Hello and welcome to Woodward's the best town around. My name is John McCormack. I'm the mayor of this great town and we're here tonight for a whole host of awards and honors in our emergency services uh department. We're going to start with the New Jersey Department of Human Services. They are here to present
the Always Ready for Pediatric Certification Award to our police departments, the Emergency Management Services Unit. I'm not even going to try to explain what it all means because we have the experts here who are giving the award and you can do a whole lot better job than I can explaining it. So, I'd like to call up Candace Gardner, the
director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, Eric Hicken, Chief of Emergency Medical Services for Children, and Fatima Manor, Emergency Medical Services Children Division. And this you'll hear it. This is a very very serious award for the Woodbridge Township. So folks, and they're also
joined by Dennis Petrick who is our head of emergency services. >> Move in closer to the mayor, please. >> Everybody come on up and take the mayor. Um my name is Davis Garner. I'm the director for the office of emergency medical services in the department of
health. Uh thank you so much for such a warm welcome as I'm absolutely amazed by the turnout that you have here and the support you have uh in your town. I know the call often is um not appreciated but it is appreciated by us as you carry out
uh public health and safety making sure that your residents are safe. Um today we have our emergency services for children ready for children program that we would like to recognize for. So our uh EMSC program manager is Eric Hicken who is going to tell you a little bit
about the program and uh present your certificate the award. >> So the only Ready for Children program >> step to the mic please microphone. So the always ready for children program is a national initiative and its focus is solely on improving care for pediatrics and
pediatric readiness. There's an EMS component and a hospital emergency department component and it was developed in a regional um in the northeast region and the mid-Atlantic region. So we put this together together with other states brought it here to New
Jersey made it New Jerseys and I could tell you Woodbridge is only the 12th agency in the state to achieve this. So that's a good accomplishment. All right. So um Fatima if you want to grab the certificate over there. All right. So, who's going to receive
>> Mayor Dennis? >> So, um, a lot of people put effort into this. Um, Dan Knight, Kim, Brian, Carlos, and Dennis. So, we'll have Dennis at this time. I just want to say a few words. >> Yeah, I mean listen, I mean we uh number
one, thank you for everybody showing up. I really appreciate it. This is an amazing turnout, but I don't expect anything less from L Township. Um the mayor, the administrator, the police director, everybody here has always stood behind EMS, whether it's police department, Avidel Port right in Colonia, every day we're out there
answering the call on a daily basis. Um and and the hard work doesn't go unnoticed. Um every time we come back to anybody in the administration, they really reach out. They ask what we need and they deliver on a high level and make sure that everything we need for us is always available to us. So, you know,
I I may be the the EMS manager for the town, but you're the ones that do the work. So, as far as I go, I can only look as good as everybody else in this room. And it's not only the the EMS division as well. We have a lot of officers in here that do great work as well. you know, we have a lot of officers that are EMTs um since we've
started, you know, a lot more medical training. The guys come in the office, they ask a lot of questions and the the police department medical services as well, they have stepped up their game tremendously. So, a lot of credit to to the police department and them guys doing that. I I can attest that when our EMS agencies get out there and our
officer officers are on scene first, it makes it such a seamless transition. The job just goes so much easier. But that's a collaboration and teamwork. Um, we also have the fire departments that get involved now with first responder and they're just another asset to us. When I look around the room, I see the PD, I
see the administration, I see our partners from Hackin Sack, we have them in the room, the AOS providers that are always there when we need them. It really is a a team effort and a big but small family. Um, we get to see each other on a daily basis. We work hand in
hand um in crisis when it's somebody else's worst day. And I I feel better knowing that everybody here in this room u makes that day better for everybody else. So I just want to thank everybody and let you know how much I appreciate what everybody does here. So Mr. Mayor, it's a pleasure to know
that I don't have to worry about first aid. I don't have to worry about these emergency services. Way back in the 90s, we had seven first aid squads. I think Hope closed. Is closed. We had five. um back what 10 Fords 10 12 years ago.
Ford's first aid had issues. Uh the town stepped in formed our took over the operation. Woodbridge took over the operation of Fords. Uh and that left us with four and then Woodbridge had issues. So the town came in and started our own first aid operation. We hired 10
uh people, two super eight people and eight EMTs and two supervisors. And then we hired eight more. So we have 18 now. Uh Dennis runs it. We still work with Aanell who has their own squad, Colonia who has their own squad and for Reading who has their own squad. So four squads
work together, those three with the town. And as Dennis said, we work together. We have a closest to the call policy. So it doesn't matter if it's your turf or not, and the call comes in and your rig is out at the other end of your uh one of your rigs is out and can't get there as quick as the next
sess section over, that's who answers the call. It's much better. people are much safer in Woodbridge because all these men and women uh work together and now we have the four squads. Dennis have been a great leader. So, I just want to thank everybody because there's nothing like when I talk to other mayors and see
what they have to go through knowing that we have the first aid uh operation that we have that's run by us and other volunteers. It's amazing. So, thank you everybody. Thank you very much. And everything I just said is pretty much in this proclamation. We're going
to provide a uh mayor's award for excellence and public safety to our four squads. And I'll just read the one. Whereas Woodbridge Township emergency medical service professionals stand as a vital link in the chain of emergency care, providing life-saving medical assistance in times of crisis, ensuring
the health and safety of our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And whereas Woodbridge Township EMS consists of highly trained and compassionate EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, and first responders who serve with dedication and courage, often placing themselves in harm's way to protect the
lives of others. And whereas Woodbridge Township Emergency Medical Services collectively include Woodbridge Township Police Department EMS, Abnel Colonia First Aid Squad, Port Reading First Aid Squad, and Colonia First Aid Squad, which stand as a team of dedicated EMTs along with certified volunteers and
