Good evening. Paul the council meeting in order. Please rise to pledge your flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I ask you please remain
standing for a moment of silence for all our military personnel serving abroad and uh in the United States as well as Stu Brandau. Um anyone that knows anything in this township knows Stu uh served in two separate um branches of
the government. uh passed away uh last week. I know councilwoman Mayan will touch base a little more on that. Um but just keep uh his family and your thoughts, please. Thank you, Mr. Mitch. Requirements unsatisfied public on January 10th, 2025
scheduled to be noted in the minutes of this meeting. Councilman Anderson here. Councilman Bower, Councilwoman Seuss. Councilman Fara here. Councilwoman Mann here. Councilman Patel. Councilman Small here. Vice President McCollik here.
President Sto here. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes for April 1st, 2025? Motion. Second. Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I I opposed. Eyes have it. Beginning with second reading of ordinances this evening we're going to
take A and B by consent. All of these are with regards to chapter 7 traffic ordinances and handicap handicap parking. The first is to delete a space on Camelot Drive. The second is to add a space on Marina View Drive. With that said, again a motion that these two ordinances be taken up on second and
third reading and the public hearing be opened. Motion second. Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I I opposed. Eyes have it. Public hearing is now open on letters A and B. A and B only. There no comments from the public.
And I got a 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 from council? All in favor? I. Opposed? Eyes have. Letter C is an ordinance amending chapter 11 entitled animal control. This
is with regards to keeping and control of non-domemestic animals. Can I get a motion that this order to be taken up on second and third reading of the public hearing to be open? Motion. Second. Any comments or questions from council? All in favor? I oppose. Eyes have. Mr.
Mitch, I'm sorry. Uh, mayor, I believe you have a statement you'd like to read. Council President, tonight we would like to once again state the reason behind our proposed ordinance to amend an ordinance passed in 2007 entitled keeping in control of non-domemestic animals. The original ordinance was in response to residents harboring farm
animals on their properties before sequest ever moved to Woodbridge Center. It was never intended to apply to commercial entities, but once sequest opened, we realized it did. Upon further legal review, we also realize that a local municipality cannot enact ordinances that override the authority
of a higher governmental body such as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection or the United States Department of Agriculture, both of which oversee what is now the Woodbridge Aquarium. We have no overlapping jurisdiction with these governmental entities. Quite simply, our
existing ordinance is not legal and must be amended to eliminate any oversight on our part of a commercial entity subject to a higher level of governmental review and oversight. We also cannot assume approval authority over any of the attractions of the Woodbridge Aquarium
because we have no legal right to do so. We cannot tell residents of restaurants what meals to serve or department stores what clothes to sell or a professional firm what clients to accept. We simply cannot tell the new owners what animals or what attractions they can offer and
we will not do so. If a business is operating legally with appropriate building and zoning approvals, we will not interfere in its operation. Attempting to exert that kind of control over a private business entity would likely lead instantly to litigation. And
in the opinion of our attorneys, we would lose that case without question. We are not willing to spend thousands of dollars defending ourselves against an action that we believe is inappropriate and we will not amend tonight's ordinance or take any other action to affectuate any suggestion to the
contrary. Finally, regardless of the regulations in place, we just do not belong in the business of regulating farm animals for which we have no specific education, training, or experience. A few months ago, when we agreed to check on these animals at Sequest, we had to hire a veterinarian
at a cost to our taxpayers. Since we have no legal jurisdiction, we have no intention of doing this in the future. We have been asked to revoke the Sequest Farm Animal Permit dozens of times over the last several months, and we chose not to for many of the reasons
highlighted herein. Now, we have decided to not issue a permit to the Woodbridge Aquarium, which would seem to be consistent with the request to revoke the permit of Sequest, but we are meant with confusing and inconsistent response to the actions we have taken and not
taken over the last several months. In summary, while we again respect the passion and advocacy of people who are interested in the well-being of animals, we are not the entity that can offer any solutions to ensure this well-being. the state through the D and the country
through the USDA are the entities in control of this matter and they should be contacted with any concerns or questions. We stand by the ordinance amendment we are considering tonight. Thank you. Thank you, mayor. I just want to uh again say thank you uh for the clarification again on exactly what the
township's roles and responsibilities are. Uh I want to thank legal, the administration, health, um all the parties and the rest of my fellow council mates. U Mr. Mitch, thank you. Are there any comments from the public on letter C? My name is Jnasha and um I'm from uh
Piscatoaway, New Jersey. I just had a question that so revising this ordinance, what would it mean for the animals that were under this permit? We're not or so basically uh changing the ordinance to only be for
residential. So, what would it mean for the animals that were in sequest um under this permit? Thank you, Mr. Nol. It would it would mean nothing that the Yeah, we came to the conclusion that that we didn't have the jurisdiction to
be involved in this area anyway. It was designed for residential use. It was not ever designed for commercial use. So, all it's going to do is eliminate the the the process. So, they will not get a permit.
um because we don't believe we had the jurisdiction to issue permits in the first place for that purpose for that specific purpose. So um so then those animals like would they come under like the US they've always the jurisdiction
of Yes. They they always have. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments from the public? Letter C. John would on the letter C again over here the wood keeping and controlling the non-domemestic animals. Uh we talk
about non-domemestic animals. Are we talking about the deer? Are we talking about the wild animals? How we do that? Farm animals. talking about not cats and dogs. Well, not domestic. Farm animals. Well, but that but you said not
domestic. That mean it's wildlife. You said that. I didn't say that. Well, make it clear then. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments under letter C? Thank you. Hear no other comments. Can I make a motion that the public hearing be closed? The ordinance be adopting
submitted to the mayor through as required by law. Motion. Second. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I I opposed. I have letter D is an ordinance amending chapter 2 administration of the general advisor of the townships with regards to personnel. Can I get a motion
that this ordinance be taken up on second reading and the public hearing? Motion second. Any questions or comments from council? All in favor? I I oppose. The public hearing is now open on letter D. Letter D. There are no comments from the public.
