryland, to name a few. So, I would like to propose that this council
vote not to continue a lethal deer hunt in our neighborhood. And I thank you, Sally, for bringing this um conversation up. And and I know that this was this was announced tonight and would have been announced had Mr. Plesi been here.
Um, uh, Mr. Litwinoff, thank you so much for bringing up the the topic of salaries for our employees. I completely agree with you. We need to listen to CBA's recommendations. Um, and you were very clear when you set
forth that we need to look at the 457b contributions and why do we give them at at the get-go? U, my daughter just got a job. she has to wait an entire year until she is vested and then she will start receiving some sort of pension and
that's how it is in the corporate world and that's how it should be here. So, and these are pensionable salaries. So, I totally agree with bringing that back to our attention and that we should take heed. There's also some other issues um
having to do with full complement of of vacation days right of way and not not discussing um that that the controllers's office has set some limit on on how long one can hold over their vacation. That's that's another issue.
Um so I think I've I've hit on all of the topics I meant to and and thank you so much everyone who spoke out. >> Thank you Councilwoman Ruden. Councilman Kroviaak. >> Thank you, Council President Scarpa. Uh, thanks to everyone who spoke tonight. I
was listening closely and thanks especially to everyone for their kind words about uh, my council presidency. I hope we all continue to focus every day on our shared humanity and values which are much more significant and numerous
and not on the much less important and fewer aspects of our differences. It's really simple. We should love each other and treat each other as we want and deserve to be treated. I know that the mayor is looking at what legally our
municipal government can do to suppress the uh hate-based social media commentary on our municipal social media platforms. I'm sure that will be uh news uh coming out very soon. And uh just want to follow up on on uh uh some of
the comments that uh to further explain that as council president uh the council made efforts to bring our successful athletes and teams uh to a council meeting for recognition, but we were unable to schedule these events uh yet.
And I'm sure we can schedule them early this year as we uh as we continue these efforts because the the kids obviously need to be uh acknowledged and and recognized for their efforts and their success. Thank you, Council President.
>> Council Castelina. >> Thank you, Council President. Um so, let me start off with the comments, the disgusting comments that were on Facebook. It's it's just so disappointing and one of the reasons
that I'm not a participant any longer on social media. I mean, sometimes I debate. I I I want to get right back on there and have some positive information uh for the public, but it's it's just so
disappointing on how people just use that what could be a great form of communication to just just lash out and just it's so simple. Just be kind, folks. I mean, here we are
trying to celebrate any everyone in our community that we're so proud that we are diverse community and we're and I think we do always do a great job of showing every I still can't believe we were named the the nicest town in and
how how many couple years ago and and then you know things like this happen on our watch and it's just got to stop. So, mayor, I know a couple years ago, I could have sworn we we didn't have the comments even on the our our our page. So, I'm not sure what we can and can't
do, but that that's my recommendation. I I you know, we put out information. We celebrate uh certain um things in town, which is great. And if we got to turn it off because we have people that just can't behave themselves, then we got to turn it off. And that's a shame. But um
again, we're we're proud to be diverse. were proud to be kind and um it was really disappointing to have to go on there to get text messages. Did you see this on go on Facebook as a lot of people know I don't go on there regularly but um really really really
disappointing and uh hope we could you know take care of that immediately. Um, I just want to a few notes here before I get into some of the comments and thanks every everyone for coming out. But, you know, again, DPW did it such a great job over the holiday break.
I know the mayor mentioned it and um, you know, there were some very icy moments and they on, as usual, uh, they were right on it. I know Mr. Plesi isn't here tonight. I just want to thank uh the county once again. Uh took my
granddaughters to the to the zoo with the lights and we're just so lucky to have that here. Beautiful Quanza celebration uh with the West Orange uh African-American Heritage Association and they they were just outstanding and popped in there and and the mayor's um
program for uniquely gifted. It was a beautiful, beautiful event. And um I guess I missed the meeting where money was cut. I don't recall us cutting money um from from that line item. So I'm a little lost and I'll I'll I'll make a
few phone calls after the meeting, but it it's something that we should not be cutting and we should be supporting. And um so I don't know what conversations I miss. I know I missed a budget meeting um when I was away and I think any more
budget meetings in the future I'm going to request that I be president um for the conversations. But again folks, this was a tough year and Mr. Lifmanoff, thank you for your time on on the board. But
we're going to we're going to budget and we're going to try to you know we had we made cuts uh try to make thoughtful cuts without hurting different programming. I think um you know a lot of programs u mostly did not suffer. Uh arts council I
I know uh suffered. Um but again we we there was reasons why we did things. I'm not going to get that into that tonight but we always revisit and we always try to make things better. Uh, I appreciate that they're uh asked the arts council trying to reinvent themselves because
they do need to focus on the West Orange artists. I think that was one of the the uh items that we heard which caused one of the the votes uh for for uh some of the monies. But I know we did talk about putting in I believe the rack is fully
funding the film uh the film um festival this year. So I, you know, that was something that was not cut. Um, and 2500 we gave back and some other little align items that added up. So again, I'm I'm I'm glad we're going to have two
representatives there that they could both um let us know what the needs are and come back to us. Um, and that's it. We're going to just have to look at everything again. Uh, and we'll be doing that earlier this year.
uh because you know at the end of the year we were uh fined. We haven't heard about our fine yet but apparently the council was fined and I appreciate with all the um as much as the dice we dissected the budget last year but at
the end of the day we have to be mindful and get that done in a more timely fashion. Um because you know we have to pay a big fine for that. That's just not going to fly this year. So hopefully we'll be able to get that done. Um this
year we really need a focus on you know there's a lot of items that come up and a few items were rattled off and as where everything's important. Um I do not want to sit there and reopen up cannabis. I'm not saying that I don't
want to do that down the road, but we have affordable housing crisis, this movie studio which is a priority priority or big environmental cleanup um that we have to get done, redevelopment that we have to look at, ordinances uh for our main street corridor that that
have been neglected and uh focusing on hiring uh a full-time planner. So, there's a lot of items that we need to get done and to go back and reopen some other items. I understand a couple hours for the cannabis, but I'm gonna be not
supportive of that one because we did take a lot of time. Uh I know it it everybody thinks it's like the uh liquor stores, but it's not because the regulations are different um because there's different criteria. Um the
liquor stores um you know, some of the regulations aren't the same as the cannabis stores. And I'm just going to leave it there for now. Um but look forward to getting the study back um on I I guess Miss Carbal is
here. We could ask her later on in regards to the permits where we're at with that. I I believe there was a a um a survey rather given to all the streets that where the permits and that has been our procedure and I don't know where
we're at with that and administration could let us know uh maybe council president uh where we're at for the permits because you know we did hear the residents we did get a lot of information we need to to move forward in uh the valley in that neighborhood.
