for something for our young um audience here. We are just waiting for 7:00 to be and it's 7:00 so we can start the meeting. >> We are. >> Are we ready? >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. I call to order um the council business session of June 8th. Roll call, please.
Charles, >> here. >> Dawas, >> here. Gvers >> here. >> Mandel >> here. >> Weiss >> here. >> Are we um adequately noticed? Yes, this meeting was adequately noticed on January 23rd, 2026 to the Times in the Princeton packet filed with the municipal clerk and posted here at the
municipal building and on the township website. Please stand for the salute to the flag. Okay. >> Madame President, I would like to add a resolution on to the agenda this evening. It's going to be resolution 2026-R125.
Uh this resolution is going to be the approval of the hotel motel liquor license renewal for 2026 and 2027 for BLG West Windsor LLC. Uh this license number 1113-36-19-00001 um at the advisement of the Alcohol
Beverage Control Commission. this um license will need a separate resolution to be renewed and >> and we are revising the um the resolution R120 accordingly. Right. >> Correct. I will be revising I had revised already the uh 2026-R120
with the elimination of the BLG West LLC license only. >> All right. Okay. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Right. we move uh before we move on to our proclamations, I would like to um recognize some of the elected officials
in the on the audience. I will start with um if you are still here, please raise yourself so our young audience can um recognize who you are. Mike Stevens, our former Westminster council member.
You will also see he's wearing a Westeror Plainsboro robotics cap because he's he was very involved with it, right? Um before u Miss Lucy Walter, Mercer County Commissioner, she's present.
>> We have um Diane Gerowski, our county surrogate. I have >> I did see um Jen Keys Maloney here a little before. Um she is the Euing Council member >> on her way back.
>> She is on her way back. She I did see her briefly earlier and I'm told Jennifer Williams or Trenton council member should be present as well but I don't see her yet. Um >> oh there she Jennifer Williams right in time. We will just announce it our
council member from Chen. >> So I just want to take the opportunity to thank all our officials to come to this event today. Um we had a great robotics expo in the hallway right before we um are starting our meeting
here. So thank you for all um our young um robotics engineers. Congratulations for whatever you have been doing. I'm really really very um proud parent and a council member to see our
young generation here. We're going to go um start with um recognizing our robotics teams. Andrea is going to read the proclamation. >> Okay, we'll read the proclamation once and then u members of council and the mayor will get up and uh give individual
proclamations to each of the teams. So, thanks for staying. Um whereas First Robotics was started in 1992 to provide a program where young people could be inspired to be science and technology leaders and innovators. And whereas
First Robotics is a sport for the mind that encourages teamwork and strong competition while practicing cooperation by helping others and gracious professionalism by treating opponents and teammates alike with respect. Whereas First Robotics has developed
into a worldwide competition of robotics teams from many nations with over 900,000 students competing in different levels of competition. And whereas the first season culminates in a world championships where about 1100 teams come together in 2026 to compete with
the best of the best in FRC, First Robotics Competition, FTC First Tech Challenge, and LL First Lego League divisions. Whereas West Windsor applauds its many first robotics teams at all levels for many years, including a strong West Windsor Plainsboro school
system robotics program, a longstanding West Windsor Plains Girl Scout program, and many private teams. And whereas West Windsor Township wishes to congratulate and honor the West Windsor teams who qualified for the 2026 first world and
regional or state championships. Now therefore, be it resolved, Mayor Heimmont Marathi, and members of the Township Council hereby recognize the following West Windsor teams. Midnight Inventors, Cool Name Pending, who went to the World Championships, Don't Blink,
Alpine Robotics, Squishy Sharks, and Cyber Dragons for their outstanding performance in First Robotics as participants in the 2026 FIRST Robotics World Championships. Thank you. So, what we are going to do
now is um I invite mayor and council on the floor. We're going to invite one team at a time up front so we can give you the proclamation. We can take pictures and then we can take a seat and continue with the meeting. Before we do that, I want to embarrass our mayor by
wishing him a very happy birthday. Let's start with um the midnight inventors if I can invite night in inventors up front here. Um so just a little uh something about midnight inventors. Their robot name is
Eclipse. The team number is a FRC1923. The coaches are Libby Cam and Thomas Fod. Um, this team is our school district's Westminster Plainsboro School District's high school north and south team. The highest level of competition
or awards they have achieved is they have gone to Mid-Atlantic FRC Championship. They have um they are the Robinsville districts winner. um they went on to um getting the SAK District Engineering Inspiration Award and they
are also the finalist for the Mid-Atlantic leadership. So that's a great achievement. >> Can I just line so we can take a picture? >> Taller people in the back. And who's the
leader? the proclamation. >> There you go. >> All right. And we don't. >> All right. Congratulations everyone. pool name pending >> there. Um the robot name for cool name
pending is Snoopy. The team member number is FTC 30439. Um their coaches are Mala Patakbhat and Ravi Bhat. And um they are they went on to Okay, these are our world
championship level. They went to Houston couple weeks ago to for world championship. They got the first place connect at worlds leadership finalist. They also received the first place inspire NJ Eight.
Don't blink. Come on up. So, I'm honored to present this proclamation to FTC team 14481, don't blink. Uh, they have established themselves as one of the premier robotic teams in the region, earning recognitions not only for technical
excellence, but also for leadership, innovation, outreach, and teamwork. Among their many accomplishments over the years, this team won the first tech challenge worldwide competition in 2023. 2024 they had members of the dean list.
Uh they earned the prestigious divisional inspire award award at the world championships in 2025 and this year they continued uh by earning the 2026 sustain award at the New Jersey state championship recognizing this team's long-term impact and commitment
to excellence. These achievements reflect countless hours of hard work by the students, mentors, coaches, and families who support the team. So on behalf of the township council, congratulations to Don't Blink on an outstanding season and for representing
our community with excellence both on and off the competition field. Thank you. Okay. Um, the Alpine Robotics team. Well, I want to congratulate the Alpine Robotics team. Uh, their robot is called Olympus and their team number is
FTC25710. Their very dedicated and inspiring coach is Gita Mahajan. Uh, this group is affiliated with the neighborhood independent. Their highest level of competition was at the New Jersey state championship level, New Jersey State
Finals Parkway Division. Alpine Robotics received the Inspire 2 award. So, I just want to congratulate them, the coaches, and and all the parents here too for supporting your children in these these wonderful robotic um programs and
competitions. So, uh great work and congratulations. Ladies, squishy sharks is one in a long line of a girl scout teams above Franken here who helped start them. So I just want to point her out. Um, Squishy
Sharks robot is Jumbo Chararmmy and they are LL team 62 uh693 and their coach is Jashita and their um organization is of course West Windsor Plainsboro Cranberry Girl
Scouts. So yes, Squishy Squishy Sharks went to the North Jersey North regional. They've rebuilt their robots several times and they've won the robot design award. So, let's give it up
for the Squishy Sharks and All right, last but not least, we have the Cyber Dragons. If you could come on up. Uh, the Cyber Dragons are coached by Tim and Katherine Foley. Uh, their project name is the Cyber Tank. I don't know if anybody got a chance to see. They had an
indoor part of the exhibit and also the car outdoors. Uh it's outfitted with electricity, a whole kitchen, a bathroom so that an archaeologist could live uh in the car uh on site. So I I did ask if I could sleep in it uh you know myself or borrow it for camping, but they said
I wasn't allowed. But uh uh really cool exhibit. Um they've won several awards at the uh New Jersey North Regionals. Second place uh for robot performance last year, uh second place for robot design this year, and the referees award. And I understand they're heading to Massachusetts later this week for the
invited waffle tournament. So, good luck to to you there and congratulations. Right. Congratulations everyone. Um a slight change in the order of the ceremonial matters. Um we want our shade tree commission to um chair Helen Rankin
to give her presentation before um and then we will move on to mayor's address. Um you're more than welcome to stay um for the entire meeting but um if everybody is if anybody is planning to leave then I would like to take a five
minute recess so we can move on to the presentation and Helen can have the full attention of the room. Can't have preservation like this. Joey, >> you're more than welcome to take a seat and stay if you want to hear the shait
tree commission's presentation and mayor's address. But if you are leaving, please do not hang out in the hallway. There's some girls like >> they want to say Yes. behind. Okay. Sorry.