Can I get a motion that the public hearing be closed the be adopt and submit to the mayor for approval as required by law? Motion second. Any questions or comments from councel? All in favor? I oppose. I have. We'll also take letters E and F by consent. These
are both applications for long-term tax exempt. First with regards to the Naza urban bill and the second act referencing rich urban reo. I get a motion that these two orders be taken up on second and third reading of the public hearing be motion. Second. Any
questions or comments from council? Yes, Mr. Mitch. I'd like to abstain from letter E, please. So noted. Any other comments from council? All in favor? I opposed. I have the public hearing is now open on letters E and F. ENF.
Hi, Ken Gardner 101 Scot Avenue, Woodbridge. Um, on letter E, um, can councilwoman McAuliffe just explain why she's abstaining? Uh, yes. I am a, uh, business owner on Main Street in
Woodbridge and, uh, I do not want to be able to be involved to that because it could affect my business based upon what businesses are put in there and the residents that are coming in there. So, that's why I'm abstaining. Thank you. Okay. However, number two on your agenda
is the Main Street S. Excuse me, Mr. Gardner, we're not talking about number two. We're talking about letter E and F. Uh, we're talking about the ordinance and why the council woman abstained. She answered you. Okay. I'll talk about that during the public portion if you don't want me to talk about it during the ordinance. Um, does anyone know how long
Veto Maza was on Main Street before they moved? No. Okay. Very long time. They've been a very successful business, a good business by I don't go there myself, but only heard good things about the business. So, I don't understand why we would be giving a tax abatement to a
business that's been successful for years. Um, and the other businesses aren't aren't getting it as well. Um, in addition, uh, from talking to residents, it uh is pretty common knowledge that
residents are overwhelmingly opposed to apartment building, any more apartment building that we've already had. And so giving tax abatements to build apartments just doesn't doesn't make any sense. Um on letter F, uh this is uh the
property at Uber Center. Correct. I answered you last meeting, Mr. Gardner. Okay. Just want to make sure. Um and uh the property is located uh basically uh you know right at right at the intersection of Route 1 and Nine. It's got great access to all the roadways and
again we're giving tax abatements instead of selling our town and letting businesses uh you know or being good salesman for our town I should say promoting the the benefits of the town the access that the town provides all the benefits that we have um and so
giving somebody a 30 a business a 30-year tax abatement when the residents are paying their full property taxes is uh is unfair. Um, last but not least, I assume that the council will probably support both E and F. And I would ask
that those ordinances be amended or a resolution be passed so that any money coming in from any of these pilot programs be set aside for a tax cut. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any other comments from the public on letters E or F? Hearing no other comments. Can I get
a motion that the public hear closed? The vote ordinance be adopted and submitted to the mayor for approval as required by a law. Motion second. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I opposed. I have it. Letters G, H, I, and J are first reading ordinances. Can I
get a motion by consent that the four ordinances be passed on first reading from your home Mr. Be on April 25th, 2025 and so on be held on May 6, 2025 at 6 p.m. Motion. Second. Any questions or comments from council? Uh, yes, Mr. Mr. Mitch, I'd like to abstain from letter
H, please. So noted. Any other comments? All in favor? I oppose. Eyes have it. Mr. President, listed on the resolution 1 through 34, if I can take those. All by consent, please. I get a motion. Motion. Second. Any questions or
comments from council? Mr. Mitch, I'll be abstaining from number 34. So noted. Mr. Mitch, I'll be abstaining from number 32 and number 34. So noted. Any other comments? All in favor? I I opposed. I sign. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Mitchell. We'll now go to the public portion of tonight's meeting. When approaching the microphone, please state the name and the section of town or state that you live in. Uh you'll have a one-time opportunity to speak up to 5 minutes. Please do not touch the microphone. The microphone is set. Everyone will hear you.
Glenn Morgan, uh, chairman of the, uh, Human Rights Commission as well as a member of the Independent Club of Colonia and also a member of the National Action Network. Um, I'm here really to talk about uh,
DEI and uh, this is one of the last times you hear me refer to DEI as an acronym. That is because we have outside forces trying to turn it into DI pushing their own agenda in order to
keep our society fragmented as opposed to what it is actually. So I'm here to talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion. I don't know if you're aware that scholars and the National Bureau of
Economic Research indicates that white women and veterans have benefited the most from diversity, equity, and inclusion. First, I'll break down diversity for you. Diversity is the presence of difference. It's one of the things that contributes to Woodbridge
being the best town around. Our neighbors are black, white, Hispanic, Southeast Asian, East Asian, and more. We're Republicans, Democrats, independents, rich, poor, middle class, straight, gay, white collar, and blue
collar. So when you say you're against diversity, be honest. Which one of these groups are you against? Because to be against diversity means you're against the presence of difference. Now, equity. Equity is the meeting of
individual needs. Things like sidewalk ramps for our neighbors in wheelchairs. Smaller class class sizes for students with learning disabilities. Tutoring programs for students who underachieve. Gifted and talented
programs for students who need an extra challenge. Meal accommodations in recognition of religious practices. translation services for those who need it. Providing busing for students who live far from their school
or can't get safely to walk to it. Ensuring all students, no matter their background or identity, have a chance to see themselves and what they study and who has contributed to making this country great. So, when you say you're
against equity, please be honest. Which of these are you against? Because to be against equity means you're against meeting the specific needs of our neighbors. Last, we have inclusion. Inclusion is their practice of ensuring
individuals regardless of background or identity feel valued, heard, and included in decision making. It benefits everybody. looking at course offerings to make sure that electives offered include things
that students are actually interested in. Developing the cultural competence of the people teaching students and leading schools, which can lead to better relationships with students, parents, and the community.