staff working collaboratively responding to hundreds of accidents and emergencies to include natural disasters, health crises, and community needs with expertise and commitment. Now therefore, Woodbridge Township BMS are recognized for dedic their dedication to public safety on the 52nd anniversary of
emergency medical services week and we are especially grateful there for their commitment to the Woodbridge Township community. And I'd like to now call up the Woodbridge Township uh ambulance services to accept the first proclamation. >> Oh, that's you. You get the first. Next up we have Avenue Colonia first aid
squad Bobfield you. And next up we have four buddy first aid squad you. And last we got Colonia first a squad George Riley. >> Congratulations. Any of you guys want to say you already talked. Any of you guys
want to say anything? Just thank you. >> All right, that's good. That's a first. >> That's a first. Yeah, we know. We know stuff. All right, let's glad you guys get a picture, too. >> Okay, next up, we have Mayor's Award for Excellence in Public Safety, Emergency
Response, and Life-Saving Action. I'd like to call up EMT Terry Kennedy from the poor running first aid squad Brian Magcguire from the poor running first aid squad. >> No. >> Okay. All right. Let me read this
proclamation. Whereas EMT Tara Kennedy, basic life support crew providing first aid squad has demonstrated a commitment to emergency response and first aid service. On February 19th, 2026, EMT Terry Kennedy in concert with EMT Brian Magcguire responded to an emergency
medical assist in the Hopeland section of the township on a report of an 80-year-old female patient experiencing full body pain. Upon arrival at the scene, EMT's Kennedy Maguire immediately determined that the patient was experiencing respiratory distra distress and immediately began preparing the
patient for transport, at which point the patient went into cardiac arrest. EMTs Kennedy and Magguire immediately recognized the life-threatening condition and initiated resuscitative measures. And as a result of EMT Kennedy Magguire's rapid assessment, coordinated
teamwork, and rapid transfer to Rare Bay Medical Center, the patient successfully achieved the return of spontaneous circulation and stabilized breathing, which led to the patient's recovery. There's a lady right now alive because of Kennedy and Magguire and the job they
did. They used their training, they used their experience, uh, and they used their education to save somebody's life. Folks, it doesn't get any better than that. You sure? Okay. Why don't get a picture? Okay. Next up, more life-saving actions. In this case, it's the Woodbridge
Township Police Department. I'd like to call up Officer Vincent Snee. On April 1st, 2026, Officer Vincent Snee was dispatched to a home on McFarland Drive in the Colonial section of the township on a report of a medical emergency involving an elderly male with
a serious head injury. Officer Snee, the first officer to arrive on scene, located the homeowner, and learned that he had been using a circular saw and had sever severed four of his fingers on the right hand. Officer Sne noted that all four fingers were barely attached and that the male patient was bleeding
profusely and going into shock. Officer Sneay, utilizing extensive first aid training and experience, engaged emergency medical treatment to stop the bleeding using direct pressure and the application of a tourniquet to the patient's upper right arm, which sufficiently stemmed the bleeding to
allow the hand to be bandaged, which stabilized the patient for transport by responding police department and EMS providers to the hospital for emergency medical treatment. Officer Snee is hereby recognized for his commitment and dedicated dedication to duty and honor before the Woodbridge Township Police
Department, fellow officers, peers, family, and community. Ladies and gentlemen, Officer Sne. 95% of the time the answer is no. Do you want to say a few words? >> Yeah, sure. >> Oh, wow. >> Um, I don't have a lot to say. I just want to say uh thank you to my friends,
family, as well as the Woodbridge Police Department for allowing me the opportunity to have great training um a great team around me and just overall the ability to do what I do every day. >> No, no, let me ask a question. So, you did that proclamation said you had first aid training as a cop or you were first
aer before you became >> No, just just as a cop. >> Just as a cop. Okay. And that obviously made a difference. >> Yes, sir. >> So, the police are always the first one to arrive because they're on patrol. the first aiders and the fire department is usually in the house and has to come out when the call is made, but the first
person on the scene is always almost always the police officer and that's what happened in this case. Joe, you want to say a few words? Joe, this is Joe Nisky, police director. >> So, so first of all, I want to uh congratulate all of our EMS providers and tell them how proud I am to uh have
them as part of the police department. Um, like the mayor said, uh, EMS is a very important part of emergency services. Um, we invest a lot in training and equipment for our police
officers because we answer nearly 1,200 calls a month involving first aid. And our officers are generally the first ones to arrive. In this case, officer Snee arrived. He has a tourniquet and he
was able to provide uh immediate medical attention, life-saving attention because there's the back end of that where he had to treat the patient for shock. Now, officer Snee in particular um he came over from the sheriff's department and he hasn't he hasn't been here long, but
we told him during his interview that working in Woodbridge Township is going to be a lot different than standing in the court. Were we right? >> Very different. Yes. and I know he's happy to be here and we're happy to have him. So, congratulations. Oh, and as usual, I forgot to introduce
the council. Uh, next to director Niski is council president for councilwoman Sharon McAuliff. To her right is fifth ward councilwoman Debbie Mian. To her right is councilman of large Brian Small, retired Woodbridge Township Police Officer. And to his right is Cory Hiller, third ward councilman. And our
last proclamation is for officer of the quarter for January through March 2026 to police officer Steven Zimmerman. On March 25th, 2026, Officer Zimmerman re received a bolo notification, be on the lookout, regarding a suspect wanted
by Ruckers University Police Department for weapons related related offenses that included brandishing a firearm on the Rucker campus. Relying on previous encounters with the subject suspect, sorry, Officer Zimmerman confirmed the warrant, established a surveillance, and
conducted a felony traffic stop, which resulted in the arrest of the suspect. Officer Zimmerman engaged his investigative experience to acquire a probable cause search warrant for the vehicle involved in a multi-jurisdictional credit fraud Ford investigation and after arresting the suspect using stolen credit cards to
purchase high technology devices and computers which resulted in the effective and successful prosecution of the found. So once again, Woodbridge Township police officers doing the job they were trained for, job they have experience in. And when I say that we have the best police department in the
state of New Jersey, I mean it. And I've said this over and over again, but there's a lot of people here for the first time. We get reviewed every three years by the Commission of Law Enforcement Agencies. They come in from anywhere in the country. A couple guys are women from Montana, Louisiana, Nebraska, who knows. They come in.