Mayor Dan congratulations ladies. >> Thank you so much. All right. Can I request everyone to settle down please so we can move on with the meeting?
>> All right, Helen, you're up. President, Vice President, >> your mic is not on. >> Just get a little close. Mayor, good evening. I am the current chair of the West Shady Tree
Commission. I come before you this evening to present a year in review of the outstanding work members of this commissioned in. I wish to acknledge my fellow commission members and community volunteers
vice chairl out. Thank you all for your many hours of dedication commission and in service to the passion not you have had an exceptional
which I will discuss. We remain concerned however that it has been built over one year as there remains. This evening, I respectfully ask the administration and the council
appoint that so that the township is consistent commission administratively and with Mrs. Cl's leadership right approval has posted on
the website to our fashion. We are not once or As CH commission is dedicated to this publication process as we have had so many
day celebration 2025 was a huge success and again included the local distribution of free and wild and Additionally, the shade tree commission
was present for the west community day at ran activity and distributed tree maint. Thank you. Consistent with the budget for the environmental commission those approxim
forest for the purchase of several trees for members to attend education conferences and most importantly for the purchase of trees. One of those trees of freedom in honor of General Marshall.
We hope to have a great sacrificed in January 1777. Just this afternoon, members of the tree location. Those trees will be planted in community
park. We invite all council members and the mayor to join us this Saturday at 8 a.m. help us plant those trees. This event is a wonderful effort on all we
delivering and two success stories include in 2025 shing proposing. Those enhancements include among other the establishment of a vice chair
position. Additionally, we haveed before the council many times additionally or I have presented before the council many times before my capacity as chair. Previously there was no require we should be accountability
actions. We thank you for your work in support of those during your discussions on the draft. However, member characterization of
the general chair come in front of council once a year. Secondly, council stroke out any activities which is a concern to the council activities already
in state regulation on shape and the guidance on replacing trees such as trees for etal The shipping of the phrase horicultural activities for the sh
may be for our conscious ability to support and healthy community. marked the first year of tree removal under the new chapter which was required by the state under
their storm water regulations. In 2024, our members were determined to develop a draft ordinance that was by all aging and implementing occupy bamboo.
The shry commission spent much of it studying and researching what across the state have implemented that invasive and aggressive since
there may now regardless members wrote and rebirth a logical administration to review. We strive as
the role model of others follow but our concernation problems and mechanisms to address those situations which could cause severe properticular does not hold up to
expensive cause at that time. administration changes today. I asked where is it? We are discouraged that the tree commission has been
removed from that office. We are concerned that they made it person. Therefore, the members of the commission respectfully ask this governing body for the SH commission once again
specifically administration and commission. He gave those young ladies extra Unfortunately, two things came out of that very neighborly destroy
another neighbor. Over the winter, I remaining bes only recently were they totally d by chipmunks when they transplanted them onto my spring.
It is the shry commission to use some of the fun will be made available again this year's budget purchase trees to replace the unhappy neighbor looking ahead. The shade tree commission
is very busy this year that must be submitted to the state. We already which will undergo major review this month and we anticipate scheduling comments. Thank you for your time and we hope to
join us. >> Thank you, Helen. Um, does anybody on council have any questions for Helen? No, but I I just like to say as the liaison to the Shady Tree Commission, um Helen and all the members um work very
very hard throughout the year, very diligent and and looking at the the laws, regulations, um and doing ordinance work to uh send it along to the administration and and eventually the council. So, I thank all of you for your hard work.
>> All right. Uh anybody else? Mayor. >> Yeah, I'm aware of the uh delay in the bamboo ordinance. uh due to certain retirements in township and certain seasonal items that we had to take care of it was delayed but I hope to get it.
There are number of people who came and uh commented on the bamboo ordinance. So we will get it to the council and you will like everybody else will have a opportunity to make comments and we have also hired a consultant to work uh on
the community um forest management plan and that also we will get your input and before we present it to the uh to the state. >> Okay. Anybody else? All right. Thank you Helen.
>> Right. Now we move on to mayor. You got the floor. >> Thanks. Um I mean before I start I just want clarification. Uh this um state of the township address was scheduled before
NBA scheduled game three tonight. So we didn't know that. If we knew and Linda has already threatened me if I speak too long she won't invite me to the watch party for game four. So I'll be very brief. She she needs a win after
heartbreak with Duke at NC2A. So uh thanks to Council President Sony Gawas and council members for your kind invitation to give my state of the township address. As I say every year I'm a Nike guy and follow the philosophy just do it and people will notice.
However, over the years, I have realized that it's equally important to communicate with the public, especially as our township has grown and new people move into town. Every year, I start by asking myself,
what am I going to talk about? I generally like to focus on practical things that are relevant to West Windsor and not give philosophical speeches. I started this year by going through my past speeches and soon soon realized how
some topics get old so quickly. For a change, I would like to start with my reflection on the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. I'm certain that in 1797, the founders of Wester in their wildest
dream could not have imagined what it looks like it today. When I visit Dutchneck World War II monument on Veterans Day, I am struck by the fact that there are 227 names of
Westminster residents engraved on the plaque, seven of which died in action. According to the 1940 census, the Westminster population at that time was only 2,160,
which means more than 10% of the population from this tiny town participate directly in the war with many more friends and relatives waiting anxiously for them back at home.
In his 1961 inaugural address, President Kennedy said, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." I'm sorry I can't do the Massachusetts
accent. He say it much better than I did. Sadly, over the past 65 years, we have focused less on the benefit to our country and more on the importance of the party. Both political parties have done their
utmost to divide us to their benefit. The founders of Westminster may not have imagined what it would look like in 2026, but I'm certain that they would be proud of how it has turned out. We are an
oasis in party politics surrounding us. I want to thank the West Windsor residents for their wisdom in keeping our township nonpartisan so elected officials can focus on what is important for the township.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we owe it to all who made the ultimate sacrifice to heed President Kennedy's challenge. Every day we must act in a way that
honors their sacrifice and puts country first. With those philosophical rambling thoughts out of the way, let me now address the practical things that are on the mind of Westside residents. Of course, the most important topic if
you ask anybody in town is the reopening of the Clarksville Road Bridge. The closure of the bridge is not our fault, but it's our responsibility. First, a little background, the bridge
is an orphan bridge on a county road. That means the company that built the bridge or railroad no longer exists. As such, NJ dot is responsible for inspection and maintenance of the bridge. NJ DOT called the county since it's a
county road on Halloween last year, October 31st, to inform them that their recent inspection found the bridge in extremely bad shape. They recommended closing the bridge on Monday, November 3rd, the day before mayoral and
gubernatorial election. Once I found out that the bridge was not safe, I insisted that they not wait for 2 days till Monday, but to close the bridge on Sunday, November second. The bridge has been closed since then.