inclusion is having this meeting here in person, but also streaming it live and posting it for playback so that community members can view or participate in a way that works for them. Things like the opportunity we
have to speak at meetings like this and the fact that even those with no kids in the district and people who don't even live in the township are allowed to speak. So when you say you're against inclusion, be honest. Which of these things are you against? Because to be
against inclusion means you're against ensuring our neighbors, regardless of their background, one minute or situation are heard and valued. So no, I don't believe that most people are against diver diversity,
equity, or inclusion. Even the ones who are most vocal rallying against it. So, I challenge you to learn for yourself what it is and what it looks like in our schools and community because if you did, you would be
fighting to keep it, not lobbying to make it DI. So, thank you for allowing me to express myself. These are my feelings, not the human rights commissions, okay, as a whole. And, uh, we have our
meetings here monthly. I believe our next one is May 12th and uh you're more than welcome to come there and we can have even further discussion in reference to these subjects as well. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Morgan, for coming up. Are there any other comments
from the public this evening? Good evening and happy Earth, council members. I'm Samita Bay, a freshman at JP Stevens High School in Edison. The last time I came to a Woodbridge Town Council meeting, I wasn't able to speak.
But I'm here again because this issue is too important to stay silent about. Our environment is under a major threat, and I'm here representing the generations that have to live through the future that you're shaping today. We are in an
emergency. Our planet is in trouble, and the signs are everywhere. Microplastics from the air and water are already in our blood, our organs, and even in babies. Sperm counts are declining. Climate change is accelerating. And
biodiversity is plummeting. Toxic forever chemicals are showing up in our water and soil. These aren't just far away issues. They're happening here in New Jersey, too. Think about it. What good is a thriving economy when you're living off of poisoned food and water?
Now, I know that as members of this council, you really care about the environment because you spend hours each month attending these meetings, and that is something we are all grateful for. But I'm here today to ask you, the Woodbridge Town Council, to take a stand and endorse a state constitutional
amendment that would put the right to clean air, water, healthy habitats, and a safe climate on par with the right to assembly, free speech, and other rights listed in the New Jersey Constitution. I urge you to join Mitouchen, Franklin
Township, Somerset County, Burlington County, and many other towns to pass a resolution endorsing the Assembly Bill ACR 1119 and Senate Bill STR43, nicknamed the New Jersey Green Amendment. This bill has bipartisan
co-sponsors, and I have physical handouts to pass around with more detailed information about this amendment, and I request you to look through this. The Green Amendment could be a ballot resolution in an upcoming election if both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly hold a hearing and approve
it with enough support before the summer recess. It's no longer a small request. It's now a necessity. Not only are people paying the price, but voiceless creatures that have nothing to do with our economy are suffering the consequences of our negligence. Tell me,
is that fair to you? New Jersey, the garden state, has been a leader in so many ways, like passing the environmental justice law. Let's be the state that prioritizes a livable planet for the future and sets the example for the country. I know there are many
environmental regulations out there, but this amendment offers protection at the highest level, the state constitution. Rules and regulations can be rolled back with nothing more than a signature. Think about that. Our trees, our lungs, gone with a stroke of a pen.
Prioritizing the environment is so important now since the federal government is actively dismantling environmental protections that took decades to establish. I am a member of the New Jersey Student Sustainability Coalition, which is a group of high school students throughout the state. We have been
working to build support for the Green Amendment constantly for over 5 years. Everyone my age who pays attention to environmental news feels paralyzed watching critical protections being sacrificed. My question to you is, did you have to experience this when you
were in high school? I like that the Green Amendment can prevent harm before it happens. And this could even be something your grandchildren would look up to you for, knowing that you took the opportunity to show that you care about New Jersey's youth and wildlife. New York voters passed a green amendment in
2021 with over 70% of voters. Having this amendment on the New Jersey ballot will bring people who care out to vote and will be very popular. Our residents also deserve to vote on whether a healthy environment is a constitutional right. Ultimately, we are the generation
that learns about um climate disasters in classrooms and walks out to find them at our doorstep. We are the generation growing up with wildfires in our headlines and smog in our skies. Show us that you will take bold action now when it matters most. This is Woodbridge's
moment to build on the legacy of being a leader in sustainability. To show that you care not just about policies and numbers, but about us, the people, the youth of New Jersey, the generations that will inherit this planet. Let tonight be the moment where Woodbridge
takes a bold stand, where you choose to lead, to protect, and to preserve by endorsing the New Jersey Green Amendment. Thank you for listening. Thank you. Are there any other comments from the public this evening? not as tall as her. Good evening. My
name is Rachel Don Davis. Um, good evening esteemed members of the Woodbridge City Council. I'm speaking today in my role as public policy and justice organizer full-time for Water Spirit, which is an ecosspiritual nonprofit based in Mammoth County,
really not too far away. And also as a resident, I'm proposing these two items to Woodbridge, amplifying what Samita just shared. In addition to that, something else. One, an ordinance aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability within our community. And
two, a resolution in support of a New Jersey green amendment. I respectfully urge the council to pass an ordinance to skip the stuff. And by the stuff, I mean this stuff that is probably in everybody's drawer. Nobody uses it. Nobody really asks for it and there is a
remedy for this that many other towns are employing right now. Um this stuff gets stuck in our waterways. It gets stuck everywhere. We don't want to businesses are spending money on this and having studied economics at Ruckers. We don't want to waste money. We want to be efficient all around. So the skip the
stuff ordinance would incentivize consumers to bring their own reusable items. It would implement measures to basically minimize unnecessary plastic use in our local businesses starting with common items like you just saw. straws, utensils, chopsticks, um, and to go containers. So, through fostering a
culture of sustainability that Woodbridge has done for a long time, I've been hearing about you for a really long time. Sustainable Jersey number one, Manalapen, we are jealous of you. Um, but this would not only improve Woodbridge's ecological footprint, and we know water and air know no bounds,
