Hello and welcome to Woodbridge, the best town around. My name is John McCormack. I'm the mayor of this great town and we're here today for a very special reason to pass out uh certificates to national champions. The key word there is national. That doesn't
happen a lot. There's town champions, there's county champions, there's even state champions. But we're here tonight to recognize national champions, all-American cross country coaches, n national youth championships in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 22nd,
25. And the the winners of that are the Crimson Knights cross country team. So let's hear for them. And it's a dead giveaway who's a member of the Crimson Knights team because they're all wearing Crimson. So, I'm going to call I had these in in order with the coaches first, but I like
to bring up the kids first. So, when I call your name, please come up and be ready because I'm going to ask for a volunteer or two to speak on behalf of the kids. And if nobody does, I'm going to pick somebody at random. So, here's
what you do. Don't do anything that makes me notice you because then I'll pick you. So, a lot of people come up and now they're, you know, they're looking cool. I'll pick you. I want the kid that just goes up nice and quietly, grabs the proclamation, and walks away.
You got that? Let me just introduce the council first. Far left, Vero Patel, fourth ward, is Menlo Park Terrace. Next to him, Kyle Anderson. He's a councilman at large. Next to him is Elizabeth de Jesus, council woman at large. Next to her is Debbie Mian, fifth ward of
Colonia. Next to her is Howie Bower. He is the second ward, Ford Soul in Caseby. And next to him is council president covering the first w Sharon Mcolof in Woodbridge proper in Seaw Warren. Okay. Yes. Give them a round of applause.
Corazan Sahagun. Did I say that right? Did I say that right? Close enough. >> Yeah. Sahagen. Okay. Now, I'm not calling on you, but I just got to ask you, how long have you been running? You've only been alive for like five
years. >> How How old are you? >> Seven. >> You're seven. Okay. Tell me a little bit about your running career. When did you start running? >> I started running when I was in first grade.
>> Oh, what are you now? Second. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, you've been running for a year or two? >> Yes. Very cool. How do you like it? >> Good. >> Are you really good at it? You're fast? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Very good. Hold that and stand right up here.
Lance Denniski. Congratulations. Michael Amaro. Congratulations. Savannah Branco. Sophie Brizzowski. Congratulations,
Leticia Ayovierro. Congratulations. Marcelo Ayro, congratulations. I think I did this one already. Corzan Tristan Sahagan. Congratulations.
Kathleen Schmidt, Francis Solomon. Congratulations, man. Ana Danuzki. Congratulations. Did I say Nichollet Danuzki already? >> Yes. Aiden Tubertio,
Anthony Tertio. Coaches now the first one listed, Coach Elizabeth Campbell. >> Good job. Good job. Liz, let me tell you a little bit about what I know about Liz. I know her personally because I know her dad very well. Ben Campbell, uh, good friend of
mine, former president of the Irish Club, a runner in his own right, great guy. You, you win every race that Woodbridge runs, don't you? >> Yes. >> You not only win every race, you don't just win in the women's category. That's
easy. You win in the overall everybody who runs, no matter what age, no matter what gender, you win in the everybody category. And I know this because I my route to work is coming up Chain of Hills and making I take that right. I cut through the neighborhood and I go right by her
house and she's always out in the front lawn stretching. If she haven't if I haven't already seen her running, she's always out stretching or doing something. She's nuts about running. Absolutely crazy. All hours, all weather, day, night. >> Yes, that's right. You're right. You're
right. So, I just think that you're you're terrific and h you're following your dad's footsteps. He was the coach of the team for a long long time. Uh that's why I'm sure you're a runner. Why don't say a few words here now? >> Be on the spot. >> Yes. Go ahead. Go ahead. You can do it.
>> Um Okay. So, can I just like talk about this probably here? >> It's only for the >> Okay. >> in a year. >> Yeah. Um so, I've been running since I was five. I started on the Crimson Knights. So, it seems kind of apppropo that I got to take this over for dad
this year. Um, coach Matt when he comes up, he also ran for you've been running for 30 years also. You started when I did. And also Sharon's son ran with us when we were younger as well. Um, and running is more than just like a sport for me. It's a lifestyle. And I'm just really excited that I got to coach all
these kids and they all did so well. And it's more sort of just realize like yeah, you do it for the competitiveness and you do it for the accolades and everything, but if you keep doing it, it becomes a lifestyle and it gives you discipline for your life. It gives you structure. It could give you a great future. I went to college for running.
Uh obviously left with an education, but running got me there and uh it brought me a lot of really good friends obviously cuz 30 years later, Matt and I are still best friends. So really excited for the Crimson Knits and I got to take it over, carry on dad's legacy, and let's just keep going. All right.
>> And I know Ben's not here, but you'll take Brent's proclamation home if you don't mind. >> Yeah. >> Coach Tara Jensen, congratulations. Coach Matt Jensen, congratulations, Matt. You want to add anything to what L said?
>> Uh, yeah, I can add a little something. Um, like like Liz mostly talked about, running is is a lifestyle, but it also brings a lot of memories. Um, like Liza said, we've been over we've been friends for over 30 years and anytime we get together, all we talk about is running stories. We talk about running at
states, regionals, nationals. Um, it's just a great lifestyle to have. >> Great. Why don't you tell me a little bit about the Knoxville tournament? >> How does somebody different? >> So, every year we have a uh state meet and then um you can qualify a bunch of
different ways. You can qualify based on time throughout the year. Um, if you're part of a team, a team is five. If you score the lowest score, you can qualify that way. You can qualify individually. Um, so there's several ways that you can qualify to go to nationals. That's pretty serious national tournament.
>> It is. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you, >> Coach Christopher Terrasco. >> Not here. >> All right. Coach Timothy Casey, you don't see case. And I think the rest are either duplicates or uh people who aren't here. So, I'll give these to you.
Now I'm going to ask for a volunteer. Who wants to volunteer? >> Michael. >> Oh man, they they ratted you out. The coaches, man. They ratted you out. >> Tell me about what it's like to be on a
team like this with leaders like this, coaches like this. >> Um, my opinion, they're like really good coaches. They help me do everything. Even though we had to do 1k repeats, they wore them so bad. >> What's the 1k repeat mean? You got to run the 1k. >> You got to run 1k like six times. >> Well, maybe you didn't do something
wrong five times. You've been okay. >> Yeah. Well, they're helped me out to the point I'm in right now. I've been here for two years and I'm really grateful for them being my coaches and coaching me eighth grade for this. >> What grade are you in? >> Eighth grade. So, this is my last year here. >> You're in middle school here?
>> Yeah. >> Where do you go to school? >> Clooney Middle School. >> Clon Middle. You going to run them in school? In in high school? >> Maybe. Depends because it's on it's on soccer season. >> Oh, soccer. All right. >> Well, you know, spring track. >> Well, there's also spring track. >> I'll make it.
>> See, all of us here are used to running. The all six the six councils people and me, we run every four years. Every no matter what, every four years we run. And I think we're all running again, aren't we? >> All right. So, so we know what you're We
feel your pain. We understand your game here. All right. Anybody? Anybody else? You want to speak? Anybody else want to say anything? You sure? All right. Why don't we all come together, hold your proclamations just like that? We're going to take a big giant team picture.