The bridge closure has put tremendous pressure on business on Clarksville Road and residents who are facing detours and increased traffic on village and Alexander roads. Those roads are really taking a beating. Since November 3rd, we have been after
NG DOT to find a way to open the bridge as fast as possible. Unfortunately, the bridge closure happened at the most inopportune time during an outgoing governor's administration transition.
As such, the action of on reopening the bridge moved at a very slow pace until the new governor Mikey Cheryl was sworn in and more important the Senate committee confirmed our new NDOT commissioner Priya Jang.
Commissioner Jen called me immediately after a committee hearing even before the full CN confirmed her. I'm happy to say that both Commissioner Jen and Governor Cheryl realized the importance of the bridge to West Twinsson and are
committed to reopening it as soon as possible. When I met the governor at reception two weeks ago, I was happy when I mentioned to her the bridge, she didn't ask me which bridge. She knew exactly what I
was talking about. Commissioner Jin and NJ DOT have taken ownership of the problem. I'm happy to say that we have an equal partner, someone who can actually solve the problem. Keeping her promise, Miss Jen got her
entire team to Wester in this very room to discuss various options with us. In spite of various options presented, there was really only one realistic option. I would also like to give a shout out to
County Executive Benson, County Engineer Sunonny Muzafur and Director of County Office of Economic Development Anthony Caribelli. They have been equal partners in not only advocating for the bridge but also willing to commit resources to the
solution of the problem and help local businesses. When I spoke with the commissioner, I told her that the top priority of Westminer was to reopen the bridge as soon as possible, even if it meant
opening it in a limited capacity. Out of all the options that they presented, the only realistic option was to open the bridge as a single lane bridge, allowing traffic in one direction at a time by using a traffic light at both ends.
I want to thank Morser County because they are paying for the traffic light. NJ dot doesn't pay for lights. Both Commissioner Jin and our chief of staff Mr. Halarez are in constant communication with us. While the NJ dot
team was in Wester, they promised to work in parallel on various tracks to ensure work on reopening the bridge proceeds as fast as possible. They have kept their promise. According to the latest update that I received last
Friday, June 4th, NJ DOT team has almost finished the sight specific safety work plan for submission to Amtrak. Approval from Amtrak for the plan is required to proceed with actual repairs. Dealing with Amtrak has been a
challenge, but I'm happy to say that NJ dot is handling the challenge admirably. Simultaneously the design team is evaluating the traffic signal required to meet operational and safety requirement. It's a little challenging
um since it's not very visible. The road is not very straight. Meanwhile, on the construction side, fabrication of the bridge structural steel components is underway. Following mobilization earlier this spring, the contractor has begun work on the steel
elements that will form the bridg's supporting structure. Fabrication activities will continue in the coming weeks as materials are prepared for future installation. NJOT is working closely with all parties
involved including the contractor, the design team and Amtrak to keep things moving. They are committed to reopening the bridge on the promised timeline of 9 months which is by end of 2026.
I am encouraging them to overd deliver and open it earlier. The second aspect of the bridge I would like to comment on is the community and elected officials response. I'm very happy that many community
members jumped in to help not only the local businesses but to put pressure on state- elected officials to give attention to the bridge that it deserves. Sharon Lafor started a petition that gathered over 2,000 signatures to stress
importance of the bridge to elected officials. I mean it's not important not only to West Windsor but other people surrounding it. Hamilton Lawrence will east a lot of those peoples are affected too. Maya Kammed arranged a fundraiser for
send hunger packing that also benefited the affected businesses in village square mall. Many residents have patronized these businesses to help them stay afloat while we get the bridge open. I want to thank each one of you
who have helped and continue to help. That is what makes West Windsor a great community and a great town to live. On the elected officials side, every council member sitting here, Joe Charles, Sonia Agavas, Linda Jas, Andrea
Mandel, and Dan Weise contacted numerous elected officials vote at the state and federal level to ask for their active participation to move the project forward. I'll give a shout out to Senator Turner who has been most supportive not only on
this issue but every time we have reached out to her for help. I would like to acknowledge especially three council members Joe Charles, Sunnia and Andrea Mandel who went way above and beyond have done so much for the bridge and affected businesses. To
that end, sometimes they had friendly disagreement with me as whether I was pushing hard enough or need to yield a little longer. Trust me, they told me I'm very mild and not too many people tell me I'm mild when I'm in a disagreement.
Joe Charles has not only focused media's attention on the problem. He was the first one to get a TV station here but has also proactively looked at other bridges in Westminster to make sure that they don't suffer the same fate. Now I
jokingly say if I have a breach problem I don't have to ask Francis I can just call Joe. He has also personally helped affected businesses in the village square shopping center. Sonia Agawa and Andrea Mandel visited
the business owners almost immediately after the bridge closing to determine the impact. Later that month at the NJ League of Municipalities conference, they spoke with representatives from the NJ Economic Development Authority seeking their help. This was quickly
followed by a few meetings with Kathy Guzman and the team from the NJEDA small business section. Sunni and Andrea and the business owners effort resulted in several grants and aid through the state programs and I really want to thank uh
NJT ADA to for stepping up. They did come here several times and walked lot of uh businesses through the process of applying and getting for grants making them aware of grants and again some people who stepped up because
some of the businesses had a language problem. So it was really a community effort and I just want to thank everybody involved. They also brought in and worked with Anthony Carabelli, director of Mercer County Office of Economic Development. I'm happy to say that because of their
efforts, each business in the Village Square Shopping Center Plaza received a $10,000 grant from the county economic development office. And again, I want to stress how grateful the businesses are for the county to step up. um and follow
through and come through uh using the money they had left over. After evaluating the many issues stemming from the bridge closing, Sunni and Andrea decided to put all the required requests for ex expediting the bridge opening and aid together into one
unified request to the governor. Working with our township clerk, they introduced a resolution requesting a state emergency and put together a large packet for the governor. Even though the governor didn't uh
indicate declare a state of emergency, that was very useful in focusing attention of the governor and all the our legislators. That's one of the reason when I met the governor, she didn't ask me which bridge. She probably knew
these council members. Senator Turner and County Executive Benson are examples of what government should be a friend in need. The bridge outage was a low point for our town last year.
However, there were many many high points and let me briefly touch some of them. We have successfully managed to minimize the negative impact of round four obligation of the state's affordable housing mandate. We managed to reduce
the required number of new units by over 200 which will result in approximately 800 fewer new homes being built in Westminster. We still have some challenges left to deal with in the court but I'm confident
we will get immunity to 2035 if we follow the plan as we have presented to the court. Last year, we updated our website, making it easier to use and easier to report issues. We reactivated our social
media accounts so you can now keep in touch with what is happening through various means, our website, signing up for our email, our township's Facebook, Instagram or X or Twitter as it was known. Please use
whatever works for you to keep informed and communicate with the township. We continue to look for ways to make communication better, easier, and more effective. Thanks to efforts by our environmental commission, we were again re awarded the
highest level silver certification by sustainable Jersey. We continue to make every reasonable effort to be good stewards of the environment. Thanks to efforts by the shaitri commission, we were again recognized as tree city USA.