but it would also contribute to reducing the negative impact on our beloved waterways and again aligning with New Jersey's the statewide broader environmental goals. So, not only would Woodbridge continue to lead in sustainability, but you would lead again the other way, the way for
other municipalities and New Jersey as a state um as a whole. I am here also urging the council to pass a resolution in support of the New Jersey Green Amendment. And I will share I have sample ordinances. I had emailed all of you this morning sample ordinances for the um skip the stuff as well as a red
bank case study that really just shows tremendous um improvements. I think was 97% businesses are not wasting money. Consumers are not needing this stuff. Our waterways are not suffering. It's a winwinwin. And so in addition to that, young people like Tama have been vying
for this protection at the constitutional level at the state level for 5 years or more. and they are really seeking leadership from adults like you who are in positions of power. The New Jersey Green Amendment would enshrine the right to uh healthy environment, as
Sama said, clean air, pure water, a stable climate, and healthy environment for future generations. I've been wanting these rights for 20 years and no law is ever going to be strong enough, including the New Jersey environmental environmental justice law to actually uh
be able to be applicable to grab hold of it at every single level of government. Right? So, if this is passed, local government, municipalities can take uh hold of their grab hold of their constitutional right. And so by passing this resolution, Woodbridge would join a
growing movement that's actually across the whole country, but specifically in this state to secure environmental justice, ensuring that every person, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, has the right to live in an environment that does not harm their health or well-being. The
late Pope Francis's encyclical latoto urges to all people whether they are of faith or not of faith. Quote, "We must regain the conviction that we need one another. That we have a shared responsibility for others and the whole world and that being good and decent are
worth it. We have had enough of immorality and the mockery of ethics, goodness, faith, and honesty." End quote. This resolution would not only reflect the values of your beautiful community, values that place a premium on environmental protection and
sustainability, would also send a powerful message to the state legislature. It would highlight Wood Bridg's town Woodbridge Township's leadership in advocating for policies that are on guard that prioritize public health and the preservation of our natural
resources which are foundational to both any local economy that could be thriving as well as any quality of life at any point in that life. Right? Whether you're retiring or a very young person trying to see a livable future, not really seeing one. So the green
amendment is a vital step towards ensuring the that future generations inherit a healthy environment and by supporting it you decision makers today can play an essential role in securing this legacy. Of course because everything I'm working on is centered on
water. Pope Francis said access to safe drinking water determines the survival of people and the future of humanity. We are water. We need to save ourselves right now. Thank you for your attention and for your commitment to a greener and healthier, more sustainable New Jersey.
I will hand out my materials and feel free to connect with me. Thank you. Thank you so much. Are there any other comments from the public this evening? President, I just jump in real quick. uh a number of years ago uh we passed a
resolution I believe that is called health in all policies and our directors that are all sitting over there uh all had a say in it and it's when whatever proposal whatever resolution whatever um
program that is being proposed health is being considered and environment is part of the health so that was two years ago that we have done that and we will continue to do that I I think that um the points that have been made are very well taken, but I think many of the
steps. We have our recycling program now with foods and restaurant. Councilwoman, you know that better than anybody. Uh but I I think they're in the right direction. But I also think we've taken some major steps and ahead of uh some of the other things done around the state. So I just wanted to mention that. Thank
you, Council Me. Hey, John. Uh John with Woodbridge. Well, finally it happened. We got a um metal detector in three high schools. I think we play Russian roulette for a long time and I think the
person over here in this culture chamber over here is has a lot to do with it and I want to stand personally. Thank you, Councilman Brian Small. I know you did a part of it, big part of it to make it happen. Uh I think we should not just
consider the woodish high schools or Colonia or JFK. I think we should go to the whole town all the schools because if you know each school has got a different problems but if you're talking about the terrorist terrorist going to hit what is the weakest point if it's
going to happen let's hope it not happen but please take it seriously from now on and Mr. small. I want to thank you. Uh it was kind of a a lot of people know what was happening. You know what is happening and was kind that we did it.
No matter what the dollars are, I think it probably would be great idea. Certain corporations, new business come to this town. I know it's 25 schools uh put all the schools going to be a lot of money. Maybe some of those people will be able to do themselves contribute to put a
melo detect in the schools. If you go to foreign countries, like I said before, I was in this situation in 1945 when I was born in 1952. I start school. We had a schools locked. We have
no metal detectors, but school was locked. Each student was checked before they go to school because we were hit in the soccer fields. We were hit with the children. If it's terrorist, they will go after the young children. Not just a not a thing and I want to congratulate
everybody. It happened. It's I get everybody just easier because it was uh look at all over the country happens a lot. So I think it's going to help the thing. But as a technology I understand it takes about 1 hour longer
to so kids go to school check him out. I a technology they don't have to use me detectors like they do. I believe they have some kind of device that they can put 20 25 feet away see who's got a weapons or anything like this. So let's look into it because you don't want to let kids lose out of schooling because
of the it takes time to do it there. So thank you again. Uh another thing uh mayor said that the cases park is going to be open December sometime EPA approval last couple years.
Uh my question would be did we get a phase one approval, phase two approval and uh what takes us so long and what's if it's going to happen or not going to happen. So please uh could anybody answer it regarding the KB park? Uh I have that
for you. Well I have that for I can't find it but uh basically it all falls within uh under the D. Uh they're not ready. Mayor, do you want to touch on that? No, that is accurate. We thought it would be open sometime in 2025. It does not look like it will be. It's out
of our control. As I said probably 12 times at council meetings. It's not in our control. It's under the opices of the D and the federal EPA. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments from the public this evening?