They've never been to Woodbridge. They've never been to New Jersey. All they do is look at every single policy, practice, and procedure that our department has, every piece of paper, every manual. They interview everybody. They go on rides and they they look and they listen and they evaluate and they
always come back with the top rating for the Woodbridge Township Police Department. I think there's only a handful of others in the entire state of New Jersey and not all that many in the country that have this accreditation. I say it, but these guys and girls go out every day and prove it that they are the
best police department in the state of New Jersey. Congratulations, Officer Zimmerman. Um, just want to thank my friends, my family, my co-workers, the administration, and especially my supervisors. This award is for all of you just as much it is for me. Thank you
very much. >> Nice job with that. Especially your supervisors. Nice job. >> All right, we good for pictures now, John? Uh we're going to >> we're going to go out and >> officer what? >> Oh, where? >> Oh, I'm sorry.
>> Oh, okay. Let talk about >> just that real quick. Uh officer of the quarter is is so difficult. Um all the candidates are deserving. As a matter of fact, all the men and women that work for the police department do an excellent job. The mayor always says
that we're the best police department in the state, and I can tell you we really are. Um, in Zimmerman's case, um, he paid attention to what's important to us, attendance, appearance, productivity, and extra duty. And if you
want something in the department, you got to do something. So, he went out and and he did something. And uh, this award is we've noticed you out there doing something and this award is welld deserved. So, congratulations for this.
>> Okay, this we don't have a proclamation, but we have something more important, a badge. I'd like to call up officer Fice and thank him for his or honor him for his promotion to detective from the ranks of our police department. Congratulations. So, uh, uh, in the police department,
uh, productive officers have an opportunity to do a 90-day rotation in the detective bureau. Um, Jim got that opportunity and he did an excellent job. Um, the problem is is we have a great department and not a lot of spots in the
detective bureau. So, the guys who do an amazing job have to wait for their opportunity. Then when there's an opening, they've got to spend a year in the detective bureau proving that they could be a great detective. Jim did his 90day rotation. He did his year in the
detective bureau and we're very proud to award him this detective. SO CONGRATULATIONS uh extremely uh thankful for uh the opportunity to uh earn a detective with the police department. and it's always been a um a goal of mine since I was a
you know a child. I come from a law enforcement background. So uh this really does mean the world to me. So uh thank you very much. Okay, now we're going to have Dennis from Woodbridge Township Police EMS, Bob Snowfield from Aanel Colonia First Aid
Squad, George Riley from Colonia First Aid Squad, Dan Egan from Port Reading First Aid Squad, Candace from the state of New Jersey, Mark from Hackinack Meridian uh first aid. They're all going to raise the flag. So, gentlemen, take it away. Please join in the pledge of allegiance.
Ice 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. >> Please join me in a moment of silence as we honor the brave men and women who
have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. As we approach Memorial Day, we remember their courage, dedication, and selfless service, and we keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts. Notice requirements of the open public meeting law have been satisfied
concerning this meeting. The home news tribune and the star ledger published a notice on November 13, 2025 and November 14, 2025 respectfully. A copy of the schedule was posted on the municipal bulletin board and it should be so noted in the minutes of this meeting.
Councilman Anderson, Councilman Bower here, Councilman Harris here. Councilwoman man, Councilman Patel, Councilman Small here, Councilman Spiller, >> Vice President Deji Seuss here, and President McAuliff >> here. >> I get a motion to approve the minutes
from May 5th, 2026. >> Motion >> second. >> Any questions or comments from council? >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have it. Beginning with second reading ordinances this evening, we're going to start with letter A. Letter A is an ordinance amending chapter 7, which is our traffic
ordinances. This is to add stop intersection at Vine and Summit Avenues. Can I get a motion that this ordinance be taken taken up on second and third reading and the public hearing be open? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments from councel? >> All in favor? I
>> opposed. Public hearing is now open on letter A. Letter A only. >> Hearing no comment from the public. Can I get 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? All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have it. Letter B is an ordinance of attachable Woodbridge authorizing the acquisition of property at 73 Main Street. And 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 it. Public hearing is now open on letter B. Letter B only. including the Java Tai Wood that
abandonment of 70 was a 73 uh property B on 73 uh Main Street. What property is that? Why would anybody abandoned property on Main Street? And uh where's the property at? >> 73 Main Street is right next to the
Methodist church. >> How is abandoned? >> Nobody's there. >> But who owns it? >> I don't know. It's a corporate entity. I don't know. >> How could you how could you buy something you don't know somebody wants it, right?
Because they they're not there. You get in touch with them that somebody still owns the property. What does it say on the text on the text? >> I don't know. You can check it tomorrow if you'd like. Just call just file a request and we'll tell you everything you need to know. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other comments on letter
B? Hear another comment. Can I get 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 councel? All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have it. Letter C is an
ordinance establishing procedures and standards regarding the deployment of fiber and small wireless facilities and the public rights of way. 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 comments or questions from councel? All in favor? I I
>> opposed. Eyes have it. The public hearing is now open on letter C. Letter C only. >> Hear no comment from the public. Can I get a motion that the public comment portion be closed? The ordinance be adopted and submitted to the mayor for approval as required by law. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Questions or comments from councel? All in favor? I. >> Opposed. Eyes have it. Under first reading ordinances, you have two listed before you, letters D and E. Can I get a motion that both ordinance be passed on first reading published on the township website on May 20th, 2026 with notice of
public hearing to be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 6 p.m. >> Motion? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments from councel? >> All in favor? I >> opposed. Eyes have it. And finally, Madame President, do you have resolutions before you listed as 1
through 26? Could I get a motion that 1 through 26 be approved by consent? >> Motion. >> Second. Any questions or comments from councel? >> I'll be number 26. >> So noted. Any other comments or questions? >> All in favor? I
>> opposed. >> Eyes have it. >> We're going to go into the public portion of our meeting at this point. When approaching the microphone, please state your name and what section of the town you live in, and you'll have one time opportunity to speak. All members
of the ordinance shall adhere to the township decorum ordinance which is posted at the entrance to the council chambers. The public session allows for five minutes. This includes remarks by the speaker and any response by the council president or administration. When there is one minute left, I will
alert the speaker to emphasize any remaining questions or points you may have. When the 5-minute period has passed, all speakers are to leave the microphone and return to the seats. All videotaping must be taken in the designated area. There will be no interruptions from your chair. Please make sure there are no signs or posters
in the aisles, walkways, or exit access. The public session is a meeting that comes between the question and answer interaction between the council president, speaker, and the the council president and the speaker. The council president presides over the meeting.