For the first time last year, we were recognized healthy town to watch by the mayor's wellness campaign. Councilwoman Sonia Gawas continues to work with our health department to make wellness a priority in our community. We continue to work in conjunction with
Westminster Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. Just last week, we did a trial striping on Fischer Place and Fairview Avenue to slow down and control traffic. We will continue to
monitor the effects of that effort. Police have so far installed nine license plate readers and four traffic cameras at various places in West Winds. At the last meeting, the council approved a firsttime partnership with
the homeowners association when estate at Penn Junction, the famous toll development, agreed to purchase cameras for their development and donate them to the township. It's a win-win arrangement as the camera specifically used for their development.
The maintenance and software of the camera is managed by the county and West Police have additional tools to improve security. I encourage all other homeowners associations to consider similar purchases.
Thanks to efforts by councilwoman Sonia Gawas, we are leaders in multimunicipality flood control and groundwater quality. working with the watershed institute. The institute held the first joint meeting represent
presenting the asumpic watershed plan right here in the council room in April and we were the first township to hold such a meeting. Andrea and with our engineering department continue to work with them on the upper millstone plan. I mean the flooding issue in west is not
solved is not going to be solved by just actions on our part. Every town which is contributing to the problem needs to do something and this is an effort to get everybody together and ask the state to do something about it.
Thanks to Melissa Hagar and send hunger packing for continuing to add little free pantries at various locations in Westminster including at the Westminster Municipal Center. Last year we completed the first phase of the one drive bypass and connected
Washington Road to Alexander Road currently through the New Jersey Transit parking lot. The effort to build a true bypass continues. On financial front, we maintained our AAA bond ratings and in spite of a
municipal tax increase this year, our total annual tax increase over the past 5 years is only 1.85%. Despite only receiving about 15% of your property taxes payments, which is about
$225 a month on average, Westminster continues to provide extensive services such as garbage and recycling pickup, snow clearance, police, fire and emergency services, parks and recreation, brush and leaf pickup,
street maintenance and sidewalk repairs, street lights, and many more. I can probably talk about positive things for a long time, but let me end up by pointing out that others recognize our success as well. Nich recognized
Princeton Junction as the best place to live in New Jersey. We have always ranked high in both New Jersey and nationwide ranking, but being number one is something special. This honor is important because we
didn't apply for it and we didn't even know that they were evaluating towns. This unsolicited compliment is the best recognition a township can get. We don't want to simply rely on past
achievements. So, here are some of the future attractions. The Cranberry Road sidewalk extension design contract was awarded on April 27th to Roberts Engineering. When completed in 2027, someone living in the new Avalon
development near the train station can now take the sidewalk to the trolley line trail along Rabbit Hill Road. We continue to enhance our sidewalk network in other parts of town. This year we continue to add flashing
beacons to selected crosswalks. These includes the beacon outside the schools that were approved last year plus additional one at Harrison Alexander intersection. That bid opening is scheduled for June 23rd. Now last year we didn't get any
bids. We are hoping we will get some this year. If successful bids are received, we expect the item to be on council agenda for approval at the July 13th council meeting. The bid opening for improvements for 19 township roads that was approved in the
budget is scheduled for June 30th. Again, these projects, if awarded, will start sometime in fall. We are in the process of engaging a firm to evaluate the entire root system in Westminster.
The analysis will rank each road based on the condition of the road using new analytical tools for better planning. Once the analysis is complete, the council has agreed to schedule discussion on how best to use funding
mechanism to fix the roads above and beyond what we currently do through our regular budget. We continue our program to install new street lights and make some make some lights brighter as needed.
Lastly, we continue to evaluate the services we provide and how best to improve them. During my budget address, I talked about how next few years are going to be challenging. So towards that end, we are trying to make an effort to
see if we can provide services better. So I made a proposal for new leaf and brush pickup policy to the council at the last council meeting. I'm happy to see that many people have sent in their input and I would encourage everybody to
continue sending their inputs. Uh that presentation and that proposed policy is available on our website. So anybody can go and look at it and give your input. You may not get 100% what you want, but I can assure you that every input will be considered and we will come up with
what works best for the township. When people ask me about Westminster, my answer always is, it has been a great town to raise my family and continues to be a great town. It doesn't happen because of one person,
but a collective effort of many groups and individuals. I would like to acknowledge everyone that makes West Windsor a great place to live. So, in no particular orders, members of all township committees and boards and members of outside
organizations such as FOAS historical society and WWBPA that work closely with the township. They are all volunteers and we appreciate their commitment. They all work for free. I see some young people here. So historical society is going to
put a a time capsule and they will open it in 50 years. So some of you will be around in 50 years. So just come back and see. Now I'm not joking. I was talking to historical society. He claims that there are two time capsules buried in Westminster but nobody knows where
they are. One outside Dutchneck and one outside Morisog. That's what at least he thinks. But nobody knows they are. I won't be around. many of you will be around. So keep an eye, know where it's buried, come back in 50 years and see
how much of it uh predicted came true. Uh the members of our volunteer fire companies, Westminster Volunteer Fire Company and Princeton Junction Fire Company, together with our paid firefighters and our police and EMTs, they make Westminster a safe place to
live. All townships start starting with Maria Amarina as our business administrator. They are professional and know their craft. Their commitment to the township and the residents make things easier for me.
All the council members past and present, I'm aware that often I annoy them, but they continue to work with me in a cooperative manner. And trust me, I do annoy them. We don't always agree on
solutions or especially the speed of implementation, but we figure out a way to work together for the betterment of Westminson. Lastly, all the residents of Westmin Swinson and especially all of you you who thought it was worthwhile to listen
to me and waited for 20 minutes. Your contribution is invaluable in making Westwinson the envy of every community. It has been an honor being the mayor of Westwins. Thank you for extending me that honor. I
will always be grateful to you. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Right. We move on to our last proclamation of the night, the Pride Month proclamation. I request um Council Member Dan Weiss to read the proclamation.