I'll bet you can Ken Gardner Woodbridge. Um I left off before with the council to the chair to councilwoman McAuliff. Um on your agenda number two, you have the Main Street SID which your business is a part of.
Um there was another uh item I think uh the transit. Did you also abstain on the uh rehabilitation and transit village? Yes. You don't you're good. I answered yes.
She It's not a Q&A, Mr. Gardner. She answered you under uh the under ordinance. It's not a Q&A session. It's a council meeting to direct everything to the council president. It's where the public comes to ask questions of their elected officials. You are absolutely right. And you saying that and I answered you.
Okay. So, I'm I'm asking how it's a conflict for her to vote on or to not vote on the biggest issue in the ward, the redevelopment with all of the apartments, but she can include on her
agenda the downtown special improvement district. That's the question. Her agenda is not a vote. I understand that. But if she's the nature of a conflict would be not to vote, not not to not speak about it. So
you can speak on the subject. Of course, you just can't vote on. Okay. So, um, Councilwoman McAuliff, back to the ordinance. Um, can you give me your Mr. Gardner, you'll be addressing the council president. You You like to tell people that council
president everything goes through. We would never go around you, Mr. President. I'm here. Councilwoman McAuliff, everything gets Well, simply because I say her name doesn't mean it's not through through you, Mr. President. It's always always It's not a Q&A, sir. Okay. Um, so back to the ordinance. Uh,
can through the council president, can the council woman give me her opinion on ordinance E and F? No, she she abstained on on those, so she's doesn't care to give her opinion. The attorney said she's allowed to give her
opinion. Are you Councilwoman McAuliff, are you are you in to the chair? Are you in favor of this tax these two tax abatements giving businesses 30-year tax abatements? And are you in favor of
building the apartments on Main Street? Question. That's you. It you you asked the question and that's it. It's a conflict for me to answer the question. So, I'm not going to answer the question. I've abstained on it since I didn't want to voice my opinion and that's where I'm going to stand on abstaining on those
question on that question. Well, Mr. Nolan just said it's not a conflict for you to discuss the items. It's not what I said, but she she doesn't want to talk about she's not discuss with you. She doesn't Well, if she doesn't want to talk about it, that's fine. But that doesn't mean it's You said it wasn't a conflict. So, I'm giving her the
opportunity. You said it was a conflict of beyond the SID and for me to give my opinion, you're mixing the two together. So, don't mix the SID and the ordinance. They're two the resolution. They're two different things. So, you're trying to mix the SID and the ordinance together.
They're two different things and that's what he's explaining to you. So, you're trying to mix the two together. So, please do not do that. Thank you. Um, actually, I was bringing up two separate points. First, you I said that you had the SID on your agenda and it's
something that benefits or your business participates. Your your business is taxed as part of the sit. And the other item was after Mr. Nolan said that you're able to discuss items. I was asking you for your opinion. Again, it's the biggest issue
in the first ward. Who says who says it, Mr. Gardner? Excuse me. I'm sorry. Who says it's the biggest issue in the first word? Are you the go- all beall of the first ward? Is this a question and answer period between you and I, Mr. President? I mean, I'm happy to answer your question. Exactly. We know why you're asking, but go ahead, Mr. Gardner. I I
didn't hear what the attorney said. That's uh between the attorney and myself. Maybe you can hold your private discussions until after the public session of the meeting today. Oh, maybe you could stop making generalizations about what is the biggest issue in the first award. Well, I'm sure we're going
to hear about it over the next six months from you. You know, Mr. President. Um, Councilman Ficara at the last meeting identified me as a council candidate in a disparaging way. I thought that's your opinion. Opinions vary. Yes, it was. It was my
opinion and that's why I'm I'm speaking. It's my opinion. Fact. So, all of you here have been candidates. I don't think it's a bad thing to be a candidate. That's that's a part of America. You know a lot of things about me. I I mean, he knows I've been fire chief. I've been Irishman of the year. I've been active
in my church. Many great things. I don't just I know you keep telling us that every meeting, Mr. Gardner, and your time is up. Thank you. Have a good night, Mr. Any other? Just Just try to be a little nicer, Mr. President. That wouldn't hurt. That's me being nice. Trust me. Any other comments from the public this evening?
There are no comments from the public and I get a motion to close the public comment portion. Motion second. Any questions or comments? All in favor? I opposed. I have. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm sorry, Mr. President. Uh, mayor, I'm sorry. If you don't mind, can
I make some comments on what Mr. Gardner said about the pilots? Absolutely. He uses the term abatement probably on purpose because he wants to give the impression that these companies don't pay taxes. We all know since we did our first pilot agreement in 1999, that these companies all play a ve a very
significant sum of money in taxes to the town. A better word would be discount. Typically, a warehouse will pay 85% of the normal taxes for 10 years, 90% for the next 10, and 95% of the next 10. But it's a fixed percentage. So sometimes
that percentage can go way higher. All that money comes into the town budget, not with any specific purpose attached to it. Although we use that money specifically to pay the debt service on the school projects that we have done
one referendum in 2017 for 87 million, one in 2020 for 58 million and one we're planning on now in 2025 which won't be a referendum but we're still going through the numbers. It started at 78 million with all those terrorists. We don't know what it'll wind up being. We'll have to
make some adjustments to it. But for example, acute reference in Woodbridge Center, which by the way, Woodbridge Center is far and away the biggest issue in the first ward and the biggest issue in the township by far. It was a $220 million loan that was bought for $80 million that now the whole future of
that mall is being decided by the new owners and by us. And it dwarfs a couple apartments on Main Street. So if you want to know the biggest issue not only maybe in the first ward but in the entire township right now it's Woodbridge Center Acue Reference Lab
which took over the Lord and Taylor building is going to pay $18.5 million to this town over the next 30 years. That is a lot of money. The uh other project is which
is what's that? Oh Maza Veto Maza is going to pay $13.2 $2 million over the next 30 years. So that is a very both are very significant numbers to our budget. We
will have in two years $35 million from pilots in our budget. Right now we have about 28 and we have a whole lot of stuff coming on board including Sprouts that mall there, including Metro Park, including a whole host of other
projects. $35 million is $800 a house that residents don't have to pay because businesses are paying them. These pilots are so good for us. Yet, Mr. Gardner continually disparages them. Probably because he doesn't understand them.