Okay. Anybody from the council? Anyone add anything? Sharon, come on up. Oh, yeah. That's right. Your kids were uh Crimson Tiders. Oops. My bad. This is why I'm wearing red because um this is a great way to go back many
many years. Both my daughter and my son were both my son actually had the opportunity to run international. Most previous experience though was when we had to run to qual
to a bus up there and there was 24 in of snow. What they did they cut the course out in the snow about this tall you could not even see. It was amazing though. I have the most
beautiful picture that I still have on my mantle of the five people, little five boys with them in their little shorts and my little tank tops with the snow coming down. So, it's an amazing experience. It's such a great experience. Everyone work together and
the coaches are amazing. General and my son still 10 miles. So it's great for congratulations to all of you guys. I know the experience that you have in the bathroom. Yeah.
All right. Are you people? >> Good evening. Welcome to Woodbridge, the best town around. My name is John McCormack. from the may bear this great town and we're here tonight to honor the uh Avenel Middle School boys and girls basketball championship
and we are going to start with the young ladies. I'm going to call you up. Uh please come up and uh I'm going to ask you couple of you to say a few words if you don't mind. So here's the trick. >> Don't make me pick you. I'm going to ask if there's volunteers. And if there's no
volunteers, I pick somebody. So, what you want to do is be very like you're shaking your head like, "No, not me." >> That means I'm probably going to pick you. You don't want to distinguish yourself. I mean, like life you do, but not in this case. You want to be very quiet.
You want to come up. You want to take your proclamation. You want to walk away. Don't do anything that makes me pay attention to you. Well, you're doomed. You're doomed. you have known since you were like two, so you're doomed. All right, let's start. Ella Bagnar, of course.
First, I forgot to let me tell you what we're um we're celebrating. A 10-0 season record, including a 65-39 district championship win versus Ford's Middle, the first undefeated season in
school history. Oh, what I also should do first, which I never do, is introduce the council. Starting on the left, Ann Harris, Councilman at large. Kyle Anderson, Councilman at large. Debbie Mean, Colonia, fifth ward. Howie Bower, Fort Soplan, Caseby, second ward. Cory
Spiller, uh, Abanell and Port Ready, third ward. Vera Patel, Island, Menlo Park Terrace, fourth ward. Elizabeth the Jesus, council at large. And to the left, council president, first ward, Woodbridge proper and Seaw Warren, Sharon McAuliff. Eliah Fontina.
>> AA Seo. Did I pronounce that right? >> Okay. It's good thing you said yeah, cuz if you said no, I've been calling you. >> Bin Varco. >> McKenzie Wendell. >> Genesis Poles. Ava Bryant,
you got a pretty famous basketball name there. You know that, right? Quinn Henry, >> Alyssa Bies, Kayla Hollinger, >> and is Malicia here? Take a bear special uh special mention >> in 28 games. That's three seasons,
sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Eight eight games, one year, 210, whatever it was, 682 points. By my quick math, that's somewhere between 23 and 24 points a game you've averaged over your middle school career.
You know the number exactly? >> You don't. All right. >> Well, congratulations. >> I got I'm not picking on you, but you I mean with this kind of number, that kind of career, you really ought to say a few words. What do you think?
Anybody else want to pick her up and cover her instead? >> Nobody. >> Talk about your team. >> Oh, yeah. >> I didn't I didn't pull the coaches up yet. Just talking about your team.
>> Um, >> WE'RE 10 AND0. WERE ALSO you've been on the girls team forever. >> So tell me about All right. Tell me about your coach. Tell me. Let's bring him up. Coach Joe Croner. Yes, sir.
>> Coach uh Coach Coner lives and breathes athletics. I played against him 30 years ago in softball in the Woodbridge League. He's very active. His kids are very active in in youth sports, in middle school sports, and in high school sports. He's the best. So, tell me about Coach Croner. >> Um, he's really nice and he like uh
cares about us. >> Our coach is supposed to be nice. >> Um, yeah. >> Doesn't he ride your heart and make you practice a lot? And don't sometimes just say, "Man, he's tough." >> No. >> How'd you become 10 and0 if he's not tough?
>> Well, like he pushes us, but like he doesn't yell at us. >> Why not? All right. Anybody else want to add anything to what McKenzie said? Is there a captain on the team? >> Come on, Malaysia. >> You're all coming out. Let's say come up
together. All right. >> Well, you look like the ring leader. What are you? >> Okay. >> Go ahead. >> Tell me about the series. This season was really eventful. >> Throughout I've been on the team for all
three years of middle school and I can say I've made a lot of friends. You >> expect to play high school? >> Yeah. >> Probably go to Colonia. >> I don't know yet. >> All right. How about you want to say anything? >> But >> no, >> this is probably one of the like best
teams I've personally played on. >> Okay. Well, no. I hope so. >> I hope so. We should ask the coach to say a few words. >> Yeah. >> Coach Croner. >> Um, >> so yes, we went 10 and0 and um >> three years ago.
Three years ago, I didn't even It's only a seventh eighth grade league, but I only had five girls come out seventh eighth grade combined. So, I'd open up to sixth graders. So, Malaysia, Ava, Ren, and McKenzie are four that showed up and a few others, but they are the
only three that have ever played middle school basketball for three years. So, that year we got some we took a few beatings as we were very, very young. And I kept saying, "This will all pay off." And then in seventh grade, we got to the finals and we lost, but this will all pay off. And then on December 19th, it all paid off. We were losing by two
at halftime. And I simply went in and said, "Listen, we're the best team. We've been besting all years. You got 16 minutes to prove it." And they went out and outscored fourth like 40 to 13 in the SECOND HALF. THEY PROVED IT. >> It was a great year. Um I'm going to seven of them are leaving so we will
rebuild next year, but we still got some pieces and we'll be okay. But very proud of them. They did great. worked hard all year and you know 10 and0 is 10 and0. Thank you. We have principal loosen in the house. >> How are you? >> Good to see you. Good to see you.
>> No, I just want to say uh you know the kids played hard all year. Super dedicated bunch of kids did the right thing on and off the court. uh always put forth their best effort not only athletically but playing the right way also. Um really demonstrating good
sportsmanship and uh had a very successful year obviously by two undefeated teams. But that goes without saying they couldn't do it without the coaches. Coach Siso back there, the boys coach, coach Croner who we just heard from. They're really great people. They're really great educators and
really at the heart of everything they do is really caring about the kids. So all all the credit really goes to those two guys. They've been coaching all the way back from when I was VP over there eight years ago and they they stick it out. Middle school is really tough to coach. So um they do a really great job
with our kids and guys you had an unbelievable year. So congratulations Steph. Thank the girls first with the coaches and then we're going to let you guys move to the side. Call the boys up. Do the same thing. take a picture with them and then we'll take a combined picture of all of you. How's that?
>> All right, slide to the left and now let's get the uh let's No, let's take your picture first. Come on over, girls. >> Come on. In the middle. >> Give me four in front kneeling down, the rest behind. >> One more.