>> Thank you. Uh and thank you, Mayor, for your remarks. Uh tonight, Westminster recognizes Pride Month for the third consecutive year here in a community that prides itself on diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
That recognition matters. Three years might not sound like a long time, but traditions begin somewhere. And what first started has now become part of how our community chooses to recognize, celebrate, and affirm the
people who call West Windsor their home. Pride is a celebration of authenticity, resilience, love, family, friendship, and community. It is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ
plus people who have helped shape our township, our state, and our nation. But pride is more than a celebration. It is also a reminder of history. A reminder that many of the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ people enjoy today
were hard fought and won. And a reminder that there were generations of people who face discrimination, exclusion, harassment, and rejection simply because of who they were. And it is a reminder that progress is
not inevitable and should never be taken for granted. As many of you know, I am the first openly gay person elected to the West Windsor Township Council and one of only a small number of openly LGBTQ plus elected officials in all of Mercer
County. That is something that I carry with gratitude, but also with responsibility. Not because my experience is unique, but because representation matters. When I was growing up, I didn't see many openly LGBTQ plus leaders. There were
very few examples that showed young people like me that we belonged in every part of community life. Visibility matters. It matters because people cannot aspire to what they never see. It matters because people who have wondered
whether there is room for them in civic life deserve to know that there is. So, I hope my service helps make that room feel a little bit more real for others. Over the past year, I've had the privilege of speaking with students throughout our community, including
members of the GSA clubs in our schools. Again and again, I hear thoughtful questions about identity, belonging, and the future. Many of these young people are paying close attention to what is happening around the country. They see debates about LGBTQ plus rights. They
hear rhetoric that questions whether people like them should be visible, accepted, or protected. They hear messages suggesting that words like diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, empathy, and social emotional learning
are things to fear rather than values to embrace. And that can be frightening. What I want those young people to know is that they are not alone. They belong in our schools. They belong in our
community. They belong in public life. And they are not a problem to be solved. And they are not a debate to be won. They are young people who deserve the same opportunity as every other child to learn, grow, and discover who they are. And they deserve the same dignity,
respect, and opportunity as every other person. Here in New Jersey, we are fortunate to have very strong civil rights and anti-discrimination protections. And those protections matter. They provide important safeguards for LGBTQ plus residents and their families. But belonging is more
about is is about more than just laws. Belonging is the feeling that you are welcomed, valued, respected, and able to be yourself without fear. It is something we create together through our actions, our words, and the communities
we build. That is why pride continues to matter. Not because it is about one group alone, but because it reflects a broader principle that every person deserves the opportunity to live authentically and participate fully in community life. West Windsor has long been defined by its diversity. People
from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, faiths, and life experiences have come together to build something special here. Tonight's proclamation is a recognition of that reality and an affirmation of those values. So, as we celebrate Pride
Month, let us recommmit ourselves to building a community where everyone feels safe, where everyone feels respected, where everyone feels supported, and where everyone truly feels that they belong. Because belonging is not merely about welcoming being welcomed into a community. It is
about knowing that your presence makes more makes your community stronger. And when people feel that they belong, they are free to learn, to grow, to contribute, and to become the fullest version of themselves. So, thank you for
listening to me and happy pride. Our proclamation is as follows. Whereas this nation was founded on the principle that every individual was born free and equal in dignity and rights. And the mayor and council of the township of West Windsor calls upon the people of this
municipality to embrace this principle and work to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists. And whereas while society at large increasingly supports LGBTQ plus equality, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end
discrimination and prejudice. And whereas LGBTQ plus individuals have had immeasurable impact to the cultural, civic, and economic success of our country, our state, and our town. June is celebrated as pride month on the na n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
nation, state and county level and local level throughout the United States. Whereas the township of West Windsor is committed to supporting visibility, dignity, and equality for LGBTQ plus people in our diverse community. And whereas celebrating Pride Month
influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for West Windsor's LGBTQ plus community and is an opportunity to take action and engage in dialogue to strengthen alliances, build acceptance, and advance equal rights.
Whereas West Windsor Township joins the state of New Jersey and the county of Mercer in honoring the history of LGBTQ plus liberation movement in supporting the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination. Now therefore be it resolved that the
mayor and township council of the township of West Windsor hereby recognizes and proclaims the month of June 2026 as Pride Month in support of the LGBTQ plus community. Thank you so much. Okay, we move on to our first
opportunity of public comments. It's a 30 minutes comment period for 3 minute limit per person. Um I um request pe uh residents who are giving their public comments to please um give us your name
and address before your comments. Allison, do we have anybody on the list? I do not have anyone on the list. Um anybody in the audience who would like to speak up, please come up to the microphone. Start by giving your name and address.
Is that on? >> It should be. >> It should be on. It should be a little closer to it. >> Yeah, there you go. >> Yeah, it's on. >> Perfect. >> Okay. Um, my name is Mla and I'll be representing Don't Blink. >> Could you also give your address, please? >> Um, my personal one or where don't Blink
is from? >> Your your address. >> Um, I'm 14 Pride Lane. I'm in Cranberry, New Jersey. >> Thank you. not a member of West Windsor. Um, I just want to come up here and take the opportunity to say thank you for having
us today. Um, thank you to the whole council and especially to Daniel Weiss to giving us a good opportunity as being our mentor and giving us a lot of help and support throughout the year that he's been with us. Um, I also want to say that this was a great opportunity in general because we as Don't Blink take
um spreading first and not only first but STEM into the community very seriously and we first and STEM ambassadors think that this is an extremely important thing for young and growing minds whether they're going into FDC or F FRC which we had the range of
teams here. So that's pretty much what I wanted to say. Um, for my personal experience, I think that FIRST has done a lot and I can speak on behalf of my lovely team here that FIRST and you know, robotics as a whole has done a lot for us. Um, other than just obviously the mechanical and the hardware skills,
a lot of the soft skills like talking to people like how we were able to display today and even just the fun stuff like putting our display together and our booth that we had today was a lot of fun for us. So, I just wanted to say thank you again and we really appreciate this opportunity and we love to come back in
the future or even host more um events like this in the future and help host them. Thank you. Thank you, Shannon, if you don't mind um writing your name for Allison. Thank you. Anybody else in the audience?
>> And good evening. Ann Clifton, 18 Gston Drive, uh West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance. So, first uh thank you mayor for a shout out to us during your township address and thank you to council members for the good working
relationship that you um also a thank you uh to administration and by extension council um council members especially who were involved with the Fiser Place and Fairview Avenue recent meeting with the trial striping. So, we're looking forward to seeing how or
if that will calm traffic in that area. Um, also a thank you for the sidewalk filling in sidewalk gaps on Alexander between Bearbrook and Roselle. We actually had two uh two thank yous or two very positive remarks yesterday at
Colonial Day um in appreciation for extending those sidewalks. And also one of the one resident had also asked whether there'd be more of an extension than from Rosel to Route One. Um, also thank you for the updates on the rapid
flashing beacons and the cran cranberry road sidewalk extensions. Um, something you may be hearing from about from us soon is we we got contacted by the traffic sergeant about trying to do improvements on North Mill Road. Any kind of traffic calming we can
do there. So that might be the next thing that we start trying to look at. So thank you very much. Thank you, Ann. Um, anybody else in the audience, uh, Council President, Council, um, my name is Jennifer Williams. I am a fellow
person, but in the capital city of Trenton, and I just want to say thank you very much for the pride proclamation uh, that you, uh, entertained earlier this evening. It is important in particularly now these times. But I also want to share uh how glad we are Mercy that West Windsor is as it is because
you are a very strong town and I know of personally of all the time that you have to put in to make sure West Windsor keeps advancing. Uh there are some things we definitely would love to emulate city of Trenton. Uh but I'm also glad to be here to see how you run your
meetings. It's a little different. I think there's some good things we could maybe take home. But also, I just want to congratulate you on your success. I hope that you can continue keeping that going and I look forward to seeing some of you and hopefully the mayor this year at the Trenton High West Windsor
basketball games, which uh was entertaining a couple years ago when we were able to share the bench. So, God bless and uh have a great rest of your calendar year. >> Thank you, Jen. Anybody else in the audience?
All right, seeing none, public comment period is now closed. Um, we move on to administration comments. Marina, >> I have two announcements. The first is that public works uh remained in zone
one today and um they began working in zone 2 collecting um yard waste. And then the second announcement I have is there is a local concept development
study going on. Um there'll be a public information center uh set up for you to learn about the proposed project, share your feedback and insights and help shape design considerations. This will be on Wednesday, June 17th
from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It's a virtual meeting. There's an announcement on the township website. This is to help us improve safety on Old Trek Road. >> Thank you, Mayor. Do you have any other additional comments?