Um but again, thank you for everyone who came out and spoke and um really appreciate it and um happy new year to everybody. Thank you, Council President. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I'm going to be brief because I know most of this was covered very well by my council
colleagues, Pastor Adams and Mrs. Adams. Thank you for coming out. As always, I will reach out to the athletes. Um and Mrs. Adams, I agree with you. Your daughter and all of our uniquely gifted kids are beautiful in every way. I know
because I work with them and advocate for them for the past 25 years in the schools and the work you're doing is critical important and I thank you for it. It's a labor of love. I know that. Um Jacquel and Hendy, um thanks for
coming out about the road problem. Um, we've talked a little bit about it, some of the solutions, but I will follow up with Mr. Fonzino to our health director, and see what he's got to say about it. Um, as far as the town website,
uh, I agree with all of the comments that were made. Uh, we do have to shut it down because we cannot be a platform for hate if this continues. But I want everybody to realize that many of these are not the sentiments of the majority
of West Orange residents. Most of this hate, as we've seen in years prior, comes from out of town. Many much of it is people who have political agendas and just are looking for a platform to spew
that hate. What I see in our town for the most part is a lot of love. A lot of what we all see. Um and Richard Groves and John Blandon, thank you too for um your very very um
poignant uh discussion of what how we need to treat one another and how we can move forward in West Orange. And as you noted, you know, I've always been an advocate of giving uh public commenters the time that they need. And I want to
let you know that if someone has something to say that is important and need time to make a point, I am not going to cut them off and I will give you the time that you need. Um, Bill, it went off. Thank you for your work on the citizens budget advisory
board. It was fabulous. I think I as an accountant you have uh a really good understanding of the problems and the solutions and um I I think we are taking all of your comments very seriously. Sally, thanks for coming out about the
deer. Uh I think Councilwoman Ruden gave a very good overview of her thoughts on that and again that's something that we need to reach out to the community and see where people are. Um Justin, uh the stormwater collection. I
will ask Mrs. Carbalo to maybe just follow up quickly at some point if she gets up tonight. Um and the parking permits. We all know we need those parking permits and we need them now. And one of the things that I
would like to do as council president is end our meetings like you would a business meeting with action items. And those parking permits I think should be the first action item for our meeting tonight. And I'm going to ask our clerk to uh write down our or record our
action items, send them to our BA, our law department, and um give us the time frames we need for the parking. I would like to see a time frame for implementation and the exact cost involved
uh for both the stickers and I would like to know when the software has I know it's been purchased the PO is cut. I don't know when the delivery date is the software that the police department wants to use but I would like um some more information about that and I don't
know if you want to talk about that now Mr. Maldo or you want to get back to >> comments. I can address everything. >> Yes, I'm finished. Go ahead. >> Thank you, council president and congratulations. >> Thank you. >> So, um first before we start, I I want
to first acknowledge council for his year as the council president and I appreciate all the work that we did and collaboration we did and I think we got a lot of things accomplished. So, congratulations. Thank you and good luck sitting over there well rested.
So so and council president um as per our conversation the other day, I'm looking forward to working with you and hopefully we can set these agendas and get them moving in a timely fashion as we discussed. So um you know and I welcome our our new um um >> working relationship and getting getting
things accomplished. So so that said and welcome to 2026 everyone. Thank you very much. Um so with regards to a lot of the questions that were raised, the first and foremost um which is on the minds of everybody including our mayor is the the
the issues we have we face with social media. I'm not going to delve into it a lot because the administration, the mayor, our legal department is actively pursuing solutions and I think it would be best that I don't speak about what we
can and cannot do because there are a lot of challenges that have been mentioned by everybody up on the day. So, and we we we know that we recognize that and we are addressing it. And but I will say that um I know on behalf of the mayor and the administration, we don't
like this either. This is ugly. This is not appropriate. This is not West Orange. And I I'll leave it at that for now. Um next, um we talked about I'm sorry, the rodent problem. We have had that
rodent problem for a while. Um so so what I would suggest to anybody in the public um if there are issues in particular neighborhoods and typically a lot of our problems have to deal with individuals who are not putting out the garbage correctly. Our property
maintenance people do go out in the morning. They do follow the garbage trucks in areas. Um if there are targeted areas we need to find we, you know, let us know. Report it to us. Report it to the property maintenance. Report it to the health director. We will send people out if we find that's
happening. There will be summones issued. Um we have also brought to the council before the previous council um um solutions that we could still address uh including garbage um cans. It was mentioned about the previous garbage contract. It doesn't expire for several
years now, at least a couple more years. Um but there are solutions that we have looked at. Um, we have also discussed in the past about putting in a pilot program and putting in these cans with our our garbage collection company who was willing to participate with us. We
can it's going to cost us some capital to do this. Um our our garbage company is willing to do this at a very nominal cost uh to us uh to with us u and for us so that we can do get you the data to
either support and and recommend that we go to different kinds of collection systems or refute and say this doesn't work. We're looking to get that data. We have we've had conversations in the past. So that's something we can have another conversation about in the future if that's what the council desires. So
we have been addressing that. Um, as far as mentioned that, I mentioned that social media. Um, I am sorry. I'm looking through all my notes because I'm I take everybody's comments down here. I'm not going to get
into we we know that we the coun former council president and councilman Kovak did say we we did try to get the teams here. We will try to make sure that happens. Um, and see social media.