>> Are there any comments from the public this evening? Hold on. Hold on. Uh just a few more questions. We started the process of inquiring as to this uh permanent emergency housing that's going to happen
somewhere in Hope and we followed up with Mr. Join. He was very generous with his time. I just have a few lingering questions. I'm hoping I can get all questions out before the responses begin if that's possible. First, what formal oversight authority, if any, does
Woodbridge retain after contributing $4.5 million, which comes to about $ 160,000 per unit. Will there be annual reporting, occupancy reporting, audits, and performance metrics?
Second question, we're serious. If there's outside funding that is in decline for whatever reason, uh certain subsidies from the state or or or uh county government's decline, will Woodbridge in any way be on the hook to make up any shortfalls?
And lastly, I know we we brought this up last time and uh mayor said we will get that formally down the road and that is the screening criteria for the residents. What criminal background exclusions exist for the tenants and what
behavioral standards are required to maintain tenency. and residents want reassurance that this is supportive housing, not unmanaged placement housing, which morphs over time from its original mission. And the
last thing I'll ask is a little bit separate concern. One of my neighbors was concerned about a strip of road from Randolph to Omar Blair Road in very bad condition. He inquired once about it, said that they would look into it. Want to see if there's any updates or any
plans to repair that that road and that's it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mayor. Would you like to make any comments? >> That's a lot of questions. We don't have a full agreement yet with the YMCA. Uh they can be answered once we do, but
basically the operation of the facility is going to be up to them. We are an investor in the building. We will certainly work in partnership with them, but all decisions on the operation of the facility are up to the experts, which is the YMCA. They run these kind
of facilities. They have the expertise, they have the experience, they have the training, uh, and they will be responsible for operating it. So, if any any I suggest you fill an open request, which we don't have yet because, like I said, we don't have the agreement yet, but when we do, just fill out an open request and it'll answer all your
questions. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Are there any other ones? >> Council President, uh, as most of us know, we're right off Avenue between Omar and I think he's Mr. said Blair is a county road. So, I would suggest
reaching out to the county andor our engineering. That road was just paved. There are plans for certain portions of the road to also be paved, but county. >> Thank you. Yes, sir. >> Hello everybody. My name is Gary
Dedelmire and I reside in Kennallorth. What you're about to hear is a timehonored tradition that symbolizes our service members and our veterans love for our flag and the nation they so proudly served.
As we gather on Monday for Memorial Day at your BFW Hall, American Legion Town Hall, we will always start by pledging our allegiance to our flag. Our flag, that flag, is a constant
reminder of who we are as Americans. It's a constant reminder of why we are here right now. Take that flag out of this building. It's just a building. with that flag and what it represents, it's so much more.
So, if I can get you all to use your imaginations for just a moment. Imagine our flag having a personality. What type of attitude, what type of swagger do you think our flag would have? Now, imagine if our flag could
talk. What would our flag say to our service members, our veterans? And what would it say to you? I just want to state I want to draw your attention to one fact. The fact of the matter is the flag of the United States of America is the most recognized symbol
in the world for peace and freedom. When it comes to freedom, everybody in this room knows freedom doesn't come free. It comes with a price. Paid for by our prisoners of war are missing in action.
are veterans who have endured numerous injuries to their body and their mind and of course those who made the supreme sacrifice. So I believe if that flag could talk it
would say I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is all Gloria. I fly on top of the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of
learning. I stand guard with the most powerful military in the world. Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am proud. I am brave.
And I am ready. When I fly with other flags, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer. Except for my God, I bow to no one. I am saluted. I am loved. I am respected.
I have fought in every battle for the past 250 years from Valley Forge to Iran in many places such as Euoima in the Twin Towers of New York City where I was knocked down, battleworn,
dirty. I was tired. My service members, my first responders, raised me up from the ashes, showing all that America, although bloodied, will never be beaten. Because those who tried to destroy me, cannot win.