One more. One more. Hold them up. Make sure it's up right side up. Y. >> You mind if we get your picture? Come on. Good point. All right, slide the boys up.
>> Ready. >> All right, next up we got the Evanel Middle School boys team. Lamar Duger Carter. Lamar's a pretty famous basketball name, too, man. Pretty good. Bryson Thomas. Jace Burnham.
>> Man, no wonder you guys Russell Herman. >> Another one. >> Wait, this says middle school, isn't it? Tyler Holloway, Chad Johnson, Jason Brown,
JOSIAH, Joel Leonard, Morgan Strael, Alan Aras ABRA and Coach Jonathan Siswell. Congratulations. Thank you. All right. First, let me ask the boys. Anybody want to come up? Talk about the season, talk about the playoffs, talk
about the team. >> Come on, man. >> Give it a shot. >> You're freaking 6'3, man. >> You're 6'4. You're eighth grade. >> Yeah. >> Well, tell me about this season. >> Uh, this season was really pretty good.
artist. We had some ups and downs. Uh, >> not many downs with your >> Not many downs to be honest. Um, uh, >> tell me about the coach. >> Uh, this coach coach, >> uh, we talked through how he played around a lot, but he had one main goal,
another one championship. He obviously fulfilled that goal. Obviously, >> tell me about the final game you beat. >> For you beat both teams beats. BY THE WAY, good sports. >> Tell me about the game. Early lead late
lead late lead late lead late lead late lead late lead late lead late lead late lead late lead. Uh we had an early lead in the second. We had an early head into appar. But I mean we still had our main mindset of just keep pushing, keep pushing and we able to go off the W. Obviously this
guys, brothers, >> who's the leading scoring team? >> Obviously this guy right here. Let's go. >> Logan goes to mass when I go to mass. >> Uh, well, couldn't have done it without the coach. And we had a really good
great team. >> What do you like? Like 5'8 >> size, right? It's like when a guy 6'4 in nth grade. >> It was a Yes. Threat. >> Threat. >> Tell me about the coach. You enjoy
playing for uh coach as well. Yeah, he uh >> you better say that >> he pushed us and we succeeded our goal. >> All right, very good. Coach Sismo, come on up.
>> The playoffs, anything you want. So, similar to the girls, um last year we made it to the championship team, uh championship game and lost the court actually by two points. >> Um which was a heartbreaking loss. Um I knew we had three kids coming back. Um
three main kids coming back. You know, I just emphasized to those kids that, you know, next year was going to be our year. I knew that we had good group of seventh graders that were coming up from sixth grade. Um, so basically split 68 and 67. Um, and I just told like, you
know, next year is going to be our year. I know what we have coming back. And then, you know, ended up being that this year was our year. I don't think I'll have the opportunity to coach as special as a team as this. Um, this is a great great group of kids. Uh, they put
everything up, you know, every game they put everything on the court. We actually never were never down after one quarter in a single week. All 10 years always had a good you know young kids uh league that the town ran and other organizations ran obviously at
high school but you know sixth, seventh, eighth grade was kind of missing. We only had middle school sports less than 10 years now maybe about 10 years ago. >> Yeah. So tell me what 10 tell me what middle school basketball does for the high school programs. >> I think it's a it's a great feeder system for the high school. Um you know
we have kids at that go to to both and mostly Colonia but uh the high school coaches come and watch us play and you know they talk to some of the kids after the game so they have a good good feel of what is to come to their high schools which is I think it's great.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Good stuff. All right. And I know you're very involved in the youth sports. >> Well, I would just say this. Kudos to uh the Aanel kids because when my boys were playing, it looked like Colonia on both
girls and boys were just going to keep winning every single year. And um so it was nice to see Avanel and Fords both make it to the finals and see some talent is spread out through the town. Um some of these kids I've known a long
time. this young man I've known a very long time and um and the coaches as well. My boys had the pleasure of playing through some of the coaches and um you know it it it really um is great for our community to have coaches that
are invested in the kids and um and you know you create these lifelong memories from uh these rivalries that you have when you're in middle school and then they carry on into high school. So uh congratulations to everybody. up. Five in front, kneeling down, five
behind. And then we'll combine everybody for a pick. >> I should have done that. Oh, yeah. >> Hold them up. Hold them up. How about that? 10 and0. You know, let's go. >> All right. All right. Before we take a uh five
pictures, my fault for not asking Councilman Cory Spiller to talk. He covers Aanel for in the council. So, let me ask him to say a few words. Uh, I know that voice from Colonial High School football games. Uh, thank you again. I just want to
congratulate all the kids. Uh, great job. As Councilman Anderson said, we have kids. We go to events. I feel like we've watched you from when you were here. Now, some of you are up to here, but it's going to be uh, uh, exciting to watch you in the next four years. Uh, whatever high school you might go to.
Uh, I've known coach Siso Siso and coach Croner for some time. I went to high school with coach Croner. Uh, very happy and proud for you guys. The hard work, determination. I'm fortunate, Mr. Lucen. Uh, I get to go to your school a lot. I see the hard work that everybody puts in. Uh, wait. Good job of bringing it
back to where girls. How many guys on the sides down too? Some more vertically challenge. >> Couple of you guys over here. >> Hello. One of you guys. One of you guys right
here. Come on. One guy right here. >> Yeah. Give him a few years. >> Let's go. >> Yeah. Let's go. Mayor, get in. Council >> ready. square. >> Yeah. >> 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. >> Let's take a moment of silence for our first responders, police, as we keep
them in our thoughts in mind. >> Notice requirements of the open public meeting law have been satisfied concerning this meeting. The home distributor and the star ledger published the notice on November 13th and November 14th, 2025, respectively. The copy was scheduled is posted on the
municipal bulletin board and should be so noted in the minutes of this meeting. Councilman Anderson >> here. >> Councilman Bower here. >> Councilman Harris >> here. >> Councilwoman Mian >> here. >> Councilman Patel >> here. >> Councilman Small >> here. >> Councilman Spiller >> here. >> Vice President De Jesus
>> here. >> And President McAullet >> here. A motion to approve the minutes listed from January 6th, 2026. >> Motion. >> Second. Any questions or comments from councel? All in favor? I
>> I opposed. Eyes have it. Beginning with second reading ordinances this evening. Beginning with letter A is an ordinance amending chapter 3 entitled please regulations and this is with regards to
trespassing. With that said, can I get a motion that this ordinance be taken up on second and third reading and the public hearing be open? >> Motion. Second. Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I. >> I. >> Opposed? >> Eyes have the public hearing is now open
on letter A. Letter A only. Hear no comment from the public. Can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed? Yours be adopted and submitted to the mayor for approval as required by law. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I.
>> Opposed? Eyes have it. Letter B is an ordinance also amending traffic section of the revised ordinance. This is with regards to parking to delete a handicap parking spot on Ellis Place. Could I get a motion that this ordinance be taken up on second third reading and the public hearing be over? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Any questions or comments from councel? >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have the public hearing is now open on letter B, letter B only. Hearing no comment from the public and again motion that the public hearing be closed. The ordinance be adopted and submitted to the mayor for approval as required by law.