The deer calling is a county uh operation. It has been in place. We know we have had the discussions with them before. Um so it's really not we would have to have a conversation administratively with the DA uh the the county. But uh it is it is a county program and from one agency to another
or one uh government to another. We normally don't get involved unless we hear something like this and we can have we can certainly have a discussion with them. Um, and I think that's pretty much I'm looking at my notes. I'm sorry, Council President. There's anything I missed to discuss that you
>> uh No, I think you covered everything. >> Okay. >> All right. Other than that, um, yeah, that's all I need that we should be covering right now. >> Okay. Good. Yeah. Um, so what I what I talked about began to talk about before is um when we do pull resolutions, what
I would like us to do moving forward is to give a little courtesy to Miss Carbalo because she often sits here till all hours of the night unnecessarily. If she has ordinances or if any director that's here has ordinances or
resolutions on the agenda, I'd like us to pull them and do them first so that we can let them go home. Would that work? >> Sure. That's I I have discretion. >> So, I think we're going to make that a practice moving forward so that Mrs. Carbala gets the sleep that she needs to
be fresh and do her job in the morning. Um, so as we move towards that, um, are there are there any resolutions that Mrs. Carbalo has that anyone is planning on pulling or that they need further discussion?
I think she has two 626 and 726 >> 726. I did have a question and I need to pull it. >> Okay. >> So, maybe we'll let her come up. >> Yeah, let her ask her a question. >> Yeah. And and the ordinances that she's got, there's only two ordinances. There's pretty simple traffic
ordinances. >> Yeah, I have a question on that as well. >> So, let's move to those next. So, we'll start let her start with the resolution uh 726 and then let's get all of our questions answered so that she can go home. >> Excellent. Thank you. Um just noticed in
this uh resolution 726, which is the resolution awarding professional engineering and land surveying services to uh GPI for Letington Road sidewalk panel replacement project. Um I did read through um all of the proposals. Thank
you so very much for including the chart at the very end because even when we do read through all of the information, your summary guide is always helpful um when it comes down to cost. I did realize that the uh GPI uh estimate is
the highest estimate. I did realize that this wasn't a bid proposal where we had to take the lowest bid. Um, so I just wanted for you to just explain to us if you will, um, why you chose that company.
>> I chose that company because in the RFP, if you look at it on the under the, uh, I believe civil engineering services, I do request design services, any engineer who reads the proposal or the request for proposal at the other end, it is understood that it's actually I'm
requesting design services for structural engineering services. The other companies that did respond to the RFP did not include a structural engineering services. This is actually not just a concrete uh sidewalk. It looks like it from the surface because
that's what you can see. But if you look at it closely and based on the records that we have in the um engineering office, there is actually a culver that runs under this um slab and it's actually provides access to the culver
as well because there is a manhole in there. and not sure if it's actually the ceiling to the culver or not, but it needs to be designed by a structural engineer because you need to take into account um hydraulic
forces, pressure, tension, and sheer forces when it comes to the design of this uh slab. >> Thank you. I just wanted um for you to give that explanation again to the public because sometimes when we there's
some confusion about what type of bids that we're required to accept and again just um thank you. >> Yeah, thank you. I did see that in your notes that you did provide that information. >> Yes. So, thank you for reiterating. So, just to make it clear for the public,
when it's not a bid, um I review the bids as a professional and I'm not required to basically award it to the lowest uh proposal. Um the reason being is because we're trying to protect the township as well as the
residents >> when we award this projects. We want to make sure that we get a full product of what we need. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. So the only other you have a uh let's see the uh 626 there's no questions.
>> I I have two questions. >> Sure. >> You want me to go ahead? Okay. >> Uh real quick on the first ordinance 75 um for the >> 29 2947
>> with the restricted parking zones with the uh with the handicap uh >> uh spaces. So, so one is on Nestro and I know that they are not allowed parking overnight. So, you're allowing
a stall on that street at night with they have driveways there. Well, when we try to accommodate the resident as most as possible. Um, so
we will probably work with the police department so that they are permitted to park overnight. Okay. I just want to make sure that we're going to these should be we're talking about going to like a yearly renewal process with these because I have one down the street from me. The
house is selling and the person the handicapped person hasn't been there for three years. So, so the you know again this is you know they need to be revisited. Typically, they will come to our office and they have told us that they're
moving and that, you know, the handicap space is no longer needed. Other times, I have received phone calls, let's say either from a council member or from a neighbor in the area. And what I will typically will do, I will contact the
West RPD and they will do an investigation to make sure that they actually still live at that residence. And if they don't, they will get back to me and they will let me know and then I will basically do the uh deletion from the ordinance and then I'll bring it to
to the council for approval. >> Yeah. I don't want to hurt people that that it's truly for it's for, you know, people that are abusing something that is for people that are in need, which always aggravates me. All right. And
then my second question is on the next ordinance 2948. >> Okay. >> The 2020 208 Wong. And I'm always pleased to see that we're trying to help a business on on anywhere in town. Doesn't have to be just on uh in the downtown corridor. But question for you.