>> Yeah, just a couple of comments. Jen, thanks for coming in. And since you got on the council, Clinton is much better. I can tell you that. So I I follow uh not now Trenton times is not there so little harder to follow but much better.
So keep up the good work. So thanks thanks for coming. Um I did give uh I did give a bridge update just to stress that they do send me an update uh every other Friday and they are on schedule as
they promised they are doing multiple things at the same time. uh so I am very optimistic that uh they will keep their timeline or do better than the timeline that they have they have given us and uh I do want to make comment about she did
mention that we have a walk-in item on the agenda um I don't like walk-in items this is the first time in my 9 years as the mayor that we are having a walk-in item because this is truly an emergency otherwise we don't like walking items Um
ABC did call her alcoholic and beverage commission and said this is a this is a hotel uh that is not yet still been built. It's it's next to the Brazilian steakhouse that's coming. Each hotel uh
with more than 100 rooms automatically gets a pocket license which is very inexpensive. I think it's like $100 per room or something. Total $35,000. So they do have a pocket license and um they called and told uh Allison that
unless we renew it they were going to lose it. Even pocket licenses are important so we didn't want to lose it. So that's why we have this uh walk-in item otherwise it would have appeared on the list with all other uh licenses that we are renewing. So uh I just wanted a
clarification for uh for the um for for the walk-in items. We don't. And unfortunately, the kids left. But I'm very serious. I was very surprised to hear that there were two time capsules buried in West Windsor. And Paul Legetti
is our historian. He's done PhD in Westminster history, but he says it's somewhere in Dutch neck, but nobody knows where it is. And they've tried to using metal detector to try and find it. So I really hope some kid here keeps
track. I mean it will be a miracle if I'm around in 50 years. If I am, I won't remember what the time capsule is, but I hope uh some kid remembers and comes back and checks what's in there. So, uh that's my comment. >> Thank you, mayor.
Moving on to council member comments. Um let's start on this side. Dan, >> thank you. Um, I have some comments that really are directed to all the students who are not here anymore, but I'm going to make them for the record anyway because maybe they'll come listen to them on the recording. So,
congratulations to all the students, mentors, coaches, and the families who were here with us tonight. Uh the accomplishments being recognized this evening are really truly impressive and everyone involved should take you great pride in what these students have achieved through their hard work, their
creativity, their perseverance and and teamwork. Over the past several years, I've had the privilege of serving as a mentor to the FDC do link team at the Princeton STEM Academy. And that experience has provided me with a firsthand look at the dedication,
talent, and commitment that these students bring to their work. Uh the teams being recognized tonight, there were six of them I believe, represent only a portion of a much larger robotics community that continues to provide extraordinary opportunities for students
throughout West Windsor, Plainsboro, and our neighboring towns. uh the Princeton STEM Academy specifically uh they support an impressive number of teams across multiple programs and I'd like to give them a shout out here tonight. Anyone
who thinks STEM students are all serious and analytical should spend a few minutes reading through these team names. Alongside the engineering talent, there's clearly no shortage of creativity and humor and personality. So, um these are the teams in the first
Lego League. They include the Dragon Ears, Techno Logic, Pain in the Bots, Mechanical Maniacs, Full Torqu, Cyber Gears, Thunder Chickens One, Botbusters,
Thunder Chickens 2, and The Shorter Circuits. And in the first tech challenge, the FTC team in addition to don't blink uh includes S simply complex, beta blink, rust in peace, the short circuits, palendrome, and who
blinked. Each team has its own identity, its own culture, and its own accomplishments. And yet together, they represent something much larger. It's a a community that values curiosity, innovation, teamwork, perseverance, and
lifelong learning. Beyond the organizations themselves, there's an entire network of schools, community organizations, sponsors, volunteers, mentors, and of course, their families who whose support makes these opportunities possible. and their contributions help these students
develop technical skills, leadership abilities, confidence, lasting friendships. Success at this level is truly a community effort. And no discussion of this remarkable robotics community would be complete
without recognizing Dr. Katherine Rogers and the extraordinary program she has helped build through the Princeton STEM Academy. The success of these teams reflect years of leadership, mentorship, vision, and commitment. The opportunities available to students
today exist because of the dedication of coaches, mentors, volunteers, and families, and her stewardness of a program that continues to grow and divide. Dr. Rogers contributions extend well beyond robotics competition itself.
Later this month, she and several students will participate in the Student Association for STEM Advocacy National Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC. This program brings students from across the country together to learn how
government works, how policy is shaped, how citizens can effectively advocate for the issues that they care about. Participants meet with members of Congress and their staff to discuss STEM education, robotics programs, workforce
development, and the importance of investing in the next generation of innovators. One of the most valuable lessons of this program is that citizenship is not a spectator activity. These students are not only learning how to design robots. They are learning how
to communicate, how to lead, how to engage constructively with government, and how to make their voices heard. Strong communities and healthy democracies depend on people who are willing to participate, to learn, to advocate, and to lead. And these
students are doing exactly that. So congratulations to all the students, mentors, families, coaches, sponsors, and supporters who make these programs possible. And thank you to all the coaches for their leadership, vision, and commitment to helping young people realize their potential. Westminster
Plainsboro have built something truly special here, and tonight we celebrated all of those who have made it possible. So thank you. Um I have a funny comment about time capsules that um 20 years ago my family now 25 years ago my family
buried a time capsule in our backyard um on the occasion of January 1st 20 uh 2000 basically commemorate the the millennium and it was with a group of friends and we said in 20 years we're going to come back we'll have kids and lives will be different. We're going to
come back and and and find a time capsule. A lot happens in 20 years. a lot. Life changes a lot. And this despite trying to mark it and knowing it was in our backyard, we still had trouble finding it. >> Oh dear. >> It took us um several days with with
metal detectors. Um and then digging it out was no small >> a challenge. >> So um but we did find it eventually and most of what was in it um lasted was you know kind of a handmade thing. So water gets into it and some of it was,
you know, not in the greatest condition, but uh it is it was a wonderful experience opening it up and looking at it um 25 years later. >> Cool. All right. Um, Linda, >> I just like to say uh once again to all these students, the parents, the coaches
uh and all their sponsors too because it's very uh expensive all these trips and and all the um uh pieces of equipment they that they have to buy to um put all their projects together. Uh but it certainly is a testament to our STEM and math and science program in our
district um that we are certainly well known for. So, congratulations um to all. Uh happy Pride Month also to all. Um thanks Councilwoman uh Jennifer Williams for coming out. We've been uh
friends for a long long time and just sort of went through uh elections in different towns together and lot lot of great discussions. So, uh you know, thanks for thanks for coming out tonight. I appreciate it's good. Thanks. Uh, also want to thank the Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company, Station
44, for having us at the 100th uh, year celebration dinner at the boat house on May 30th. Uh the former former uh dedication of the uh station uh was a next morning there were there was breakfast and then a formal ceremony uh
honoring uh the men and women who have placed duty above personal risk and continuously protect lives, homes and property from fire and other disasters. So I thank all of our volunteers uh for your outstanding service to our