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? All in favor I opposed. Eyes have it. Letter C is listed an ordinance authorizing direct Lidge Township renew a lease agreement with the United uh USW local 390 which
uh center with regards to parking at 155 Avenue Creek. Can I get a motion that this morning be taken up on second meeting and the public hearing be open? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments from council? >> Mr. Mitch, I just ask my fellow council mates for their uh consideration and support with this uh ordinance. Uh this
is um has been a great addition to um the AP pack uh parking and uh other amenities in the area. So thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments from council? All in favor? I >> opposed. Public hearing is now open on letter C. >> Hear no comment. Can I get a motion that
this ordinance be adopted and submitted to the mayor for approval as required by law? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments from councel? All in favor? I >> opposed. >> Eyes have it. We'll now take letter D, which is an ordinance uh ordinance authorizing the acquisition of purchase
or combination of real property known as 77 Queen Road. Can I get a motion that this ordinance be taken up on second and third reading and the public hearing be open? >> Motion second. >> Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have the public hearing is
now open on this ordinance. >> Hear no comment from the public. going to get a motion that the public hearing be closed, ordinance be adopted, and submitted to the mayor as as required by law. >> Motion >> second. >> Any questions or comments? All in favor? I
>> opposed. Eyes have. We'll now take letters E, F, and G by consent that these three ordinance be passed on first reading published in the members commune on this Friday, January 23rd, 2026 with notice of public hearing be held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 6 p.m.
>> Motion. >> Second. Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I. >> I. I. >> Opposed? Eyes have it. Finally, we have resolutions 1 through 29. If I get a motion to approve 1 through 29 by consent. >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Any questions or comments from council. >> Mr. Mitch, I'll be abstaining from number 29. >> So noted. >> Mr. Mitch, I'll be abstaining from number 29. >> So noted. Any other comments? >> Mr. Mitch, I'll be abstaining on resolution number 23. And I would also
ask my fellow councilmates for their support on resolution 25, 1177 Row Avenue. Um, mayor administration and our council have some great uh thoughts moving forward with that property. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other comments? >> All in favor? I
>> opposed. Eyes have it. We will now go into the public comment portion of our meeting. >> Madam President. >> Yes. Um, when approaching the microphone, please state your name and what section of the township you live in, and you will be given a one-time opportunity to speak. All members of the
audience shall adhere to the township's decorum ordinance, which is posted at the entrance door to the council chambers. The public session allows for 5 minutes. This includes remarks from the speaker and any response by the council president or administration. When there is one minute left, I will
alert the speaker as to emphasize any remaining points or questions. When the five-minute period has passed, all speakers are to leave the microphone area and return to their chairs. All videotaping must be taken in the designated areas. There will be no interruptions from your chair. Please
make sure there are no signs or posters in the aisleways, walkways, or exit access. The public session portion is of the meeting is a comment and or question and a answer interaction between the council president and the speaker. The council president presides over the council meeting. Thank you. Is there
anyone who would like to speak >> once? Can I get a motion to close the public comment portion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have it. Council, we're going to now go into a public hearing uh
on a Green Acres application. Uh we have a presentation to you tonight by Kelsey Rittner. I have that correct? And this notice of this uh hearing uh meeting has also been advertised duly in the uh newspapers. I have the public
notice in front of me. It's also been posted on the municipal bulletin board. It should so be noted in the minutes. And uh we're going to continue with the attendance that I have noted. Love you. >> Sure.
Yeah, this is my ward even going on the most important guy >> on this shelter. I'm a senior griter engineering design. I'm joined by Derek Cordon, our senior
project manager design. We're here this evening to present information regarding the township's application for funding through the NGD Green Acres Park Development Program. Greenacres application deadline is February 27th, 2026. Development projects involving
completely inclusive playgrounds and located in an urban a municipality are eligible for 100% grant funding. The township conducted an engagement survey to solicit responses from the colleague regarding the proposed project. Survey was posted on the township website and shared via social media platform. Over
the 14-day duration of the survey from December 22nd to January 5th, the township collected 247 responses to the public. Of those responses, 91% indicated that they would support the township's pursuit of grant funding to implement the proposed project. Respondents indicated that they were
most excited about the sensory inclusive playground, walking track, and shaded play and seating areas. >> When asked what improvements, if any, the public would suggest for the safety of the new completely inclusive playground, responses included more lighting and parking, upkeep of maintenance, multiple trash and
recycling bins throughout, perimeter fencing, wheelchair accessibility, periodic security presence, grass, trees, and open space. Additional comments or suggestions for the proposed project included to make sure there's enough shade, cohesive play sections, more nature inspired design, standalone
interactive and sensory activities, wheelchair accessible swings, more trees to make it an escape from traffic, blocked at night for protection, water fountains, a bike rental location, raised gardening beds that are wheelchair accessible, >> and more.
Posted here at the front of the room for your consideration is the preliminary concept plan for the proposed completely inclusive playground that will be included in the township's application package. As illustrated in the concept plan, the township is proposing to create the following new amenities that perform school 14 site. Sensory
inclusive playground for ages 6 to 23 months, 2 to 5 years, and 5 to 12 years in place rubber safety servicing. A continuous asphall walking in one track. a 40-yard dash area, ADA accessible outdoor exercise and fitness system,
elevated obstacle course for ages 13 to adult, an open play grass area, shade and play and seating areas, and accessible perimeter pathways leading to and from the proposed parking area to the play surface. As part of the application process, the township conducted an environmental impact
assessment analysis of the project site. Other than the short-term impacts during construction, no significant or long-term adverse impacts to an environmental resources are anticipated from the construction of the completely inclusive playground and ADA accessible walkway. The following mitigation
measures to avoid or minimize any potential impacts to existing land covers and natural resources were identified in the EIA. Dust particulates generated by heavy construction equipment if the weather is dry during construction be mitigated by me best management practices and appropriate
controls. for example, wetting covers, etc. to control the unit of dust. Short-term impacts to air quality may occur during the construction phase of the project be mitigated by best management practices and appropriate controls. Site development would also result in short-term localized increases
in noise from construction, heavy machinery, and temporary construction related traffic. Noise generated during construction limited to daylight hours in accordance with the Woodbridge Township ordinances, and the contract would comply with ocean noise level requirements. The following was provided in the alternative section of the EIA.