How many spaces are was this a what? I think this was a longer span. Is it just one 15-minute parking spot or are you doing a couple? there other businesses there. I was just trying to get a handle on because looking at the
um looking at the Google maps on it um looks like there's a you know it's it's like a kind spots. >> It's a shore uh length. It's about 60 ft. If you look at um the first page on the ordinance, it says beginning 57 ft
at the east of the Esesterly curved line of watchon Avenue and extending 60 ft. That's only for 60 feet. So figure if you have a car length that is about 20 feet long, which is the minimum. Figure you will have three spaces. >> Three spaces. Is that too many right
there? Or is there other businesses right there too? I didn't get a chance to drive by. I to just see the one. >> Well, this ordinance is basically an extension of the ordinance that we did last year at the Washington Street corridor. >> No, no, I know. We had it at the the on
the other side where there was more businesses. I just saw that one business there. No, there were a few. Okay. No, let's I just wanted to get a handle on I don't have to think about it. Thank you. >> Woman Williams had one more question. >> I I I had actually spoke to Director
Kabalo about my concerns. So, I do want to just state them publicly. Um I did ask again in the resolution she says that this was prompted by a business owner calling to create this additional
15minute parking zone. My concern is we don't have enforcement chief. Um, and if we just change the signage, what is that really doing if we don't have the manpower to go out and really do the enforcement? And I think we
should just be a little bit more patient. We have the dynamic parking study going on. Um, that's going to be something. And they may even come back and make additional re recommendations. I just think before we start doing these spot changes on parking, we need to have
maybe a collaborative discussion with the police department. Does it make sense to make this change? Are you going to be able to enforce the 15minute change, even if it is an extension of some of the uh changes that we've already made? Um, I just think that we
need to do it more holistically, if you will, and not just add a little bit more of a 15minute uh intervention when really there's not going to be any intervention. >> So, go ahead. >> Are you done?
>> Uh, I I totally agree with your point in regards to enforcement because we shouldn't pass any ordinance if we're not going to be able to enforce it. So, I'll deter to our our chief, but it is needed because people park there all day long and and these business owners, they
you know, they they survive on people coming in and out of course or especially those kind of situations. So, if it's not enforced, it it doesn't help to change to pay even pay for the sign, right? But if we are going to enforce then yeah I said we need to move forward
because we are going to move towards a townwide um hopefully change in parking across the board and enforcement is going to you know should be a regular >> thing. Um I think we do need to take a
fresh look at enforcement and maybe the chief would want to make a comment. Please come up. Well, this is for the 15minute ordinance on Washington Street. And of course, 15minute enforcement is going to be difficult at best. I can't station an
officer there to monitor it. The car is going to have to be marked. The tires will have to be marked and then the clock starts. If the officer is available and in service, obviously, they could check it and enforce it. But to say that's going to happen on a regular basis would be tough unless I
have personnel dedicated exactly to there which I do not at this time. >> If if if the c if that's the council's wishes that I you know deploy somebody there I will obviously but it's only going to be when they're available when it's feasible. >> Can the store owner just call and make
it maybe make a complaint? They can make the complaint again, but then the officer has to observe the vehicle there and go back 15 minutes later. And to say whether they're going to be in service or not and be able to go back to address that immediately is is going to be difficult at best because of all the other parking regulations and
enforcement that we do throughout the township. So to dedicate somebody there specifically is going to be difficult. Yes, >> I don't think we want to do that, but maybe just deal with the complaints as they come in and see how it goes, >> right? >> And give you a little grace, >> right? not make changes that we can't
enforce. I mean, again, we have to pay for the signage. It >> Yeah. Yeah. But it I I don't mind talking about this a little bit later. Um, you know, we're still about the meeting, but but my questions are answered. Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you, Chief Director.
>> Does anybody else have anything for Mrs. Fabalo? I'd like to see. >> So, council president, if I may, just I was remiss, you know, that was one of the questions that was asked was about the barking. So since we're on the topic of it, >> so Dynamics traffic study is still in in multiple phases and the director can
back me up on this. So we haven't So for us to look to start putting implementing a program, a parking permit program right now is premature. I would say that um um we need to get the data we just sent out the survey to our our Alphabet Street residents. We're looking to get
that data back. Um and I believe that's the 16th >> 16th, right? >> Yeah. If you could give us a timeline on this stuff, how are they meeting? So, and so, so we um so we're working on that and um and despite the frustrations of those who've been there for a long time, and we've heard that,
>> I think we're we're actually moving at a fairly um speedy analysis from from a government standpoint because nothing happens in government overnight. Um but over the last 10 months, we've had a we've had we've awarded the contract,
we've had results, we've had presentations. We're in now in this in another phase of gathering data. We have purchase date program and I don't know when the actual um when it's going to be delivered. I can I could ask the chief or he can follow up with me with that.
>> I don't want to put him on the spot tonight, but we did purchase that program. Um so we are in the process of moving forward and um so I would just caution that while it's important and we recognize that we really should make
sure that we have every piece of the of the of the puzzle there so that we can make a a a decision collectively. >> Um and and then and that would include ordinances and signage and things of that nature because and uh all the different discussions. I mean, one of the discussions we had in those meetings
was whether we do we do one-way streets or not. We need that information from the residents. You know, we have our opinions from our professionals, but we also have to listen to our community. So, there's a lot of things that we have to take into account other than just passing an ordinance. So, I would just
caution the council to give us a little more time to to try and get implement this program. That's so and >> yeah that would be fine if we could get a a a timeline with when the surveys are expected back >> well January 16th they're they're due
back January 16th and it's being directed through the engineering office under director Kavalo and um we sent it out to all the residents any resident who doesn't it's it's for the owners of the building um and if the owners do not receive it they can call directly to the
engineering office and we can we can make sure that we we get the um the document or the survey out to that >> and if we could get the delivery for the software and the expected implementation timeline >> I will ask the chief to follow up on >> yeah that will give us something that we
can say to the residents you know it's not going to be another year or so >> president can can you um elaborate on how that survey was disseminated >> um I'll let the director know >> so based on the meeting that we had with the residents last month a lot of them
approached me after the meeting um and they requested that a survey be conducted to find out how many permits will be needed by household. So there are multiple questions within the uh survey. One of them is the type of
dwelling. Is it a multif family? Is it commercial? Is it a business? Is it a single family? That's one of the questions. The second question I believe is the number of households within that dwelling and how many permits do they need per household.