community. Happy 100th celebration. I enjoyed watching a critic cricket tournament on Conover Field on May 29th. Uh, also thanks to the West Windsor Lions Club and the volunteers who helped packed 10,000 meals for those in need. I
participate as a lion each year and it's an annual event that u adults from our community or elsewhere can can sign up and help with. So even if you don't belong to the Lions Club um consider helping out uh next year or or joining our club. this wonderful group of people
that do a lot of good. Uh yesterday the historical society of West Winter held its colonial day celebration at the Skank Farmstead. Uh during this event there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for anformational marker on slavery at the
farmstead. Uh it was very detailed uh has very detailed points and timelines on the dark side of our township's history. So, please um visit the marker and learn more about our history. Uh thanks to Andrea for spending numerous
hours in organizing uh tonight's Council Robotics Expo. So it was uh enjoyable um showcasing all the teams and I know it's a lot of a lot of extra time in organizing it but it went out very smoothly and I think that you know the
parents and teachers and certainly the students were were taking great pride in um you know showing off their their accomplishments and their projects. So we're we're proud of all them and thank you. I know you've been very uh dedicated in the robotics field and go
to national competitions in different states. So, um thank you for for doing that. Um oh, and um the mayor has now put out the uh possible changes to the leaf and brush
schedule. So, if you haven't already commented on that, go to the township website. There's information on that and just let us know what you think. Uh we've had nu dozens of people already respond on that and uh I know I would also like to work on the um ordinance
side of that um because I think that's important. We already have an ordinance but I think there there's revisions that need to be discussed and considered. So uh thanks. >> Thanks Linda Andrea. >> Um I want to thank the mayor for his um
state of the township address. Um and I think there was a a lot of useful information in it. Um I want to thank the um the teams that came. Um matter of fact, all the all the teams were anxious to come here. They were they were very
interested in it. Uh uh I wish we could have more teams. Uh the first time I ever did this was in 2023 and at that time I think we had three teams that went to worlds, one on each level. also it was kind of easy to pick don't don't blink I know was one of
them. Um so it was kind of easy to say okay let's let's pick only three teams and I know that was pretty crowded. with them when we said, "Okay, we want to extend it to some of the teams that went to states or regional. Uh I think a few
few people were getting a little scared there that we're uh with how much room we have and uh we wound up with the six teams and and I I guess I guess it was um justified because I think we were pretty crowded out there." So I won't I won't say, "Hey, we could have we could
have put more teams there." So >> I know you started with the list of 17 or something. >> I Yeah, I started with a lot of teams. I know um for instance uh a couple of the teams like lead coders um couple of the places like lead coders and and
Princeton STEM had additional teams that would have fit but I had to narrow it down to only one from each uh group just to just to make sure we had a good uh variety a good diversity of teams. So we wound up with independent teams, school
team, uh, Girl Scout teams, and, uh, different levels. So I think we wound up with a really good mix. Everybody was really excited. The the one team called the last minute and said, "Can we bring this van to to show things off?" So we did that. Um, I don't have to go into my
uh I'm trying to remember how many years I've been in um in robotics. I know Kathy, for instance, a long time. Um and um I started started several robotics teams with all girl teams and that um is is something that I think
really helped those girls who went on to um uh some MIT and and other uh top uh engineering schools and and u some went to Princeton studying bioengineering. there were um and and it gave girls
confidence uh to to go into engineering and so I'd like to actually thank Girl Scouts for allowing me to do that. Um and um I think it really had a terrific effect because first always says that it's not
really about the robots. Uh the kids come for the robots and stay for everything else that they learn. So, it's um it's a and it's a great program. And the other thing I really like about it is they're not sitting there with their heads just in the code because
that code has to actually do something. So, I I won't sell first anymore. Um and there there are other robotics programs too that can can do things, but um I was just thrilled seeing all those kids there. Uh number of them I had seen
before because I've worked with um with work with some of the teams and gone and talked to them. Uh a few of them I hadn't. So that was it was really good and it was thrilling for me to see them. Uh I also would like to wish everyone a good happy pride month. I'm glad to see
my friend Jennifer here. Jennifer, like with Linder, we go way back and if I remember correctly, the first time Jennifer spoke uh here, I'm not sure um was um I was I was running a meeting and
um I asked Jennifer to to speak and I'll be really honest, I got a lot of push back from a few people whose who probably nobody here knows and whose names I wouldn't mention anyway. Um, and I'm hoping that, you know, now now things would be different cuz that was
um Oh, I won't say how many years. I'm really I I think I think that would be different uh now that um some of some of it was pictures with us and things that we don't want to even think about anymore. And we're hoping that kind of
thing doesn't happen again anywhere. Uh or at least we'll do whatever we have to to make sure. and and it wasn't people in our town, just so that you know. Um, but I'm hoping uh was I'm hoping that kind of thing doesn't happen anywhere
and I can't even think of it happening in our town. I don't wouldn't want to think that. Uh, getting just to things over the past week. I'll go quickly because Linder will kill me if she misses the rest of this game. Um, I went to also to the
cricket matches that um, Linder mentioned, which is always a good time. And then this is West Windsor Gives Back is helping the West Windsor Little League this year. Uh if you go to Mercer Library, you'll see that there's a native planting that's outside the
library. They they put some native plants right near the front door. Uh there were some kids, including some Girl Scouts and other volunteers that came a couple of times. The last one May 30th, put the plants in. Um I was
watched them. couldn't wasn't was wasn't in condition to help because my knee is hurting me. But um that's so that's something to look at. And I also went in to check on the roof and um the roof job is pretty much done there. I think there was a couple of issues where some water
was coming in because there were a few things in the upstairs that hadn't been completed, but I think it's going to be a great improvement for the library. Um, I went to the Asian-American Month celebration at Quaker Bridge Mall, uh, the Arts Council Art Walk that I try to
go to every year, and there was some great entertainment there. And we met the we met the kid that was uh, that did the robotic uh, lemonade making machine over there. And um, we kind of set up that he would go to help Shupe at the
um, Colonial Day uh, as part of a fundraising effort. He was over there at colonial day uh showing his robotic lemonade machines. So I thought that was um that was very original and it was very cute showing the things that you could do with robotics. Um Princeton
Junction Fire Company was mentioned their 100 herth anniversary dinner and they had a nice ceremony the next morning. The memorial that they put together is outside of the um building at the Princeton Junction Firehouse if anyone wants to go see it. I was at a
guru vaner honoring our uh West Windsor Plains teachers on May 31st. Um Sonia and I went to the Safe Place Therapy Center grand opening on Clarksville Road on Monday, June 1st. Uh on Wednesday, June 3rd, I was at the
Central Jersey Transportation Forum and workshop uh where a few people from the bicycle pedestrian also were and we were looking at uh and actually doing workshopping some regional uh state trail systems and uh was at the
historical society colonial day on Sunday with uh with most of the council here and the mayor and uh we had our West Windsor Sustainable Jersey PSEG energy project table out there and I want to thank Perneima Guptter and her
daughter for setting up and working the table even though it was pretty hot day. Um and you know I think we got a lot of interest in people having energy uh free energy surveys there in order to save energy and that's it. Thank you.