The proposedly languished layer out of the ADA accessible wall layer consistent with the current site use have been designed to be constructed away from critical environmental resources. The site development layout reflects best management practices to avoid or minimize at risk impacts to environmental resources and wildlife
habitat on the site. A no action alternative would would deny the township fair reasonable use of the property that would benefit the public. Other feasible land uses are anticipated to require similar commitment of resources and would be anticipated to have potential impacts of the same nature as the currently proposed
development. Different configurations of the proposed project were considered. Construction will occur on previously disturbed areas. There is no construction proposed on a new undisturbed area, nor are any trees or vegetation expected to be removed. The total cost of the proposed project
is estimated at $2,280,000. The township plans to request the full amount of the project through the NJP neighbors park development program. A detailed cost estimate for this project can be found with the notice for this public hearing on the township's website and social media account. The
anticipated project schedule for the proposed project is as follows. Preliminary assessment report completed in March 2026. Project design completed in May 2026. Obtain per approvals in June 2026. Bidding from July to August 2026. Award
of construction contract in September 2026, construction from September to December 2026, and submit for final payment by February 2027. Please note that the construction and final payment milestones are subject to change based on weather conditions and lead time for equipment purchase, but will still fall
within the required 2-year period of compliance. That's all. >> Any comments from council? >> Yes. Uh, council president First and foremost, I would like to uh thank both our administration and the board of education for their vision for the
future of the school 14 property in Fords by promoting free space over development while securing dedicated funding and community involvement within this property. Playgrounds and parks are vital for our communities as they not only foster physical health but also mental health by building social
community connections, promote family bonding, offer safe outdoor recreation, and even enhance property values. They act as uh community hubs where all ages and backgrounds can gather, interact, and enjoy fresh air, create a stronger sense of belonging, and improving
overall quality of life. This park especially will be inclusive where it is designed to provide accessessible equipment allows children of all abilities to play together, promoting a culture of diversity and acceptance. Research has also shown that for every dollar invested in parks, one can yield
up to $4 in economic benefits through public health savings, increased property values, and our environmental services. Your dedication from our administration and my council to the residents of Whippers Township makes this pro uh makes this project possible. We all look forward to the final
product. Thank you for your support. Thank you. >> Awesome. >> Thank you, Councilman Bower, and thank you, Kelsey, also for your presentation. Can I say something? >> Yes. >> Go ahead. >> Um, you guys had me at race garden beds. I drive by here every day because I do
work in fors and I do know a lot of the children, a lot of the community. I work very closely with Howie. So, I'm very excited about this project. Just the fact that it's inclusive to um children that may not necessarily be able to go to a regular playground and enjoy
themselves. This will provide that for them and the families. And not only children, but think long term. Any adult that's in a wheelchair or wheelchair bound, they can go to the park and partake in activities here. They can use the garden beds. Not only can we teach
the kids about raising um things in the garden beds, but they're raised. So, anybody in a wheelchair, including seniors that can vent, can use them. So, I think that this is phenomenal project. Thank you, Howie. Thank you to the administration for your leadership. And I'm so this is one of the projects that
makes me happy to be a council woman and to be able to say yes you have my full support. So again thank you to everyone involved. >> Councilman H council president and thank you for your presentation. I appreciate it. Uh you
know first the general thoughts I I came from the school board before being here and it's a 1.8 acre piece of property. We had investigated replacing the school on that property, but it it really just it didn't make sense. Ultimately, we weren't gaining anything. So, I want to
commend the administration and uh you know, Collier for, you know, using your imagination to to make this park really work on this site. It it looks fantastic. I did have two questions for you from a technical perspective here. It looks like we're uh on the Ford Avenue side. It looks like we're we're
maybe shaving back some of the roadway perhaps to to facilitate traffic a little bit. And my other question would be, are there some ballards that will be constructed to provide, you know, maybe just some some general protection to the corner there?
Um, no, we're not remaining as existing as an existing guard. >> Okay. >> Okay. All right. Got it. Thank you. All right. I was just curious just looking at the the blueprint there. Appreciate you you pointing that out. You just wanted to keep an eye on the the safety of the the road and and everything there. It's a busy intersection. So,
thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Before we go to the public for comment, is there anybody else from council? >> I'm kind of hidden back here, but um thank you very much um for the time and dedication
um as Councilwoman De Jesus um had mentioned um passed by that area often. uh residents of Fords and I know this is dear to our um our Fords Councilman uh Bower um have asked often uh what would
be going there. So I do want to thank the administration and uh the support and and the Collier team for putting this together. Um I am not a architect or an engineer. So I will ask a couple of questions. I counted them up and I I
assumed these are trees. So, these are all these things that look like rotary. They look like some type of rotary um >> a wheel. >> They're round. >> If they're round green things, they're trees. Kyle, >> are these trees? >> Are these trees?
>> Uh, yes. >> I counted 27. I assume they were trees. But um it's you know to fit something into that area um that is going to be green for our community. It's important
and um you know we're we're really pleased um that this is going to be happening. Um and uh the completion date we were saying is sometime uh this year 2026 >> 2026 >> next >> 2027 >> 2027.
>> All right. Sorry. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> If I if I may just point one thing out too is the fact that now there's going to be a walking trail there too. >> So it's phenomenal cuz the residents in
that area would have to go to Fors Park. They would have to drive to Fors Park or perhaps go to Fors Middle School, but now it's right there. So it's within walking distance to a lot of residents. So that's phenomenal. >> Do we know what the length is of that walking trail? what it will be
>> link >> if we can get that because that's a common question that will be asked by the community. >> Okay. So, council as this is a green acres hearing only at this time. I'd like to entertain a motion to open the
floor to the public for comment on this particular project. >> Motion. >> Second. Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have it. So, the floor is open to the public right now for any questions or comments on the green acres
proposal before us. >> Hearing no comment from the public. Can I get a motion that the public opportunity be closed? >> Motion. >> Second. Any questions or comments from council? All in >> favor? I opposed. Public hearing is
closed. 300. >> Mayor, would you like to say anything at this moment? >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. I'm going to have to fill a buster a little here. Uh we had several people that said they wanted to come tonight to express support. We told them to come at 6 6:30
recognizing that there was a council meeting. We didn't know it would only take 5 minutes. Uh we also had proclamations and a lot going on. So, we said just come here at 6:30 and you'll be okay. Uh that's uh about 7 minutes from now. So, I don't know if I can talk that long, but if I don't, we'll
hopefully take a little bit of a break, but I'm pretty sure I can actually. So, many years ago, pre-COVID, back in, I think 2018 or 2019, the school district made a decision to close school 14, as Mr. Harris said, he
was on the board back then, uh, and and build an addition onto school 25 to house those students. It was a pretty simple decision and I don't remember the exact numbers but the bu the renovation of the school was in the teens and the
building of a new school was in the 20s and it just didn't make any sense to renovate a building that was literally falling apart. There were there were fence fences around and scaffolds around the building because bricks and concrete was falling off the school onto the pathway around it. It was not it was
dangerous. Um it was just a building that was not worth saving. So we decided that um we would work with the school district and determine what would go there. We made a very firm commitment. It would not be apartments. We made a very firm commitment. It's really too
small for a warehouse, but that we would accept many other uses. Uh we even had a town meeting at the school where people could come and express their opinions on what it might become. Several did come. We took notes and then a year or two later COVID hit. So of course everything
fell apart. Then things we were working on got pushed to the back burner. Um and and nothing happened for for many years. Then uh the school the plans began to materialize for school 10 in Hope. Uh the only place we looked all over for
where a school could be built in the Hopelon Cisby area. We've said it many times. Kids in Hope Lawn and kids in Cisby travel by bus 30 to 35 minutes each way to go to school 19 in Menlo Park Terrace or to go to school at 25 Lafayette estates in Forge or to go to