>> Thank you. I was not really asking about this the details of the survey. I was just asking how did the residents get the survey? Did you >> the residents mail it? >> We mailed them. We asked the tax assessor's office to provide us with the list of the residents for each one of the property owners and each one of them
were delivered. >> And how were they supposed to return it? We provide them with envelopes are already stamped >> stamped and they have labels and all they have to do is just fold the survey and put it back in and give it back to us. We actually already have one. >> Is there anything up on the website that
on our township website to to tell people in that area just attention? Yes. >> Yes, it is. There is where is >> there is a letter and that's it's in there and I believe the letter was also posted by the uh mayor's office. Okay. The only thing I didn't post was the actual survey because I don't want any
blunders and wanting the information that is get back to us as possible. >> Thank you. >> Okay, great. So, if we could just get that timeline in place and the chief I saw him taking notes so that by the next meeting we'll be able to give the residents an idea of exactly what's happening. >> Well, we're going to wait. We're the
next meeting's on the 20th 16th. I think it's a Friday. So I will see if we can if we can't get it for you for that meeting, we'll get you that information as quickly >> and we'll let people know that we're doing we'reating that information. >> And as we speak every meeting, we we are working forward toward uh toward getting
a solution for the residents. This is not going away. you know, one of one of the uh uh recommendations, and this is going to be a cost item, and this is for the council's consideration, was do we if you want these 15-minute parking is uh enforcements, do we create a parking
agency or authority and that but there's an expense to that. So, so these are things that's why I said it's just not it's not just a simple let's put an ordinance together and and pass it. Let's let's collectively gather all the information, make the right decision, and move forward with it so that we can
we can say we did the best that we can with this. So, it may take it may take some time and some collaboration, but it's going to but we want to do it right. >> All right. Very good. Thank you. Okay. Um I go ahead. >> She answered that storm water maybe.
>> The storm water. Yes. The storm water question that uh Mr. Goldman had. So currently we're working with uh French and Pereella who is a consultant. Um they're actually working in collecting the data that is needed to be in compliance with u the last set of rules.
Um hopefully they could finish that within the next six months or so and then eventually we coming back to the council with another resolution for task B, C, and D that are required that needs to be submitted to the EP I would believe by
the end of next year. Okay, great. Okay, thank you for moving forward so quickly on everything. Is there anything else or can council >> president? Yeah, and the storm water actually just so we're bringing it will be a discussion later that is going to be the responsibility of the DPW director. So we we need to get somebody in place to get storm water management
under control. >> Okay, great. >> All right, thank you Miss Carbalo. Get some seat. >> Thank you. >> Have a good night everybody. Okay. Thank you. >> Um at this time I just wanted to ask my
council colleagues I think um going into our executive session would be a good idea uh because there are a lot of ordinances and resolutions that have to do you know motion to >> Before we do that council president um so we had a late addition because we we
did I was asked to um bring an applicant in >> um but in order to do so and I I'll let Mr. pastor uh discuss it but we I think I believe we have to add that to the the executive session agenda. >> Can we do that? >> So yeah, so it's a matter of contract
negotiation uh and I think uh given the council and the administration's priority uh on some of these issues uh where superintendent is necessary uh it's appropriate to add uh discussion of uh DPW superintendent contract to the
close session agenda. >> I'll make a motion. I'll make a motion to add that to the executive session. >> I'll second it. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Um second >> amendment >> and Okay. Councilwoman Castelino,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Ruden, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Councilman Kroak, >> yes. >> Council President Scarpa, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries. >> I'm move to go into executive session. >> Second.
>> Okay. Uh all in favor. >> Any opposed? >> All right. The motion carries. >> So we actually feeling better for that. >> I did. >> Yeah, I second. That's not
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, West Orange, for your patience. As you can see, uh council is back from executive session and in council chambers. And at this time, I'd like to turn the meeting over to our council president. >> Okay. Thank you. We're back. Okay. Going
to make the motion to uh take some >> I move to adjourn from executive session. >> I second. >> Okay. And to proceed with our public meeting. >> Uh all in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay. The motion carries.
And let the record show that Councilwoman Ruden um has left the meeting. >> Yeah, she had a late Yeah, she had to leave. >> All right, let's get to our resolutions. >> Um, anybody want table? >> Yeah. Hold on.
>> So, first, are any resolutions being pulled this evening? >> So, we're going to pull 426 >> 326 >> and 426 >> and 1726 >> and 1726. Yes.
>> Okay. >> Are any other ones? No, >> there's three. There's three, >> four, >> three, four, and 17. >> 177. >> Yeah, I go with everything. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?
>> I make a motion. >> Consent. >> Okay. All in favor? >> Any opposed? The consent agenda is implemented. >> Um, okay. So, resolution 3-26. >> Excuse me. Excuse me. Uh, madame clerk.