Probably because he uses the term abatement to deliberately mislead the people of Woodbridge Township. This money comes in and it's dedicated first to the debt service and after that it pays for everything else from every single item in our budget to to our
roads and sewers and parks to tax relief. Mr. Garner doesn't like to admit it, but for two of the last three years, we had a zero tax increase. And he constantly points to the Mclliff McCormack team and says his taxes went
up 10% over three years. They did. 10% over three years is not terrible. Well, he was council president and councilman for four years. His taxes in his house went up 21.6% in the four years he was on the
council where he had the ability to effectuate changes in those numbers, but he didn't. Would you rather have your taxes go up 21.6% over four years or 10% over three? He was on the council with a
vote and the taxes went up 21.6% in four years. So for him to now use a three-year period randomly because guess why? That's the three budgets that Sharon McAllera voted for. Why doesn't he use the 18 years Greg Ficaro was on the council and say the Faker McCormick
team? Why doesn't he use the 13 years that Councilman Kyle Anderson was on the council and say the Anderson McCormick team? No, he's doing politics left and right. this whole meeting. He just read you his resume for the probably 10th time this year. It can't be 10 because it's not 10 meetings, but we've all
heard it before. Council meeting is not the point for politics. You're running against Sharon. We get it. She doesn't vote on an issue. I respect that. She can talk about anything, but everything that happens on Main Street potentially could have an impact on her business.
Therefore, she's doing the right thing and she's recusing herself from the vote. And he finds fault with that. Let's hear him defend 21.6% in tax increases over the five four years he was a voting member of the town council. Let's hear the explanation for that.
Thank you, council president. Thank you, mayor. Uh we will now move to the council agenda portion of the meeting. Start with myself. I just like item number nine. I just like to congratulate the four newly appointed fire captains at Avenue Fire Department. The captain were sworn in this uh past Thursday by President Dean Meni of the Avenue Board
of Fire Commissioners. I'd also like to take this time to thank the Avan Board of Fire Commissioners for their constant commitment to the residents, businesses, and motorists of the Fifth Fire District to maintain the highest level of staffing and manpower. The rest of my agenda is in order. Uh, God bless America. Council Vice President McCall.
Thank you, Council President. I have several comments tonight. I'm sorry. Just bear with me, please. Uh, the first one is number one, Relay for Life. Join the fight against cancer. The Woodbridge annual Relay for Lays event will be held on June 7th at Woodbridge High School.
Get started now. Gather your team and take a stance for the fight to help a cure. Every step begin brings us closer to a cure. Log on to relay07095.org for details and to create a team to raise money for cancer. Number
three, the Chamber of Commerce. There are upcoming events. Uh do you want to improve your golf game? Join the Chamber of Commerce for a fun sip and swing event at the Colonial Country Club on April 29th. Also, if you need a laugh, they are holding a comedy show on May
2nd at the APA Hotel. The tickets are $50 which includes Finger Foods and the show. Lastly, don't excuse me, don't miss the annual street fair being held on May 17th down Main Street featuring many crafters, vendors, foods, and much
more. Log on to the chamber website at wilbridgechamber.com for all details. Number 10, the um the Gallery on Main is having their annual spring reception on this Thursday from 7 to
9:00. Celebrate local talent and enjoy a night of creativity. Also, speaking of the arts, on May 3rd, the art and music festival will be held. Avenue Railway and Woodbridge are all coming together and each destination will be hosting a day
of art and music. Free uh the New Jersey Transit will hold free train rides between these three stations. For information, log on to woodbridgeenj.mmusic.com. Excuse me. I that's not correct. It's NJ
wubberenjmusic.com for all of the exciting details about the art and music festival. This Friday, join the halfway to Halloween celebration at the Parker Press uh park from 4 to 9:00. There will
be food, vendors, and a halfway to Halloween celebration dance held by um the Halloween group. And then the Woodbridge Fire Department will be having their community night on
May 8th from 5 to 8. They'll be having uh come out and meet the firefighters, take photos with them. Come and watch some fire safety demonstrations and enjoy free hot dogs and Italian ice. This is always a great event. The fire department puts all their all their
trucks. They let the kids uh hold the fire hose and um do some exciting things. So, it's a really great fun family event. Go out and uh they come home with like little fire hats and stuff, too. So, it's really fun for the kids. It's a great night for the family
to go out. And uh spring is in the air and the Anchors Tiki Bar is open and ready to uh have some fun down there. Log on to anchor tiki bar tiki bar.com for all hours and events. And there's a lot of live music down there. So, uh go
out and check that out. It's a beautiful location to hang out with your friends and family. And lastly, um I'd like to take a opportunity to thank uh the environmental commission, the sustainable team, the township team, and all the amazing vendors for another
incredible Earth Day festival. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for the planet is truly inspiring. We are so grateful for everything that they do to to promote a greener and more sustainable community. And today is Earth, so happy Earth. Thank you, council president. Thank you. Council
vice president call. Councilman leadership. Thank you, council president. Council McCall, can I read this morning? This is Yeah. The gallery on M. Read that. Did I miss it? No. Yeah, I did that at the gallery. Great. Yes. Thank you. Oh, no. Um, so my agenda is in order. Um, I do
want to make a few mentions. One, this weekend, one of our biggest events is the tooling around the township. Uh we have all of our sites that are picked out, but we are still in need of volunteers. What we'd like you to do if you're interested in volunteer for 211 around the township, please call the
mayor's office tomorrow. Uh Jerry um will uh answer the phone. She'll tell you about the locations um and the time that you should should report to those locations. It would be great to have anybody there. Casey, uh Mr. Wagner, is there any additional information I should mention? And as 21 houses lined
up this year, at this point, we just need prayers for good weather. Not looking good. Not looking good. The weather weather was good today. But I did it for 18 eight years and it was great. These got rain two out of three. So, all right. The indoor projects might be uh the ones to work on. Um but we're