Port Reading School 9 in Port Reading over an hour on the bus is not a a a good education for these young kids in grammar school. It's just not. They tend to not be involved in extracurricular activities. The parents tend not to be involved in their kids' education. they
tend not to be involved in PTO's and it's just not good. So, we looked around everywhere in that area in conjunction with the board to try to find a place where we could build a new school there. We settled on Clyde Avenue Park, which
we owned. Um the drawback there was it was Green Acres property. So, you can't build on Green Acres property. Normally, if you want to build on Green Acres property, you've got to replace it four to one. If you want to build on five acres for a private, you know, a a
warehouse, apartments, a retail center, you name it, you've got to provide 20 somewhere else in your town. The rules for education are half that. So, if we wanted to build on school on Clyde Avenue Park to build a new school 10, we had to find 14 acres of other land. And
we had to work with the board of ed because they were the ones that were getting the benefit of the seven acres in Clyde Avenue. So, they helped us find the 14 acres that we were going to do a swap on. Um, school 14 was part of that. Just under two acres of the swap that
they were going to give to us was school 14. Still is school 14. The balance came from school 22. We looked at every school and figured out which one would be the most likely to be sold by the board if
they ever had an emergency and they ever had to sell land. What is the most attractive piece of land that they have? It turns out school 22 was that land. North and south of the school there is room for 57 single family houses. It
fits perfectly because the entire perimeter of the school except for the road in which I think is is it IRA or is it IRA Avenue? Uh except for that little street, everything is surrounded by houses. It would not have been hard if there was no school there to or even if
there was to cut into that area north and south and build a culde-sac of homes. It was perfect for the area. So if anybody wanted to do it, that was the one. So that was the one we wanted to protect the most between us and the board and that was at the time close to
uh 14 acres. So it became that 14 plus the two was more than 2:1 on the seven for Clyde Avenue. It was a great trade. We followed the rules of Green Acres. We had a scoping hearing uh with the public
back in January February of 2024. Hope Firehouse people came out and expressed a lot of concerns. One of the biggest concerns was that we would take all of the park and not leave any wooded area, not leave any existing wetlands, not
leave any well wetlands weren't going to be touched, but not leave any wooded areas. So we listened to that and we only took from the park exactly what we needed which was just under five acres and we left the balance for still to be owned by the town and maintain as green
acres. People didn't want to lose it all and I understand that. We all understand that. We also looked at uh Cypra Cypress um school 22 Linress school and there were a lot of people that had encroached
on school property with fences with sandboxes with horseshoes with pools with whatever. We decided that we didn't want to make that a case. So we said leave it alone. And we also shrunk the area that
we were going to take from the board on on Linkrest School from 14 acres to 12. So now the the formula changed, but we were still well in advance of the 2:1. We were down to five acres that we were giving up and we were down from 14 to 12 or so on what we were getting back. It
was still good. It was still good. The deal still worked. So we've been pursuing that. Uh it took a long time to get through the D. A long time. Um, I'm not saying it's anybody's fault, but it's just the state bureaucracy was very
difficult to get through. We had, we drove around in a bus with a D representative. They wanted to look at all the other alternatives. We looked at Forest Park, but we don't own Forest Park and it's a very successful park and there's not really a lot of room to take away for school. We looked at Warren
Park. We looked at expanding on Forge Middle School and putting a grammar school there, but that would have been way too intense because there's only three streets in and they're residential streets and they're narrow and it just it it handles a three grade middle school. There's no way it could have handled a sixth grade grammar school on
top of that. Plus, the area is used right now pretty steady for recreation. Uh, a lot of kids in town play soccer there. So, we just didn't want to do that. So, we finally settled on the deal we thought we had the whole time, which was school 22 besides the school, and we
still left plenty of room for this school even to expand. Uh, plus uh school 14 is greater than Clyde Avenue Park, and we moved ahead. Uh, we we finally got to the state house commission in January. We went down with
Collers and we were prepared to testify about the transaction because it needs Green Acres approval. Uh it turns out nobody no one even asked a question. We everything was prepared. Everything was submitted and it it flew by without even uh any questions from the members of the
assembly or any members of the uh Senate or the public members who were on that that committee. Um we now have one more hurdle to get over. Sometime in March or April we'll appear before the local finance board. Now, normally we would
have to do a referendum to get voter approval for school projects, and in 2017, we got voter approval for um a new Ros Street school, which was built. That referendum also included Woodbridge
Middle School, which was amazingly renovated, like it's practically brand new. That referendum included full day kindergarten, which was an amenity which this town long needed and it's been amazingly successful. It also included uh significant school security, a major
investment in school security and and anytime you want, Brian Small, who heads school security can explain that. It also made a major investment in technology. We then did another referendum in 2020 that put the addition on school 25 that
we just talked about. It put a giant addition on school 28 in Seawir and Matthew Jgo school. It put uh it combined the separate buildings in school 22 in Colonia where kids would literally go from building to building in the elements to go to lunch or to go to
nurse or whatever. It was not a great experience. The same thing on school 24 in Islam which became the magnet school for kindergarten. And it also had that referendum some more money for security and some more money for technology. Both referenda passed overwhelmingly. I'm
talking about six, seven, eight, nine to one, both of them. So, the people in this town fully supported them. Probably one of the main reasons was because these costs were all paid by our developers and not by everyday taxpayers. And that's important and
that's why people supported them. We had uh downtown housing projects that paid for the Rust Street School in Woodbridge Middle. We had warehouses. We had a power plant. all paid for these projects. Uh, and those two referendums were successful. Referenda is the proper
term for plural, I guess. Now, fast forward to this uh, project. We still are using money from our projects, our economic development projects to pay for this. Two projects pay for the entire
$48 million for a new school 10 plus $30 million more for other school improvements all across every single school. This will include more security. It'll include uh just basic upgrades that will extend the lives of the buildings. The total is $78 million.
That money is being that money is being raised by uh two projects. Metrop Park is building a 10-story office building and 225 residential units. In May, April, it should open to house Hackinac Meridian Health, which is an amazing
catch for Woodbridge Township to have them have their corporate headquarters right in Metrop Park in Woodbridge. They've said it over and over again. HMH will be to Woodbridge what Robert Wood is to New Brunswick. They're not done expanding and they're not done with investing in Woodbridge. It'll also be
paid by the Brookfield warehouse, which is been in the news a lot lately because that is the warehouse where the crack occurred in Smith Street in Cisby. uh and that's being dealt with and it looks like it's moving ahead very well. So those two projects are going to pay for
those two economic development projects are going to pay for this entire school 10 plus other uh other uh projects within the town. We don't need a referendum anymore because the state passed a law that said if a town is
paying for a school referendum with pilot money, you don't have to go out to the voters. And we were probably a good example of why because it passed overwhelmingly twice. I have to thank Dan Harris and his position full-time as the uh chief of staff for Assembly
Speaker Coughlin. He was a very significant force behind that bill getting passed. They called it the Woodbridge bill because I think we're the only town in the state that uses money like we do to pay for school projects. By the time this project's done over 10 years, the school district
will have invested $200 million in its infrastructure and we will have paid for it. That is absolutely unheard of. It doesn't happen anywhere in the in the state other Abbott districts which get their their infrastructure paid for by the uh state itself, not by their city
or town. So this is it. This is the only one in state the state that does this. We'll know, as I said, in 60 to 90 days whether we got through the last hurdle. But if we're paying for it with two projects, it's going to probably fly through Trenton. But the only catch there is we're the first one. So there
may be a lot of questions. They may have to craft their rules and regulations around what we already do, but we've done it twice. So when we sit there, they're going to be learning from what we've done and what we plan to do. So this is very exciting. I am sorry more people didn't come. We asked a couple of
people in right now. >> Oh, they are? >> Yes. >> Oh, great. That's a filibuster. How about that? >> I should go to Congress. >> No, I shouldn't. No, I shouldn't. Very happy here. Nobody wants to go to
Washington once you're in Woodbridge. >> They're from the community. >> Cory Spelleller. I have Cy Booker. >> I channeled my inner Corey Booker here. 27 hours without >> 27 hours without going to the bathroom. All right.