>> Thanks Andrea Joe. Uh so I did attend a number of events the the past couple weeks but I'll just highlight the historical society's uh colonial day event yesterday. You know really notable event there was a dedication of a new marker about the history of slavery in New Jersey as
Linda mentioned uh and not only in New Jersey here here in West Windsor. Uh that marker will ser serve as a permanent reminder for future generations that slavery was was actually very prevalent New Jersey as well as here in West Windsor. So, thank you to Paul Ligy and the historical
society for memorializing that uh for us. Uh, regarding the Clarks Railroad Bridge, I did see that uh Senator Shirley Turner had sent us a note that she has introduced legislation to provide uh financial assistance to retail businesses impacted by emergency
bridge closures. So, I'd say thank you to Senator Turner for your advocacy. We we greatly appreciate it. um those businesses uh in in Village Square definitely need our help and um keep an eye out for more info on that on that soon. And then uh coming up this
Saturday uh 12 to 4 p.m. in Community Park is going to be the community picnic and and diversity celebration. Uh there's going to be food trucks, a wide range of of options, uh all sorts of games, sports demonstrations, uh musical performances, and a
historical reenactment featuring George Washington written by a local resident. Um um somehow I got selected to be one of seven narrators uh for for that uh reenactment. So uh looking forward to that, but come out and bring the whole
family. I know the the human resources uh council has been working very hard uh to make this uh picnic a reality. I think last year it got rained out. Um so hopefully hopefully no issue this year and hope to see you all there and spread the word on it. Thank you.
>> Thanks Joe. Um my turn. Um a lot has already been covered so I'm not going to go in details about that. Thanks Jen for coming. Um happy Pride month. Um I'm wearing orange in um recognition of the
um National Gun Violence Awareness Month today. Um it was on June 6th was the um awareness day, but I just wanted to wear orange and I I know we are also wearing orange for Nick's team um as well. Um just want to remind
everyone um that this year's um um Westminster gives back um team um is raising funds for Westminster Little League. Um as uh some of the council members mentioned about cricket tournament that was the first event that happened um last week. Um the next one
is dive into summer on June 26th. Um it's a very popular event at our waterworks. Um, so the last day of school as well. So I think that will be a great um day. Um, and the ne the last event would be Mayor's Ball on November 21st.
Right. Um, that's it. Um, Allison, do you have anything to add? >> I do not. >> All right. Um, let's move on to We don't have any hearings. Consent agenda. Mhm.
>> Minutes May 11th, 2026. Business session as amended. Bills and claims. >> Does anybody want to pull anything? >> No. >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Oh, roll call vote. Sorry. >> Roll call. >> Charles, >> yes. >> Jers, >> yes. Mandel, >> yes. >> Weiss, >> yes. >> Gas, >> yes. Recommendations from the administration and council. 2026-R120
approval of liquor licenses renewals for 2026 2027 2026-R121 authorizing the rejection of bids for the project known as West Windsor Waterworks Food Concession 2026-2027
2026-R122 approval of request for a permit from Lead Festival for public fireworks displays on June 26th June 29th and July 5th, 2026 with the rain dates scheduled on July 1st, July 2nd, and July 10th,
2026 at Mercer County Park, 2026-R123. Approval of request for a permit from the Italian American Festival Association for a public fireworks display on September 19th, 2026 with a rain date scheduled for September 20th,
2026 at Mercer County Park. 2026-R124 authorizing the business administrator to execute change order number one final with CMS construction for the project known as the Cranberry Road Sidewalk
Phase 2B project for an increase of $5,439.72 for a total not to exceed $758,853.72. 2026-R125 approval of the Hotel Motel Liquor License renewal for 2026
2027 for BLG West Windsor LLC license number 1113-36-019-00001. Does anybody want to pull anything? No. Can I get a motion to approve resolution 2026R120 through 2026R125?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Charles, >> yes. >> Gvers, >> yes. >> Mandel, >> yes. >> Weiss, >> yes. >> Garas, >> yes. Um, we don't have any introduction of ordinances. Um, we are at the second
opportunity for public comments. Is anybody in the audience want to say anything? and >> Clifton 18 Gston Drive. Um I I meant to say this earlier. I I know there's been a lot of talk about the Clarksville Road
Bridge when it's eventually when the design comes for the new bridge. Please go back and look at what was proposed that we proposed back in 2022. There was a design plan put out at that time by Mercer County looking for bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure on all sides of the bridge just to keep keep I I resent that letter to NJ DO's one of their public relations people Kimberly Nance uh in the last month. So, just want to keep that in mind that we
don't lose sight of just making sure we accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians with with when the brand new bridge is finally redesigned. Thank you. >> Yeah, if you can send that letter, I'll forward it to the chief of staff of the commission.
>> Thanks, An. Anybody else? >> All right, seeing none, public comment period is now closed. Uh, moving on to council reports. Um, let's start on this side, Joe. >> Yeah, the rec commission met a few things. Bikefest, uh, tenatively
scheduled for Sunday, September 13th, if you want to mark your calendar. Uh, we're we're actively recruiting for summer camps right now. Um, hopefully some of you have seen that Kent Jacobs has been uh, you know, promoting a lot on social media and we do have another person helping him out. Uh, but
enrollment for some of the programs is a little bit down for for volleyball and some of the swim camps. So hopefully, you know, if we can promote those and and get some more enrollments, that would be great. Uh the skate park and basketball court repairs are are going out to bid. They
hope to award a contract in July is the the latest on that. The waterworks bathroom upgrades, that work is starting shortly. And then uh I think as the council is aware, the concessions, it's been difficult to find a uh someone to,
you know, operate the concession stand. Um they are, you know, they're going to keep trying, but one option is to, you know, they're going to be looking at having some food trucks come in maybe on on Fridays or possibly weekends and also some ice cream trucks uh to uh to Waterworks.
>> Okay, >> that's great. >> Andrea, >> uh yeah, before I do that, I forgot to mention the uh township shredding event is Saturday morning at DPW and the Shupe connect uh is also going to be doing a collection. So, Shup's
going to take shelf stable uh foods and uh there's also if you do want to give cash, you can give cash, too. Um environmental commission's going to meet on June 11th. Um we are um going we're
going full steam with the energy project right now. We've had several uh tableabling events and uh there's some uh a few other issues that we'll be looking at. Thanks. Okay, Linda. >> Uh, the Shade Tree Commission met on May 27th. The commission will be planting
six, uh, new trees in community park by, uh, the waterworks area. Uh, we'll probably be finishing that, so weather permitting, mid June. Uh, the work on a draft community forestry management plan continues with the township's consultant, Dan Dromillski.
And thanks to Helen Rankin for her report earlier uh, this evening. And thanks mayor for your township of u stated township of address. Thanks >> Dan. >> Uh the affordable housing committee met last week. The new um figures for the
various tiers per region were released. Uh that's going to now be used going forward for all the applications. the um as CEOs come online for all the new development, our affordable housing
um attorney continues to um monitor those applications and you know there's exponentially more applications than there are availability. Um so it it moves fairly quickly once uh the CO is
available. Uh board of education meets tomorrow evening. >> Okay. um human relations council met on June 2nd. Um the main point of discussion was this the upcoming um community picnic uh
community diversity day picnic um on June 13th 12 to 4 at the community park pavilion with the rain date of June 14th same time 12 to 4 at the community park. Um the highlight there there are many
events um uh performances um food truck or the highlight is going to be um a reenactment of um George Washington written by a um Westminster resident um which um they received a grant uh for.
So I think that's the highlight. So I encourage everyone to attend the picnic and um nothing more from me. Any additional administration updates? No. Um, we have no close session.
So, um, can I get a motion to adjurnn? Some moved. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.