really looking forward to that. It's a great way for our community and if you're looking for volunteer hours, especially some of our high school students, great time for some of their groups to get out there for that. Um the rest of my agenda is in order. I do want to make a mention um about Middle Sex College. Um there's a junior chef camp
uh for 2025. There are five weeks. So if you have a child between the age of 11 and 17 that might be interested in cooking, join us for hands-on junior chef camp this summer. Uh the campers will have the opportunity to cook a variety of meals and bake a variety of treats. Um register for one week or
more. Um the cost is um $3.99 and for one week uh is uh $319. Um and uh these weeks start um June 30th through July 3rd and they'll go all the way through
until um August 1st. Um you can contact wlliddles sexcc.edu edu and the phone number is 7329062556. I also want to mention um if you're you know out of work and you're looking for some job training, there's a building maintenance certification
training that's going on at our Eastern Atlantic states and that's at our Carpenters Technical Center in uh Rarden Center. Um, so they have Ocean 10 uh certification, basic skills, uh, interior systems, drywall finishing,
commercial doors and hardware, interior finish, floor laying, and drop down ceilings. The building maintenance program is an intensive six weeks six-week course that's designed to equip participants who are geared for a uh career as a union carpenter with
essential skills for entry level maintenance and repair work uh covering OSHA 10 certification and hands-on training for all of the uh the areas that I mentioned. Um, so you can contact uh our local New Jersey um carpenters
union uh uh center in Raran Center and um there'll be classes going on throughout the year. Just want to make uh that mention and also on you know I do I do want to add to what the mayor said regarding our um our pilot program.
I don't always like to invoke my day job, but as county superintendent, I do um get exposed to what a lot of towns are going through. Um many towns have asked me to stop talking about what we're doing here in Woodbridge Township
because of how successful the pilot program has been. They've all looked around and seen that we are building schools. We are adding to our athletic facilities. We're one of the only townships in Middle Sex County that have three high schools that we have to
maintain. Three athletic fields. So, there's three baseball fields, three softball fields, three football fields. All of those uh three soccer fields. Name another town in Middle Sex County that has three high schools. I don't think you're going to find one.
Edison is larger than us. They have two high schools. We're one of the few uh municipalities that shares their pilot money with their school districts. Go up and look. I don't want to name any towns, but there are towns that are really struggling because
they're developing, but their municipality is not sharing some of the pro some of the money that is being brought in through the pilot program. So, I just want to, you know, one commend our council, our mayor, our administration for the use and our
school board for the use of our facilities. Today, I was I was able to go up and watch my son play a baseball game this morning and there were four games going on. There were two JV games, two varsity football game. I've had two varsity uh
baseball games, a varsity baseball, a varsity softball, a JV softball, a JV um uh baseball all going on within if you had a kid on all one of those sports, you'd been able to watch them within 10 ft of each other. But there were quality
facilities and we've had countless uh conference uh conference championship games at middle at Woodbridge Township because of our facilities and what we offer that not only um improves our home
values. However, it brings more people to Woodbridge Township. So, um I do want to um also commend uh Councilwoman Mccau for um one the support that she gives to our local high schools through her business,
but two um you know, you uh being involved in uh being a business owner and being a homeowner and being a council person uh in Woodbridge Township. um you have a perspective that not a lot
of us have on this day and what you bring to the table is something that um I think is a voice that needs to be heard in Wilers Township. So, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Anderson. Uh council car, I know you're up next, but council vice president, I believe you have one other
thing. Yes. I forgot to mention, I'm sorry, that uh the uh Woodbridge Community Center is offering a free golf game to all moms on Sunday, May 11th, with the purchase of a child's paid
admission, weather permitting. So, if you're interested in playing mini golf, have something to do on Mother's Day, come out and play some uh golf with your kids. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Car. Thank you, Council President. Just touching based on a few items. Number five, Heroes and Cool Kids. Uh last week had their end of the
year celebration. Uh Mayor McCormack and I attended the uh Heroes and Cool Kids, which is high school students mentoring middle school students. The next day was Sidekicks, which is middle school students mentoring uh elementary school. And the topics are
citizenships, substance abuse awareness, and anti-bullying. And it is amazing to see the high school students, students teaching students. There's something magical about that. Woodbridge Township has been at it for a long time and it's just good to see those kids in such a
happy uh environment and a pleasant environment making a difference every day. Uh like to move all the way down to uh item 14, the human rights commission. Mr. Morgan, I commend you for stepping up to the plate today and talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion. I
remember when that was something to be proud of and now it's almost like you're using bad language when you say DEI. So I for one want to keep DEI in the forefront. Uh and I believe our that's what makes our community unique is that we respect everybody. And finally item
16, the community playground at Merell Park has been there for a long time. Uh Councilwoman Erlick back in her day she started that program. It was truly a community project. And finally, after all these years, Mayor Mack mentioned that for me it's 18 years on the
council. So that park's got to be at least 20 years old, I think, somewhere. Uh 1999, so 26. Yeah. Well, I'm not going to mess with you with numbers and dates. I know better than that. But but anyway, you'll see by resolution 30, I believe, uh, director uh, Brew, that