>> 15. Put that again. Put these back on. Let's put these back up. >> Good job. Yeah. >> She shows up. Council
President, if I could, I'd like to introduce Mark Bulock, uh, who is uh, somebody we're working with a little bit on this project. We uh Carol and I were in Woodward Center I don't know maybe a year ago for the opening of a company called Main Event and we got to talk to
Mark and his partners really interesting company sportsoriented does podcast. Him and I talked for like 45 minutes. It sounded like a podcast ourselves the way we were talking about things. But what was very interesting is Mark explained to us that he has an interest in uh
recreational opportunities for special needs kids and he's got a daughter who's handicapped among his six daughters. Uh one of them is here tonight with him. Maybe more are, I don't know. But he started explaining how he has a fundraising entity and they raise money for special needs playground equipment.
was right up our alley because we knew what we wanted to do and we had the plans already for what we wanted to do at Fort Avenue and we became instant allies and we communicate a lot and I shared all the plans with him and he's going to help us and advise us and and just be a partner in this whole thing
and I can't tell you how happy I was to meet Mark and Carol meet Mark and and I can't wait to work with him and he's here tonight I'm guessing to support the project Mark right thank you very much my friend the Floor is all yours. >> Yep.
>> You know, it's on. It's just for the camera. We can hear you. >> Yep. >> How you doing? Pleasure to be here. Thank you for inviting me. Thank you everyone that's listening. Everybody else out there, whoever is listening, this is something that is dear to my
heart. Not only dear to my heart, but it's something that is needed. And so my daughter right there, her name is Morgan. Morgan, you can raise your hand. I'm working >> and also a partner over there, Zach.
He's there for uh his mother. >> We believe that it's time to start to recognize the need for special needs areas and parks. And so I was at
the park one day with my other five daughters. I said his brother Steve and everybody was playing and my daughter, she asked me a question. She said, "Daddy, how come I can't? Everyone should play."
And it was tough for me. I was fighting tears and everything. >> I said, "You know what? You're right. Everyone should play." >> And that started the initiative called Everyone Should Play. And what we want
to do is we want to make sure that every single park has at least some type of equipment for children with special needs and that they also have a ramp and that it is easy for somebody who lives in the area or who have children to go
to the park and everyone should be able to just like the new buildings are built with certain codes accessible and certain things with door with it should be the safety should apply.
And when I started with this business and made friends with Woodbridge Mall, I said, you know what, maybe Woodbridge is a city that will be uh able to accept, you know, an idea like this. And
I was so happy to meet the mayor and who after our first conversation I knew this with the city to work through this plan. I'm also a retired firefighter from Lynon. So I have a lot of resources when it
comes to the firefighters and and the police. Uh we have police and firefighters willing to donate their time for free to assist and build. uh they've built multiple playgrounds from here to Boston to to LA to other
countries and so you know we're coming with with hands we need a city to say yes this is something that we want to do which will be the first city I'm pretty sure I'm I'm going to double check but
I'm pretty sure last time I checked there isn't one city in the in the whole entire nation where every single park has something with special needs Woodbridge will be the first city in the nation and I believe it's the perfect city to be the example.
And so I'm willing to to show as much of the uh the information on playground equipment. I've been doing this and researching it for years of the knowledge to the team. I met with a lot of the team members. They're very knowledgeable and and uh they know what
they're doing. So I know we can make this happen. So I would end by saying this. Once this is completed, this city can be a beacon to the county. And then once this county does that,
then this county will be a beacon to the state. And then once the state does this, the state is going to be a beacon to the rest of the nation. So thank you for your time. Madam President, to the chair, if you would could you mention your relationship with Bill Lavin, who's a
Woodbridge guy. He's a Woodbridge firefighter and he's got Where Angels Play and you know him and you've worked with him and I guess you share a lot of the same leads, but it's important to know that he's a Woodbridge guy and and you've worked with him. >> Absolutely. And he has all the necessary
documents needed in order to make this happen. And we also have another star in the audience. Uh Zach uh Lena Suarez lives is Vine. You live on Viner right across >> share the property line. >> She shares a property line with Ford's
with school 14. Her son's in a wheelchair and I don't know how many times you and I have talked and you've talked to Councilman Bower. Uh you were one of the ones that was so into this very early on and you were motivating us to do it and I want to thank you and
thank Zack. Thanks, Zack. Yeah, it's, you know, the importance of inclusion. It it allows us to really be able to empower how are your babies be able to take care of our babies when we're no longer here. If they don't know how to play with us, if they don't know how to integrate them with us, then they
don't know how to work with us or live with us. So, it's creating and being able to I know he's making noise, right? But it's it's a part of it's navigable. It's also fun. But >> but we're, you know, they come so near and dear to us and and that's what
community is all about. We can't do this alone. So that that's the biggest reason why we're here. >> And also a gate trainer and a car seat don't fit in the game. So even if I were to put things in the car in order for them to play, we wouldn't be able to. So
property line, we share that property line. We are 16 by street. So we're right there. So it would be an honor I I do want to mention another thing. We have um financial support that will be helping us. Um our email is here. He's
head of our nonprofit called New Life CDC. Um who have resources and other relationships and bringing money to help the city funding this. So it's you won't
be alone in in your efforts. Uh we also as a main event and uh it was my partner for the main event friends. He's the one who started the Hamilton basketball. He has a lot of friends and celebrities and athletes that are willing to chip in and really bring a life to what we're doing
here. >> And as Mark said, our plan is to put at least one double unit for wheelchair bound people to in swings at in every one of our parks. And George Brew has been out. In fact, I think you met George when we toured. Uh there's a spot in every playground where we're going to
put in a ramp and we're going to put in uh fall zone material and at least a double unit somewhere in every one of our playgrounds. >> Yes. And that alone is a is lifechanging for parents.