For I am the symbol of freedom of one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I have been burned, torn, and trampled in streets of countries I have helped set free. I have been burned, torn, and trampled in
streets of my own country, and that hurts. But I shall overcome, for I am strong. I have slipped past the bonds of Earth and will stand watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I've been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my most humble, finest, and emotional hours are yet to come. But my stripes are torn into strips and used as bandages on the
battlefield. when I'm flown at half mass and cover the casket of my fallen soldier and then to be precisely folded 13 times by an honor guard wearing white linen gloves and given to the trembly arms of a parent of a son or daughter at their
grave. I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is all glory. Long may I wave. Oh Lord, long may I wave. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
>> ARE THERE ANY OTHER comments from the public this evening? >> Hi. Uh Celestano, Colonia, Woodbridge Township. So my purpose for Can you hear me? Okay. My purpose for speaking tonight is to give a brief update on the polluters pay
to make New Jersey more affordable act. That's S2338 and A3735. It was previously known as the New Jersey climate super fund act. And my second purpose to refute the misinformation currently being circulated by the fossil fuel polluters
themselves, big oil as we call them. To review very briefly, this bill would hold fossil fuel extractors and refiners that do business in New Jersey and are responsible for more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas pollution since 1995,
but hold them liable for damages for their fair share of the climate impact costs of New Jersey, such as flooding, severe storms, and extreme heat uh costs that have already exceeded 100 billion statewide. And the key words in the
title of the bill are make New Jersey more affordable. Taxpayers should not be forced to continue paying 100% of the cleanup costs which are driving up property taxes, insurance premiums, and utility bills. These growing expenses are making New Jersey increas
increasingly unaffordable for families and businesses alike. So if we are serious in New Jersey u about making New Jersey more affordable, it's time to be fiscally responsible. common sense solution and that's what S2338A3735
will do. Uh the polluters pay act would generate approximately 2 and a.5 billion per year for 20 years for municipalities to recover costs for climate change adaptation projects. Payments would be distributed in grants for projects such as rebuilding infrastructure after
floods to upgrading transit systems and the electric grid to help keep the lights on after big storms. Here's an interesting fact. Uh New Jersey had the fifth highest per capita spending on climate disasters in the United States this year. Just for
example, the cost of Hurricane Sandy exceeded 29.4 billion. So earlier I said that my second purpose for speaking tonight was to refu refute misinformation currently being circulated to deceive New Jersey
lawmakers and the public. Obviously big oil is not happy about us speaking up and uh so therefore this is what's been happening. Um the bill will so I'm just going to hit a few areas very quickly. This bill will not cause um the fossil
fuel comp industry to raise gas prices. Oil and gas prices are set by global supply and demand, not by company specific liabilities. That because most New Jersey gas stations are independent or independently owned brands,
competition blocks unilateral price increases. This bill does not regulate emissions or impose new costs on consumers or non-covered businesses. Um, it also does will not decrease the amount of fossil fuels available. Not
that that wouldn't be such a bad thing. Uh you know, we should really doing more and more re renewables. And I'm very happy to say yes, after one year, I'm fi I'm finally on uh solar or landscape community solar. Took a year, but it got on just just about a week ago. So, I'm
happy about that. And also, in case you're concerned, we will not need to do a GoFundMe for the fossil fuel super emitters to help them pay for the damages they've caused. In September 2025, these companies received the the big ones received over $ 31 billion
dollar in subsidies from the federal government. And in one year, the seven major companies earned profits twice the amount of the estimated damages they have caused for their emissions. So, no immunity for big oil. >> You have one minute left. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome.
>> You won't be we you won't be allowed to pollute for free. The Let Polluters Pay Act has received very enthusiastic momentum. We currently have 46 co-sponsors in the Jersey Assembly and 19 in the Senate. And the bill is quickly advancing through the various committees and needs to go to a floor
vote to be enacted before the state budget with uh funding to begin flowing to establish a New Jersey uh to require the polluters pay. Uh right now we have over 70 municipalities and five counties that have signed resolutions. I would be thrilled if Woodbridge count Township
was added to this this list, but that's in the past. Nevertheless, I just want to say I appreciate this opportunity to share this information with the council and the residents of Woodbridge Township. So, thank you very much for this time. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other comments from the
public this evening? >> My name is Frank Tro. I'm from Woodbridge One to be exact. And I would rather not speak tonight, but I have to. I have cancer. I'm not saying that because I want your
pity, nor do I want your prayers. I'm I'm saying that because when I had cancer, I went through 12 rounds of chemo. Chemo is cumulative. If you don't know what cumulative means, it means when you
have your 10th round of chemo, it's like having 10 rounds of chemo at once. By the time I hit the eighth round of chemo, my wife had to put me in a wheelchair to get me into the hospital for my chemo.
Why do I bring this up? Because I worked through everything. I worked through my chemo. My office is on the second floor. I had to crawl up the stairs one, two, or three at a time. I got into my
office, turned on my computers, turned on my TV because I that's the way I work. That's my profession. I had one bucket for my papers and one bucket for my puke because that's what you do when you're
on chemo. Why do I bring this up? Because I had taxes to pay a lot of them. This is New Jersey. My bills are up over my head. And then I hear about 900,000
illegal invaders in this state that are being protected. This gentleman here is telling us about men who stood up with that flag and protected this country. My father being one of them. Me being one of them. My
father was better than I. He a [ __ ] on DDay and was five battle stars. Maybe I was during Vietnam, but I wasn't there. I was in the Northland during that time. I wondered if the United States
was created to protect this country, secure the borders, and protect the country. How did these people get in? Where was the military? How are we paying for 900,000 people that I had to
work through chemo to pay for and are still paying for? That's why I'm standing up here and I am complaining. Why are they being protected when they're illegal alien invaders? Why wasn't the military at the
border with arms that we paid for? Why weren't they there? They should have protected the borders and stopped them there. And if they couldn't, the citizens could have been there. There's 70 million of them with
the We have the arms, we have the ammo, we would have been there. One other thing, we fought for this freedom. Why is St. James being denied the right
to walk down Main Street during Corpus Christi? They've had to cancel it. We found this out during mass on Saturday and Sunday. We're brokenhearted about that.
Yet, if somebody was having a pro-abortion parade, they're going to walk down Main Street for it. They'll probably even perform an abortion in the middle of Main Street if they they wanted to. >> You have one minute left, sir. >> I'm out of time. >> One minute.
>> Okay. Why would you do that? This gentleman got up and expressed a very good point about our military and the freedom we fought for, but it's being denied to our church right here. I wouldn't be
surprised if they cancel the St. James Fair. Wouldn't be surprised about that either. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. Trador. >> Are there any other comments from the public this evening? Thanks Frank John Wood with again uh you
know myself as you know I came to this country I wasn't born here and what brings back to my knowledge how we started under socialism they go socialist and first what they did was they tried to deny go to
and try to start any religious things to happen with the government. You couldn't get a job if you go to church. You could do any other things and they wind up to be a communism. What discouraging? Why do we have a
bicycle races all the other events on main street something all five towns, seven towns are closed because they're running bicycles. one of the other titans over there and we want to stop protecting and kind of a encouraging people to experience the religious
events through the town that we don't have enough police protection this like that it's a shame I don't want to take more time but again it's kind of scary think what's going to be next whose idea was to do it deny something like that to religious specialist St James Wooditch I
mean I'm sure you Auxiliary police would be there watching the corners and probably goes one to three. But again, just think why you are targeting uh religious events. Why don't you stop
just one less bicycle race or one other piece around or something you want to call it? But please don't do this thing. Uh I want to bring a break up by the over here the hood patch which was done this month on the 11th. It says question homeless apartments.