that's money to upgrade that park. And we did want to keep in mind that it was an active park, not some place where you just go sit on a swing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but that you're using your muscles, your your uh balance, and everything that you have uh
while you're having fun. So, I just wanted to point that out. And I think that's a great resolution number 30 there. That's some big bucks for upgrading that community playground. So, thank you for all. Absolutely. Thank you, Council Perrick. Councilman Small. Uh nothing this evening, Council President. Thank you. Thank Councilwoman
Mian. Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. I just have two announcements. On May 8th, we'll be holding a mini golf tournament fundraiser for Scarlet Griffin, a four-year-old from Fords who's suffering from more QOA syndrome, which is a rare genetic
order that affects just one in 250,000 births. Scarlet is facing major surgeries and weekly infusions that will help her fight this progressive disorder. Despite her condition, Scarlet remains a joyful spirit who loves to dance and sing, never letting this
condition hold her back. With your support, we can help her continue her healthy journey and also bring awareness to this genetic disorder. Tickets for the event are $100, which includes unlimited mini golf, buffet dinner, an open bar, and a tricky tray. If you're
able to donate a basket to help for this event, please reach out to me and I'd be happy to pick it up. If you cannot make the event but would like to make a donation, you can make a check payable and send to Woodbridge Community Charity Fund at 1 Main Street, Woodbridge, New
Jersey 0706 07095. Uh please put Scarlet in the memo. Save the date. This year's Support the Troop rally will be held on Wednesday, May 21st at 6 p.m. at the George Frederick Plaza next to Woodbridge Main Library. If you have a
loved one or know somebody from Woodbridge Township that is currently serving our country and would like their name announced during our program, please reach out to me so I can include them in the roll call of those who are serving. Also that evening honor Also that evening we will be honoring Wilbur
Township's beloved veteran Stu Brando who p sorry sorry um sorry who passed away this week uh two weeks ago um he was 100 years old. Stu was a
wonderful man and a great friend to the township of Woodbridge and will sorely be missed for all that knew him, especially our administration and council who had a soft spot in our heart for one of our favorite veterans from Wbridge Township. So, please keep him and his family in your prayers. And
lastly, just a quick shout out to the Colonia Fire Department and the WH Police Department for helping us safely escort the Easter Bunny down Iman Avenue this past Saturday. the children were lined up along Iman Avenue and we're so happy to see the bunny and it's just a beautiful way that our first responders
come out and they support our community and it really it really is important that the children know the police officers and the firemen in a positive good way. So that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you Councilwoman Han. Uh before I turn to Mr. Mitch, uh more importantly, I just want to say thank
you for your kind words. Uh Debbie, I know what he meant to you. um you always taking him out to fleet week on the Friday Memorial Day weekend. Um everything um everybody involved, but especially yourself and the veterans and and him. I know it was a it was tough.
So, but uh you ordered it very very uh just perfect. So, thank you. Uh, one other thing I the mayor said something that turned to my mind and Councilman Anderson without going on. Residents can come and talk about projects, pilots,
whatnot. If you just take the last few school referenda votes that we've had the votes are 4 to 3, 2:1, better than 65% 75%. I still read the paper, Mr. Mitch, I know you still read the paper. main papers left, but whether
it's on the paper or social media online, you'll see it somewhere. Monroe, South Brunswick, South Amboy, a couple other, they're all losing. They're all losing their referendum votes. Woolbridge 3 to one,
75%. It's because it's a zero tax burden to the residents. If the residents had an issue, they'd be flooding the council meetings. They're not because the debt that's paid off by the income that's coming from the pilots works. It works
110%. And that's all I'm going to say. Thank you. Uh Mr. Mitch. Thank you, Mr. President. The only item I want to touch on briefly is the the upcoming primary election, which is June 10th. Just a reminder to voters that June 3rd through the 8th will be early voting open up at the Acacia Center, 95 Portland Avenue in
Woodbridge. This Thursday, I'll be unlocking the mail and ballot boxes both here at town hall and at the main library as the mail and ballots will start rolling out in the mail beginning Thursday. So, that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Mitch. Mayor, thank you, Council President. Just want to echo
what everybody said about Stu Brando. I had a special bond with him because we shared a birthday. Uh we always called him Stuie Dooby-Doo. He was um stood up for three different wars. He stood up for three different branches of the service every time they played the
songs. Um he was the veterans veteran. Uh as recently as probably three or four years ago, he was coming to council meetings at 97 years old. And I'd say, "Stu, what are you doing here?" And he'd say, "I'm here to protect you guys." And at 97, there's limited things he was
going to be able to do, especially when we have a police officer, you know, in the in the audience. But uh I wouldn't want to mess with Stu uh no matter how how old he was and he is somebody that was special to all of us as everybody said and he will be very very sorely missed especially the next time the vets
get together at the support the troops rally and Debbie and I are already talking about a way to specially honor him at that event and I'm sure it'll be something nice and it'll be welld deserved for everything he meant to Woodbridge Township. Thank you council president. Thank you mayor deputy business administrator Mike. Thank you
council president. At next meeting, we'll have our standard tax and sewer overpayments. We will have a resolution for a 100% disabled veteran tax exemption, and we'll have an ordinance for a lease agreement at the James Street parking lot. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Magg. Chief Murphy.
Uh, thank you, Council President. I have two items on my agenda. They're both for additions of handicap parking. Gil plane is Thank you, sir. Director Dor. Thank you, Council President. Nothing this evening. Thank you. Thank you. I'm sorry, Skip. Uh, Director Collins. Uh,
thank you, Council President. Nothing for tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Director Burke. Thank you, council president. My agenda is in order of nothing. Thank you, sir. Lee, nothing. Thank you. We look for a motion. Motion second. Motion. Meeting. Motion. Meeting
adjourned. Thank you. Have a good day.