>> Thank you Mark. Thank you everybody for coming out. >> Thank you. President uh >> we're going to go into the agendas now. Um my agenda is in order and I'm going to uh Thank you. I'm going to defer to Councilman Harris. He has another
commitment that he needs to leave for. >> Sure. Thank you. That's nice of you to defer that time. Just similar to last month, I had mentioned the Witch Community Center as part of my mayor's wellness campaign agenda item. Just once again uh reminding uh the community uh
and those watching at home about uh the Woodbridge Community Center as well as the Club of Woodbridge. Gym memberships are always available. Thank you, Councilman Spiller. Uh and once again, the month of uh January has a uh a joiner fee is waved. So, if you haven't
already joined, please consider joining the Woodbridge Community Center. uh and uh not not a part of the deal, but the the Woodbridge Club uh at Woodbridge also has uh great amenities uh gyms, pools, walking tracks, uh cardio, and other fitness equipment. So, uh those
were all my comments this evening. Just want to put in one more plug for our uh fabulous gyms. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Uh Councilwoman De Jesus. >> Thank you, Council President. Um I just have a couple of announcements to make. Uh number five, police community
relations. This th Thursday January 22nd at 11 p.m. we will have a police ceremony at Acasia in Boretting swearing in six new officers honoring officers for life saving. Um and we are going to honor the officer of the fourth quarter
and officer of the year. Also the free public library of Woodbridge item number 10. Woodbridge Library is hosting a family winter reading challenge. a teen book ttoe and a book bingo for adult readers.
Participate by picking up your challenge game boards, books, and activities at any of the library branches. The main library will also host the program your taxes under the one big beautiful bill act on Tuesday, January 27th at 6:30 and
how to keep your memory sharp in the new year on Thursday, January 29th at 100 p.m. You can register online at wbridge library.org or call the library at 732-634450. I would also like to congratulate the Avanel Middle School girls basketball
team on their championship and being honored today during our proclamations. That is all that I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, Councilman Spiller. >> Thank you, Coll. Item number eight, globally agreement. I just like to congratulate Paris Baguette on their
ribbon cutting grand opening ceremony we had a few weeks ago. Uh, from the past to the sandwiches, everything looks and tastes good. Uh this is now the sixth grand opening we've had for Clover Leaf Development uh with several more happening over the next several weeks. Um you might see every every ribbon cutting we have. I call it my miracle
model because it was nothing short of a miracle for this project to happen. Um and now it's one of the premier what I call retail euphoria because it's more than just a strict water shopping center. So uh congratulations to them located on your jin. Please uh swing by take a seat. Uh just that's the rest of
uh rest my agenda and order few announcements. Abidel nights Columbus call me club to Abanel. We have two events they ask me to come up speak. Uh this Sunday January 25th they're having a bus trip to Caesars. Uh there's still tickets available. You can contact 732
841027B. Uh for tickets and on February 7th old dance 60s7s and 80s um found on Saturday February 7th from 6:30 to 10:30. Buffet dinner featuring food, soda, refreshments. Um you can contact
Joe at 9084722862. Again, that's for the holding stands for the nights of Columbus. Rest of my agenda is in order. Council President, God bless America. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Anderson. >> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. I do want to make two me uh
a couple of mentions. one. Last night we had a great turnout and a great event for the MLK uh event that was um peaked by our um Woodbridge High School school choir
and also our Reverend Neva Lawson from who was our keynote speaker from First Baptist Church of Seawward. Uh who's a fantastic event. If you have an opportunity, you can watch it online. Um and uh we look forward to next year. But we had a good turnout considering of the
bad weather, the bad weather, the cold weather, and the fact that we were going up against the national championship last night. Um, I would like to congratulate the Woodbridge girls basketball team for their great start, and they've already qualified to um
they're the division champs for the first time in many, many years. And the Colonia girls basketball team has also won their division and they're presently 12-0. Um, and then tonight, uh, we're not there, but we would, we are there in
spirit. Grant Lorenson, whose dad works here in town hall, um, is going for his thousand points at JFK High School. Grant also, he's a three sport athlete. uh and he um had over 2,000 yards
receiving yards for a career, which um I believe is the uh the township record for all three schools. Uh but we we we're going to research that. Um but I want to congratulate Grant and his
family um for that milestone. Um it's been a long time since uh Kennedy's had a thousand point score, so congratulations to all of those over at JFK. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Councilman Bower. >> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. I have no announcements
tonight. God bless all our military personnel, first responders, and God bless Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Small. >> Madame President, my agenda is in order. God bless all our first responders and God bless America. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Me.
>> Thank you, Council President. I just have one announcement tonight. The annual 2026 Valentine's Day Have a Heart Food Drive launched each January by the mayor's office, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the We Feed Woodbridge Food Bank committee kicked off last week. The Have a Heart Food
Drive has become one of the most important community and business-based food collection programs undertaken throughout the entire year. The Habah Food Drive is coordinated by Peter Barcelona, chairman of We Feed Food Bank. All you need to do is give Peter a call and tell him where and when to pick
up your donation of 214 pounds of food and our volunteers will come directly to your location. Or you can or you can deliver your non-p perishable food items to Wbridge Township Public Health Department located at 2 George Frederick
um plaza anytime between 9 and 4 p.m. During the holidays during the holiday months, the generos generosity of the community is overwhelming. But once the winter months come, our food banks become drained and we are in desperate need for the community's help to refill
them. There are many families right here in our community that struggle to put food on their tables every day. But through the kindness and donations, we can help take care of each other. If you can donate the whole 214 pounds, great. But if you can't, one can of food will help. in Colonia on February 7th from 10
to 12. Myself along with students of Colonia Middle School will be holding a drive-thru food drive at the Evergreen Center on Inman Avenue in Colonia. You can pull up your vehicle and the students will take the food right out of your car. The challenge will run to Valentine's Day, February 14th. Please
help if you can. And I just want to thank all of you for your hard work for the playground. It it really is such an amazing thing to see everybody here and how it really will touch people's lives and that's why we're here and it's important to see that. But thank you for all your hard work for what you're doing.
>> That's all I have. Thank you. >> Just one quick update. I never check my phone while I'm up here, but I happen to look at my phone and Councilman, former Councilman Greg Vicara, who is doing the game, as soon as I said it, it's almost like he must have heard that I said it.
I got a text message from him that said Grant scored six points um right away uh which was what he needed and he ended up with um 20 points tonight. They won by 30 so he got his thousand points. So that just got the text
on YouTube. >> Outstanding. >> TV35 is everywhere. >> Thank you. Is everybody right? 1 five, Mr. Mitch. >> Thank you. My agenda is in order. >> Thank you, >> Mayor. >> I think I've said enough tonight. Thank
you, >> Business Administrator Simaluca. >> Thank you, Council President. I just want to thank our DPW uh for the hard work and dedication they did over the holiday weekend removing the snow. Uh they did a fantastic job, so we appreciate that. It was long and
arduous. Um, for my agenda, I have a tax and sewer overpayment and I'm a 100% disabled veteran. Thank you, Council President. >> Planning and Development, Director Darden. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Public Works Director. Mr.
Brew. >> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. >> Thank you. Legal. >> Thank you, President. >> Thank you. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Meeting adjourned.