Now patch keep saying it's a homeless apartments and mayor said it's not going to be homeless apartments. Kumi kind of put a end to this and find out is is it or it's not but please do it because people are confused. People are scared and then
when you hear about it well next thing you know they go be a corner put it bucket and collect the money because homeless people. We do need apartments for homeless people or houses for homeless homeless people again. And then mayor keep saying
well between Woodbich and Pamboy we will have enough people to fill up those apartments. Well all this other events all this other tax money is going to go into that that mean that anybody beside Woodbridge won't be able to go to his apartments. I
don't think so. If it's money coming from the county or any place else, anybody in the state, anybody comes to the area would be able to go there. So again, it's kind of a people afraid because we know when you do have a certain people
do need protection, police go through a lot of chaos in the residential area, things like that. It's not we got a we know what's happening the sex offenders over there. We know what happened, you know, we call it prison there. We got enough of this stuff, but I just can't
put on a wood [ __ ] and wood. So, so want to say, but again, please put end to this homeless because it gives a neighborhood a bad name. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments from the public? Hear another comment. Can I get a motion that the public comment portion be
closed? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Questions or comments? All in favor? >> I opposed. We'll go into the agenda. >> Um, I believe the mayor would like to speak now. >> Mr. President. Yes. I'd like to answer that last section of statements.
Ask yourself four questions if you want to determine if some facility is a homeless shelter or not a homeless shelter. Number one, can anybody walk in? That's a homeless shelter. This facility, not anybody can walk in.
It's not open to the public. People cannot just say, "I want to stay here." You've got to have almost an invitation to go there because you meet certain qualifications. Number two, the second question, do you pay to get into this facility? A
homeless shelter. You don't pay this facility. People all will pay what they can afford. Very few, if any, people are going to stay there for free. And so, unless they're so indigent and medically needed that they won't. But for the most part,
people will pay. Third question, do you have a lease? Nobody in a homeless shelter has a lease. Nobody signs a lease. Nobody goes to an attorney and said, "Should I sign this lease?" Nobody negotiates terms of a lease in a homeless shelter. Everybody in this
facility will have a lease and they'll sign it and they'll be responsible for the payments and for meeting the criteria of the lease in terms of behavior and and and other things that you normally see in a lease. And if you violate that, you'll be taken out,
evicted from the facility. And the last question is, are people in there getting professional help from doctors, social service agencies, social service workers, homeless shelters? Probably
not. This facility has a whole cadre of professionals, mostly medical, many, like I said, um, psychiatric, mental health, um, other types of agencies that help people with jobs, with
transportation, with food, with other references. So, you put all those things together and once again, Mr. Varic just doesn't understand. Time and time again for the last four meetings, we have said this is
not a homeless shelter. Certainly not what we would all think a homeless shelter is. This is a beautiful three-story building that was built as a luxury apartment facility. It was built to be luxury apartments at 2500 bucks a
month to rent there. And now it's being turned into a supportive housing facility because frankly there's a need for these kind of places. And we have money in the affordable housing trust fund, not taxpayer dollars. We have money in the community development block
grant fund, not taxpayer dollars, that we can contribute to make this place happen. It's a $12 million purchase. We're paying 4.5 million of it. It's a very sensible purchase for us to take care of our most vulnerable citizens. I don't know how many meetings Mr. Var's
going to come to and not understand that this is not a homeless shelter. The same way he doesn't understand all the other things we talk about like pilots and taxes and like environmental cleanups. He just doesn't get it. So, we're not
going to answer any more questions on homeless shelters. This is not one for the reasons I gave you. You pay to get in there. You sign a lease. You must almost be asked to get in there. and you're you're subject to or you have access to an enormous amount of of
social services and medical services. That's not a homeless shelter. I can't answer any more than that. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, Director Niski, I believe you'd like to say something. >> Thank you, Council President. The warmer weather months are upon us.
With that comes several reoccurring quality of life concerns throughout the township. Recently, I've spoken about the dangers of ebikes, bikes, and car meets and the enforcement plans we have in place regarding those issues. However, I also need to address other
ongoing concerns such as loud mufflers, loud music, fireworks, and other noise related violations. Please know that our officers are proactive in combating these issues. Regarding loud mufflers, we already have several details in place aimed at
deterrence and enforcement. In fact, between May 1st, 2025 and May 1st, 2026, our officers issued over 300 summones for loud mufflers. If any residents are experiencing this specific issue in their neighborhood, we strongly
encourage them to report a non-emergency noise complaint to our dispatch 732-634-7700 so the first available officer can be sent to investigate. The same applies to loud music complaints. We receive loud loud music
complaints occurring from local businesses and in residential neighborhoods, many times proactively by our officers, but mostly complaint driven. We need residents to report these non-emergency noise complaints to our dispatch. Fireworks start to become a major
concern during this time of year. While certain fireworks are legal, many remain illegal. Residents need to educate themselves on what is permitted and what is not. We maintain a zero tolerance policy for illegal fireworks. Summones
will be issued and illegal fireworks will be confiscated. Know when to call. Wait until the noise is actually occurring so our officers can witness the disturbance when they arrive. When reporting a non-emergency noise complaint, be ready to give the
exact address of the noise, a description of the disturbance, and whether or not it is an ongoing issue. If the complaint is from an ongoing issue, like a barking dog or code violation, you may also reach out to the Woodbridge Health Department. For those
living in apartments, your landlord or property management is typically the recommended first point of contact. For non-emergency noise complaints other than loud mufflers during the previously stated time period, we received 1,290
complaints. The most common being loud music, fireworks, and barking dogs. Many summones were issued mostly for loud music. Understanding that this is an enjoyable time of the year with events, parties, and celebrations taking place throughout our community, all must be
done responsibly and safely and is what we are trying to ensure through education and enforcement. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. Okay, we're going to go into our agendas now. Um, my agenda is in order. I just have a few announcements
to make tonight. Um, first I'd like to let everybody know that uh get ready for July 2nd when we will have our annual fireworks display down bless you down at um Alvin P. Williams Park uh this year since it's the 250th anniversary. Uh
it's going to be an amazing event. So mark your calendars and come and enjoy the day with us. Also uh in Seaworn we have the anchors tiki bar is now open. So, uh, grab your friends, come out and enjoy some great music, delicious food, have some drinks, and some fun. Um, you
can go online to get all of the details of who will be playing there and, uh, what food trucks will be there. Um, the arts on uh, Saturday, we held uh, the a ribbon cutting for the uh, ceremony for the broker train wreck that
happened. if you have the opportunity should really take a few minutes to go down to the parking lot at the train station on Eleanor. This is a beautiful beautiful mural and it represents um how the community came together on that uh
horrible day. The um environ environmental commission uh the food pantries we're always accepting non-p perishable food donations throughout the year. Every item donated helps make a difference for families in need within our community. And as our concert season
will begin, please remember that you can always bring a non-p perishial food item to all of our concerts. Um community events, I have Relay for Life. If you haven't set up your Relay for Life team, there is still a little bit of time to do that and help support the Woodbridge Relay team. This is an
annual event that will be held on May the 30th at 3 PM at JFK High School located at 200 Washington Avenue in Isl. To get more information, you can log on to relayforlife.org/woodbridgeenj to make a donation and or to get
involved. Also, please note that the concert schedules have been produced. They are out and about at um many of the township facilities as well as local businesses throughout the town. That is all I have this evening. Thank you. Uh Councilwoman De Jesus.
>> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. I just have a few announcements. The Public Library will be hosting a program called Everyday Uses of AI with AARP on Tuesday, June 9th at 1 p.m. on T
On Thursday, June well well anyway June 10th at 7 p.m. the main library will host a lecture with Kane University professor Jonathan Merantini who will speak on key events and people New Jersey during the revolutionary war. You can register for any of those programs
at the library. And the Baron Art Center is hosting visualiz when art and music converge. On view at the Baron Art Center from May 8th to June 5th is yourself is the acrylic and collage on paper panel by
Joseph Castronova. Again, that's between May 8th and June 5th at the Baron Art Center. The Gallery on Main Street has an evening art house film series, an evening of spring, springtime romance,
The Last Time I Saw Paris, Elizabeth Taylor, and so on. And this will be Friday, May 29th at 7:00 p.m. Free admission, free popcorn, no reservations needed. Again, that's the gallery on main. And that is all that I have. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councilman Spiller. >> Thank you, Council President. Uh just two quick announcements before I hit my agenda. Um I noticed the one resident likes to speak and then doesn't stay for the agenda portion of regarding the um paving issue on Rolof Avenue. We have a lot of roads that fall under the
authority and jurisdiction of whether it's a state DOT, county DOT, uh our administration, engineering or phenomenal. Um so if there is a specific area of pothole concern, whatever, all we have to do is be notified or reach out to our engineering and I'm quite confident it will get uh addressed
immediately. I just also like to thank Director Niski for his comments uh regarding um some of our issues issues that are going on in the township, especially uh fireworks. Uh coming from the fire service, being the one that investigates fires, being the one that has to do uh investigate burns. Um I
love a good fireworks show at a Alvin Williams Park or watching on TV. Uh I'm not a fan of fireworks period. Um if there's a reason there's a reason why they're not sold in New Jersey, so if not sold in New Jersey, it shouldn't be. But as dire director Niski said, it's that time of year where you want to be able to sit outside on your deck, enjoy
the outside, and unfortunately um not being a good neighbor of a few of a very few. Uh but I am wholeheartedly u appreciative of the efforts of the director of administration and our police department um every year when it comes to fireworks. And on sadly, it's just not uh July 4th. It becomes year
round. So, but thank you for that. Uh item number eight, AON, that's a Columbus Palian Club Avenue. Id just like to take a minute to remember and speak of the memory of Phil Squabota who passed away on May 15th. Phil just turned 103. God bless him in January and was still very active in the Avenue
Knights of Columbus. Matter of fact, up to just a few months ago, Phil attended the Avenue Golden Circle senior meetings and Maple Tree Senior Center activities and of course his second home, the Avan Knights of Columbus meetings and events. When I say it is his second home, it literally was, as Phil along with nine
other brother knights all put their houses up for collateral to build the Avenel Knights of Columbus back in the 1960s. Sadly, Phil was the last survivor of the original 10. Phil was a brother knight for 82 years serving all positions including past pastor knight, past faithful navigator of the fourth
degree and member of the Colombian club and many more. Uh, rest in peace. And now he's together with his wife Benetta again. So, uh, rest in peace, Phil. Uh, still on number number still on item number eight, um, Adel VFW. Uh, this Memorial Day weekend, Adel VFW will be
having their annual Memorial Day services on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the post located at 60 West Park Avenue. Everyone, please take a moment before you have a hot dog or a refreshment uh, to remember what Memorial Day is about. Remembering our fallen soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our
freedom. And uh I just want to thank again, Car Gary for your annual wonderful comments. Uh rest of my agenda is in order. God bless America. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Councilman Bower. >> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. I have a few announcements
for business community. We'll be holding a flea market/ vendor fair on Sunday, May 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at our public parking lot located next to the Fords VFW W Post 1690. That's located on New Brunswick Avenue Fords. For more information, contact Gary at
thefc.net. Uh, Forge VFW Post 1690 will be holding their Memorial Day services on Monday, uh, the 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Monument located at King George's Road and Corella Street. Come out and honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. God
bless the departed. God bless those who actively serve our country here and abroad. And God bless America. That's all I have. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Councilman Small. >> Thank you, Council President. Number three on my agenda, forwarding fire, first a daily and ladies auxiliary. We'll be hosting the annual Memorial Day
services on Monday, May 25th at 9:00 a.m. Please come out if you can. As we celebrate the MS week, I want to congratulate all our EMTs for the job they do uh 24/7 365. Um I appreciate uh what this town and
what this mayor and council and administration did by supporting our EMS. many of our towns. Uh our neighbors just gave up on the MS. They just bid it out. Um we stuck with it. It's a it's a
it's a flawed plan. Everybody compliments us. So, Director Niski, uh EMS manager Patrick, thank you for all the work you put in. To all our EMS chiefs, uh I appreciate it. To the police officers who received awards tonight, congratulations. Job well done.