We never read the petitions and the communications and bids and we didn't even approve the bill list. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I apologize. >> Um, >> thank you. >> Yeah. All right. I'm sorry. I'm rushing through this. >> Getting late. >> Yeah, it is getting late. Okay. So,
>> out of order, so >> All right. Do we You want to just go through each one and consent it? >> Yeah, sure. >> Okay. So, approval of minutes of previous meeting, none. Report of township officers, none. Reading of petitions and communications and bids, request for qualification for
professional services, OPAC and Crystal Lake improvements and structural improvements at OPAC. >> Uh consent, but I have a question. >> Okay. The struct um Oh, Mr. Smile does maybe Mr. Tatiniac could answer. So, the
structural improvements um at OPAC, do we have um I guess could we get a copy what's being asked for that or that's up online? I I'm just trying to determine what are we like looking to do up there with that
grant money. >> Um so, we do have a plan. Sorry, we do have a plan. Um, we can have the engineer send uh the specs over of the improvements are are really to like the
stage and the lighting and and some of the structures over there. Bleachers um like a po a permanent bleacher setup. Uh so we got away from sort of focusing on the trail uh around Crystal Lake and
it's it's now focused on the performing arts center >> fishing docks. Did we limit the fishing docks there? >> We did not include the fishing docks. I think after we got um feedback from the community, especially the the private
community right there, I think we moved away from the fishing dock. >> Excellent. So, I had a question and and you don't have to answer it tonight. >> So, when I was looking at the survey of the walking trail that we were going to do, and I know part of it needed to be
fixed, >> wasn't part of that trail on the developer property >> and couldn't they be fixing that part of the property? >> That I don't know. I I could not answer you accurately. >> You could find out and
>> yeah, we'll we'll ask uh the engineer. Okay. >> Okay. >> And so what what are we approving tonight? The uh reading the >> and the Crystal Lake improvements. We're approving that tonight. >> Well, no, no, we're not. We're just consenting. They let us know they put it
out the bit. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Yeah. Cuz we we we originally bid this out as one big project and we didn't get any bites from from uh contractors. So, uh, our engineers split the project up, um, to
make it so that, you know, one vendor who specializes in this particular thing, like stage lighting would bid it and then another vendor that was more a general contractor would bid. >> Yeah. Sure. >> As it was together, it was probably just too complex for for one contractor. So,
we we just didn't get any bites. >> And and so, I'm going back to the fishing docks. We we're not doing any now and >> I don't think so. Um just based on my conversations, I I think we we took that out. >> What are we doing? Yeah. >> Right. Because I thought I thought the
the concern that I heard was that six was too many, but not that we shouldn't do any. >> Yeah, we should have some. >> We should have some, but not six. >> Well, we'll I'll circulate the the specs. Uh yeah, I was under the impression we weren't going to do it based on the feedback, but
>> um we'll we'll circulate. >> The community members too don't want us to really see that they >> they didn't want No, that's not true. They did not want six. >> Six was overdue. >> They just didn't want one on the side of where the their property was. That's why I looked at the survey to see how close they were. And I
noticed, I don't know why, but when the land was divvied up many years ago, that we should have had more of a buffer from the lake that would have been our property and was given to the developer. So that that was disappointing. >> Okay. Well, we take a look at that.
>> All right. So, >> the bill list, are there any questions on the bills? >> And then resolutions. We already pulled we go to our also through them. >> Okay. Uh resolution 3-26
resolution authorizing agreement with uh Matthew Fuel, chief of police. >> I believe the council was going to table. >> Okay. So, is there a motion to table? >> So, move. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> A second.
>> Thank you. Um Okay. Councilwoman Castelino. Uh, yes. >> Councilwoman Scarpa, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Councilman Koviaak, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries to table. >> If if I could on 226, I know we amended
226 previous to going into >> executive session. Did we approve the resolution prior to going into executive session? Okay, thank you. >> Okay. Uh 426 is resolution authorizing an agreement with Kevin Delgower, Deputy
Chief of Police. Is there a motion to table? >> Yes. >> Second. >> I'll second it. Thank you. >> Councilwoman Castelino. >> Uh yes. >> Councilwoman Scarpa. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Williams. Yes. >> Council President, I'm sorry. Councilman
Koviaak. >> Going to have to get used to that down. The motion carries. Um, and then resolution 17-26, appointment of a Department of Public Works director. >> Motion to table. >> A second. Thank you.
>> Councilwoman Castelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Councilman Koviaak, >> yes. >> Council President Scarpa, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries. Now we're on to ordinances on first reading. 2947-26,
an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 7 traffic subsection 7-32.2 restricted parking zones of the revised general ordinances of the township of West Orange. >> I move to adopt introduce on first reading.
>> I'll second. Um, okay. Hold on a minute. I'm sorry. I just have to Okay. Uh, sorry about that. Councilwoman Castelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> yes. >> Councilman Kovia, >> yes.
>> Council President, the motion carries. Okay. 2948-26, an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 7, traffic subsection 7-10.1, stopping or standing prohibited during certain hours on certain streets. and
7-14.3 parking time limited on certain streets during certain hours of certain days of the revised general ordinances of West Orange. Is there a motion to approve on first uh to introduce on first reading? Thank you.
>> Councilwoman Castelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Williams, >> no. >> Councilman Koviaak, >> yes. >> Council President Scarpa, >> yes. >> Okay, the motion carries. Okay. No. All right. And pending matters, new
matters, council discussion. >> Yeah. There was one important matter that um our council had brought up that we had been talking about expediting our meetings, trying to end at 11:00. And I think what we need to do um I'd like
everybody's opinion is to have public comment on agenda items only so that we can get through this important work we have to do that requires our brain at a reasonable hour because it's been ridiculous trying to do complex things
in the wee hours of the evening. We can then at the end of our meeting have uh public comment for anyone on items that are other than those on the agenda. But the I think we need to have public comment at 7:00 just on the agenda items
so that we can get through it while we're all co in a coherent state of mind. Um, I think we've tried that before and I think that's been an experience once we no longer allow public comment on Zoom and I think we have to be
respectful of our residents and our meetings are very long. Um, you know, I think there are some different strategies in limiting public comment. You indicated that you're in favor of giving people an opportunity to talk a little bit longer if they need to. I've
always supported the reduction of public comment to 3 minutes, which is common in the majority of our municipalities. And I think you should be able to get your comments out in that 3minut time period. And I think then that would give
residents an opportunity to be here at 7:00. Um, you know, if we're not going to allow them to participate during Zoom, I think it's unreasonable for we us to expect residents are going to be here until 11:00 or 12:00 at night. And if we can't commit to getting out, then
it's not fair for for us to expect them to be here. It's our responsibility. We're elected. We just want our citizens to engage. >> I don't agree because a lot of our um a lot a lot of our issues are very complex and require more than a threeminut
response, particularly the things that are on our agenda which we really want to hear about. Um, I think if it's important enough, people can wait till the end of our meeting or they can come to council connection, which we're going to be advertising a little bit more, or
to the mayor's office hours, or they can email us. And I have said to residents, if you have something really important to say and you can't come, particularly our seniors, that I will even read your course your your correspondence. So, I think there's ample opportunity for
participation. >> Thank you, Council President. Um so where I've always felt three minutes is ample time. I've been you know outvoted on many occasion. Um so I don't think you know this council is going to
support that. That's number one. um many many years ago um I implemented and they've been doing it at the school board where um you go to a board of ed meeting and you you get the chance to speak on public uh on the agenda and
then if you have any other matters it comes after they pass the agenda and they've been doing that for almost 20 years now. Um, so to implement that here, we did try that a couple months ago uh the summer when count when I had
the one evening as council president and and council president was away and um but we you got to you got to announce it to folks. So I wouldn't just do it next time if we all in agreement that we should move in that direction. I think
it has to be noted. It should be on the agenda because people shouldn't feel that >> it would be on the agenda. Yeah, >> that it would Okay. But no, but I think it needs like a little Facebook post or something so people know that we're, >> you know, so I think people have to know that it changed so they're not rushing
here to get here at 7 and then they're upset because they want to come with us with another matter, right? >> Um it also does give people two opportunities to speak. So, um, you know, we we could see how that well, even three, cuz if you're talking about an ordinance on second reading, which
most people don't stick around for, but I think we have to try something different because again, here it is. Uh, it's quarter to 12 public comment. Um, wasn't over until what almost 9:00 8:30 >> 8.