Uh Gary, thank you. Very moving. Uh remember to support all our veterans, not only on Monday, but every day. And God bless America. Thank you, Madam President. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Mi. >> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is also at the border. Uh just an
announcement. Tomorrow we'll be holding our annual support the troop rally. It was due to take place. I know. I'm not sure if it'll be on by tomorrow, but for the other audience, it was supposed to be um outside, but we're moving it into Woodbridge High School tomorrow. Same
time. It's at 6 p.m. Please and honor our veterans here in Match. We have a roll call that will announce all the names of our currently serving veterans that are overseas and that are all in all different places. We just want to honor them. It's a really nice program. And uh thank you for having me. I know
you've worked very hard and there's been a lot of changes on it. Thank you for all you do and thank you to all our veterans this weekend when you're enjoying your families and your barbecues. Just thank and thank you. It was absolutely beautiful.
>> That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Patel. >> Thank you, Council is also in order. I have two announcement. uh it's been here because it's uh memorial day services on this
Monday, May 25th, starting at 11 a.m. at the end of the proposed monument which is located on North Avenue next to it's the 11th firehouse of avenue. Also this memorial today we honor the brave
American soldiers who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you for your courage, dedication and legacy you leave behind. We want to wish you all this. >> Thank you Councilman Harris.
>> Thank you Council President. Uh just a couple items from my agenda. Mentioned them in the past uh but they bear repeating. Uh from item number one uh with our board of education, just a reminder to parents out there that the recreation department and school district are once again partnering up
for the summer enrichment uh sessions. There's 39 courses being offered to our students uh during the weeks of August the 3rd through August the 7th. August and then the second week, August 17th through 21st. Uh the classes are several hours long during the morning and
afternoon hours. Uh to learn more about the the course offerings, visit the township recreation website or call the uh recreation department at 732-596448 to learn more information or to um or or or to pay. Uh courses range in cost from
$75 to $150. Item number two, I uh always want to promote our senior property tax relief programs. Right now, the application window is open for the PAS1 uh property tax relief programs. Uh quarter 2 checks have been issued as of
uh Friday the 15th. Uh Whippers Township seniors, over 5,500 seniors have receiving $3.4 million. It's a significant amount of money. So, don't leave that on the on the table. Uh again this year uh for those seniors, make sure you apply by November the 2nd,
which is the deadline. So you have plenty of time to fill out that blue book or visit the website to complete it online at property tax relief app. That's a nj.gov. And if you have any questions or need assistance completing that application,
visit your local state senator or uh state assemblyman's office right down the street on Railway Avenue or contact the senior services office uh with the township at 7327266262. And then finally, under item number five, the wellness uh agenda, uh we have
our annual pizza run. 5K is coming up scheduled for Wednesday, July the 15th with a start at 700 p.m. from Alvin Williams Park. You get there to register uh you can register online now or you can register day of uh between 5:30 and
6:45. The race costs $25 to participate. And at the conclusion, you'll be uh entitled to uh pizza and beverages. And uh like all my other council members, uh hope everyone uh remembers the true meaning of the Memorial Day weekend, and I hope to see you at one of the many
events. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. I have one more thing to say. I am sorry. Um I forgot to remind everybody that uh we're going to start kick off the summer on June the 6 with our Summerfest that we have every single year. This will be at Moral Park. um go on to the township website for details
of what bands would be playing there and what activities will be happening. Um Mr. Mitch, >> thank you, Madam President. I have a number of items to make a comment on. The third one listed down under liquor license transfers. I'll be noting from my agenda as you took action on that tonight. Thank you for that on that
transfer. I'll also be adding one for the next agenda. I'll be adding an expansion of premises for violence across the street from town hall. So, you'll see that paperwork coming before you shortly. Uh if my office did not send it yet to you today, you'll get it tomorrow. Disciplinary charges I signed this
morning against the Lency. You'll see a date in there for a July hearing. Please add that to your calendar. Uh we'll attempt to do what we can beforehand to settle it. Um I'll also at the next council meeting, you'll start seeing upwards of 90 so liquor license
renewals. We have about half of them ready to go. Hopefully you'll have most of them by then. So you'll be seeing a lot of those come forward. And finally, if anybody is interested, there's still number of openings for both political parties for poll workers for the primary election. If you know anybody
interested, I would ask that they call the county at 7327453471. Ask for Lauren. Again, both political parties have openings. Uh it's a little late in the game, but never too late. If you're interested, uh it does pay fairly well for a long day. Uh so again, we're
looking for people who are interested in learning the process, working the process, and helping our office out that day. So that's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Sorry, Mr. Mitch, I should have said under my agenda. I just realized that when you said it, um we have the primary before our next meeting. School four and
five will have the same operation as it did in November. Um same doors, same parking area, just so the uh residents can >> Yes. No, thank you. Door three, I believe, was the number at that school, and we'll continue using that until this construction is totally finished. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Thanks for bringing that up. >> Thank you. >> This is Administrator Wagner. >> Thank you, Madam President. We're going to have a resolution for our standard tax and sewer overpayments, and I'll have another resolution for 100% disabled veterans. Thank you. >> Thank you, Director Niski.
>> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is in order. >> Director Darden. Thank you, Council President. Nothing this evening. >> Thank you, Director Brew. >> Thank you, Council President. My agenda is also in order. >> Thank you. Legal. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Can I get a motion to adjurnn? Motion to second double.