>> No, it was later 8:30. >> Yeah. If I can if I can. Okay. I said tonight Tonight was Tonight was earlier but the last meeting it was 10 o'clock. >> Last night was unusual you know it was 10 No last meeting was 10 o'clock.
>> Make an observation. >> Yes. >> I don't think you'll have a problem with your concern about public engagement and participation. If you take your executive session matters after do do your actual agenda whatever your consent
agenda is. adopt your ordinances, introduce them, >> and then >> let folks give their >> general comment >> and then do executive session after all that and come and and we we'll announce >> that uh action may be taken after executive session. Anybody that wants to
hang around can >> most won't, right? >> And then you come out and do whatever you had to discuss in an executive session. >> That sounds very reasonable. >> And that will probably alleviate all of the concerns. >> Okay. Thank you. because we do do get an extra meeting with the council
connections. >> Uh it's going to be monthly >> and and we get emails all the time. So I I >> the mayor has an office house. >> Well, they want to talk to us. That's why they come here. No, no, you know, nothing against the mayor, but they want
to come talk to us. So, right, >> they have another opportunity here, too. So, I am for changing the format because we have to do something different. It's these meetings are ridiculous that they go this late. Council Moviac. >> Uh, thanks for asking. I I think a major
element of this is that basically we as council people talk too much. We debate things to death. We don't call votes. We We just came out of an executive session where we were in there for two and a
half hours and then we came out and tabled the three uh resolutions that we went in there to talk about. So, how efficient and effective is that? I think we really need to commit as a council to
really trying to cut how much we talk about this stuff. It's just uh it it's just takes too long. And that's something that we that would require us to to regulate ourselves and we've got to start calling votes and we've got to
cut debate because it's this is just it's just crazy. It's just crazy. And I don't feel like we need to do that on the backs of the people we work for who are guaranteed under our first amendment that they can come to their uh elected
officials and and uh make their case. So that's that's my feeling. >> But they're still able to make their case. They just >> they just have to wait a little till we get through our business. >> And if we do streamline our business by having more executive meetings as the
mayor has suggested, and and and interacting more and communicating more, you know, on matters that are important and and I think that we will be able to have a reasonable time frame where the public will be able
to speak. We'll get out of here. >> Do you want to is that I'd like to I'd like to make a motion to vote. >> Okay. >> So, let's track the data. Let's track how many people are here. Let's track how long the public comment works, how long it takes. And then the second, if
that's what you're talking about, second public comment, let let's see, cuz I think we're going to greatly impact the number of people who wait around for us to finish so that they can talk about something that's of concern. They think it's of concern to our government. Uh,
but they're not going to wait around for three or four hours. >> We could always we could always amend this if it's not working and we get a lot of complaints from the public. So, let's try it. So right now what we would need to do is vote to put this on the next agenda. So is there is there a recommendation
for this to this is pending matters new business. So if we want to make that change then it has to go on the next agenda and we need the vote here to get it on the next agenda. >> That's something that the council president should >> there's actually an ordinance that reads the five minute
>> limit and and some of the other issues. So, I think it would require two readings, ordinance, uh, introduction, second reading, comment, etc. So, >> um, >> but wouldn't we need to vote to get it on for the ordinance change? >> Yeah, you. So, I'll I'll speak to Mr.
Samano about having uh something ready for introduction at the second January meeting. >> Okay, great. >> And I mean, it's very simple ordinance. It's not going to require a lot of words smithing. >> If there's if there's enough >> Let me just make sure I've got it straight. We're going to reduce each public comment. We're not going to
reduce public comment. We're just going to take five minutes. >> We're going to go five minutes. We're just going to take public comment on the agenda items only in the beginning. >> Five minutes on general comment. >> The five minutes on everything. >> Good. That's the time. That's 10 minutes.
>> And it's the public comment. The five minutes is on everything and public comment is on agenda items only until we get through our agenda. Then when we get through our agenda and we've done our work, we can have public comment on anything else. And that's a disservice to every resident who lives in this
town. >> I I don't believe so because most people come here to talk about agenda items. It's not true. >> No, it's not true. But the majority of people come I truthfully I we could I still think it should be three minutes. >> I want the three minutes as well. Do we
have support for three minutes? >> No way. >> That's one vote. Do we have support for three minutes? >> I don't support three minutes. >> Yeah. And I know the councilwoman um >> Ruden does not support that. Yeah, it suggested we campaigned on it. We try to determine a metric that shows how much
time we as council people spend discussing the agenda items and we need to track I guess maybe on a per resolution or per ordinance uh timetable how much time we're spending talking about this stuff. Well, I'm not
>> because if we just let's start just a second. If >> if we make this change, but we continue to have two and a half hour uh executive sessions and and and take all the other time to that we that we take to get through the agenda, it we're not going
to make much of a dent and we're just going to inconvenience people who >> and we've now just given people with if this ordinance passes 10 minutes to talk instead of five minutes to talk. >> No, they can't talk twice. They could still No, no, no, no, no. They >> That's why I suggested three minutes
because it'll be three minutes on agenda items and three minutes on >> the agenda items take more that are complex take more than three minutes to the council president always have the the pleasure of giving someone extra time. >> No, I I can't I wouldn't go.
>> So now you just extended public comment for every resident to 10 minutes. >> That's right. And I don't mind waiting here till 12 till hours a night if I'm just listening to commentary. But when I have to get the work done and we have complex items that by fire brain work. I want to be able to think and I want that done by >> but you're not being fair to residents
because 11:00 is probably going to be the earliest time that we're going to get through agenda items when we start having business. This is a very light beginning of the year reorganization meeting with a few ordinances. Normally, we have anywhere in excess of 20
resolutions and maybe 5 to 10 ordinances, >> but we should be focused on the business. And there's other ways for them to contact us if they don't want to stay. And hopefully, we're going to streamline our meeting. So, we're going to be done before 11:00 with the with the work. >> And madam council president, if I can just make one more comment, you can
always on any topic call for a vote on the question and then debate under Robert's rules. there is a mechanism to do that that I haven't seen exercised in this body. So, >> we did it last meeting. >> All right. Well, I want to hear about that.
>> But yeah, I mean that's you know the self-regulation that Councilman Koviaak mentioned uh is there's a a mechanism for that. So, >> yeah. Yeah. And then and when I did have a conversation with the mayor too, we said we're going to do more short executive sessions to so that we all
have the information we need so this doesn't go on. Part of it is a lack of communications. We don't have all the information so we're going on forever. And I'm hoping to streamline that. And I would like to see us do those executive sessions maybe in in lie of a conference
agenda. I don't think we need to do the conference agendas that we do every single meeting. Some of those meetings should be executive sessions, maybe, you know, quarterly or when it's appropriate, we invite the kids in, but we don't have to take the 6:30 to 7:00 and just talk about various things that
are going on in town. I don't know how anybody feels about that, but I think some I think that would be an executive session would be a better use of time. >> We don't always need an executive session. >> Well, when we do, >> but we can't we can't say that it. So again, even when we're in executive
session and I understand self-regulating, but we also have to have discussion and I don't believe that we as the governing body should not have ample opportunity to view and discuss because a lot of times we make
conversation and it may change the way I vote just listening to you all. So again, we can't sit here and say we're going to have a 30 minute executive session when it may take longer than that. >> It's it's just not practical.
>> Yes. >> One one last thought. I I think we should try the >> because tonight was a bad example >> because of you know obviously we can't talk about we did in close session but that's just I think was tonight
>> that was the cons. Yeah. So, I think as we move forward with our new attorneys and we get into they're kind of known where what what our needs are and and how to work it out with administration. I think you know those executive
sessions are going to either be far further and fewer between and or we may have just a separate work meeting. Um and hopefully we could regulate these meetings much better. But I again I I mean if it's done correctly, you know,
people get up, boom, they're done. They're going to ask their questions about the agenda. Just going to be agenda items. I think the first part of the meeting is going to go pretty quick. >> I think so. >> Where then the public comment can come up. I just don't
>> what >> I think you should give it a shot. people come and they ask their question and because they know it's on Zoom and we're going to respond right away, they don't necessarily stay home, I mean stay here and listen to our responses. They
can catch it on the internet. Um but again, for a resident to have to come when they want to communicate something to us, this is an open public meeting. You know, the fact that we're doing other meetings is fine, but that's not
on the record. So, when they come and they talk to us at our little council sessions, we can't make a vote. We can't debate publicly. The public isn't experiencing and seeing our debate. That's why we have an open public meeting. So, I just don't feel that it's
fair to have the public have to stay here on to voice their concerns to us on the record. Okay. So, are we all going to make a commitment to shorten things up? Because, for example, tonight, you know,
we all talk. I'm guilty of trying to get I I haven't I've been trying to keep my comments shorter, >> trying to address the public as a whole and hitting certain points because they were hit with other council members. Um, are we all going to make a commitment to
talk less? >> I think we should. Well, I've suggested in the past if we're going to give the public a time limit, we give our own selves a time limit. So, I think, you know, if we're going to limit the public and say that they only have five minutes, then why can't we give ourselves
>> Councilman Koviac? >> I call the vote. >> Okay. There's no vote to call. >> Yeah. We're going to put it on. >> Yeah. There was a motion to revise the ordinance the way it's being discussed. I have a general comment will take place after the public agenda is complete.
Five minute public comment on agenda items. Five minute public comment for general matters by any resident, any individual resident. >> All right. Who made the motion? Because I didn't >> I didn't >> I'll make the motion. >> Okay. I'll second it. >> Okay.
>> Councilwoman Castelino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Hold on a minute. Let me get Councilwoman Williams. >> No. >> Councilman Koviaak. >> No. >> Council President Sparka. >> Yes. >> All right. Motion fails.
You could bring up again if if you know you have the support of counciloman. >> See how councilwoman Ruden feels. >> Okay. If we have to, we'll do it again. >> I'd like to. It's midnight. I'd like to >> Are there any other matters to discuss? >> No. >> Okay. There's no ABC hearing. So, is
there a motion to adjurnn? >> I'll make a motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All in favor? Any opposed? >> Okay. The meeting is adjourned. Good night, West Orange. >> Good night, West Orange. >> Good night. Good night. Anybody still here? >> Us.
>> All right, >> Joe. Thank you for this. >> Yes. Thank you, Joe. That was really nice. >> Joyce was here. She thank you for both gifts. >> Hold on. Hold on. >> Yes. Yeah. I'm going