All right. All set. Number. >> Yes, sir. >> I'd like to call the meeting uh regular meeting of the Whiteoff Township Committee uh to order for the February 17th to 700 p.m. regular meeting. Uh
will everybody please rise for the pledge salute? >> Anybody want to start us off? >> Ready. Salute. Begin. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One
nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please remain standing for our invocation from Reverend Fred. Father, again, I thank you for these men and women and the time that they give to
give leadership to this town. We're grateful for our community for its 100th anniversary. We're grateful for our nation, it's 250th anniversary. We don't take lightly that we live in
safety. We thank you for it. We pray for those first responders. We pray for our elderly as the winter continues. We pray for safety over our schools. Father, I thank you again for the privilege of being a part of this
community. Pray your blessing upon these men and women as they make decisions for the good of the town. May you uh guide them in every way. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Thank you so much. >> Nancy, please read the open public
meeting. The notice requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act have been satisfied with respect to this meeting. Specifically, the time, date, and location were included in the annual notice of meetings adopted by the township committee, posted a memorial town hall by the municipal clerk's office, and sent to at least two
newspapers, including the official newspaper of the township, the Ridgewood News, and The Record. Additionally, to the extent known, the agenda for this meeting and whether formal action will be taken was posted in memorial town hall by the municipal clerk's office and sent to at least two newspapers, including the official newspaper of the
township, the Ridgewood News and the Record, in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Roll >> call, please. >> Miss Bdansky >> here, >> Mr. Bonstra >> here, >> Mr. Melion, >> here, >> Mr. Shepard >> here, >> and Mayor Lane >> here. >> Thank you. I'd like to confirm that the township
committee has reviewed and signed all the vouchers for payment and that the mayor and municipal clerk have signed any necessary documents. >> They have, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. >> I'd like to entertain a motion to open the uh 20 minute public comment period.
>> Second. All those in favor? >> It's a 20 minute public comment period. Five minutes per speaker for public comment on any governmental issue that a member of the public feels may be of concern to the residents of the township of White. If you have a comment, please
step forward to the microphone. If you wish to make a comment, please state your name for the record. Once hearing and seeing none, I close public comment. >> Second. All those in favor? >> I
>> Let's see. We have a a proclamation this week. >> Very proud to to read. Whereas Reverend Dr. Fred Proinger began his faithful service to Whiteall Baptist Church, now the Cornerstone Christian
Church, in February of 1996 as co-pastor and was appointed lead pastor in January of 1999, marking 30 years of dedicated pastoral leadership. And whereas Reverend Dr.
Provenger's educational journey from his bachelor of arts and history from Ruter's College to his master of divinity from Denver cemetery to his doctor >> seminary. Seeminary cemetery.
>> Oh god. >> I don't feel so bad. Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary to his doctor of ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary which has equipped him to serve with wisdom,
theological depth and pastoral excellence. And whereas under his visionary leadership, Reverend Dr. Proenter was instrumental in the church's transformation from Whiteoff Baptist Church to Cornerstone Christian
Church in 2000, reflecting its non-denominational heritage and expanding its reach to the broader community. And whereas Reverend Dr. Probinger led the capital campaign that resulted in the construction of the
McGill Ministry Center in 2003, providing a sanctuary, youth activity spaces, and educational facilities that have enabled the congregation to grow from 250 to nearly 1,000 members. And
whereas his commitment to missions and service has led to the birth of two transformative nonprofit ministries, Touch the World Ministries, empowering youth through mission work and servants heart ministry serving under resource
communities through construction, renovation, and trades training. And whereas under his pastoral care, Cornerstone has maintained an extraordinary commitment to giving, consistently donating 20% of its budget
to support missionaries, ministries, and nonprofits, exceeding $800,000 in 2025 alone. And whereas Reverend Dr. Proer has served the township of Whiteoff as chaplain since the late
1990s, ministering to the spiritual needs of the community beyond the church walls. And whereas he has championed the dignity and value of all people, including hosting the Timbo Foundation's
night to shine since 2019, celebrating individuals with special needs. And whereas Reverend Dr. Carbinger has helped establish new congregations including the plant church in Mawa and West Milford, extending the gospel's
reach throughout northern New Jersey. And whereas throughout his ministry, he has been supported by his beloved wife Debbie, executive director of Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center for 20 years. as they approach their 40th wedding
anniversary and together they have raised four children and are blessed with growing grandchildren. Now therefore be it proclaimed by the township committee of the township of Woff with our deepest gratitude and highest commendation to Reverend Dr.
with Fred Promager for 30 years of exceptional pastoral leadership, spiritual guidance, community service, and transformative ministry that has touched countless lives in Whiteoff, Northern New Jersey, and beyond. May his
continued service be blessed, and may his legacy of faithful stewardship, and passionate care, and unwavering dedication to the gospel inspire generations to come. witnessed by my hand, Roger J. Lane, Mayor also under
Mayor Banski, Rudy Bonra, Pete Melion, and James Sh. Thank you. CONGRATULATIONS. Not cemetery, >> although that's part of it. >> Would the reverend like to say
something? >> I'm not much for speaking. Um, as any of my colleagues uh that you know would affirm, when you answer this call, there's really only one commendation that you're looking forward to and it it doesn't
come in this life. We can all think of those who have gone on before us who've already had that. That being said, it's really nice to get recognized and um I'm humbled because of all the
people who made all those things in the proclamation happen. It was good to be at the helm, but you know, as all of my staff know, um those things were not done alone and uh and and and I've uh it's been a privilege to be a part of
this community and uh to be with all of you. So thank you for the recognition. How are special. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. DO YOU WANT A PICTURE WITH EVERYONE? do family. >> Give them more room.
Are we >> waiting Everyone just stand. >> Do you want to do it here? >> Whatever. >> Like room. >> So, usually you need usually need to be a soccer player to have this happen. >> Mayor, former mayor.
>> Stand in the back. You gonna say cemetery. One more >> official photographer. It may be quite an irony that my wife happens to be on this cemetery committee on church. You must have had that on the
break. >> Okay. I don't like >> How are you doing? Well, how are you? How are you? >> I'm well, thank you. >> Glad to see you.
>> To be seen sometimes. >> I know. Nice to meet you. Thanks, Debbie. >> Thank you. You're the one that want to remind someone that
I'm just >> You guys should do some work. >> Gordon, you want to come back up to your seat? Wow. Spent nine years up there. There you go. >> Good seeing you. >> All right. >> I'll text you right now.
I'm still there. >> Okay, back to business. U Matt, review of the business agenda, please. >> Okay, besides our normal minutes and approval of bills, we have another tax sale certificate which will be redeemed. This
is for 556 Fairmont Road. Uh we have our normal resolution that we do every year prior to uh after we do our AFS uh for the computation of the reserve for uncollected taxes. Uh this is a resolution that uh lets us take off
the um current year appeals off our tax rate which helps us then raise the tax the collected rate um sorry it helps us take our uh current year appeals off the levy which raises our t our collected tax rate which helps us for our reserve
for uncollected taxes. Um, we have our resolution authorizing the 2025 LOSAP participants from the fire department and ambulance corps. Uh, resolution ratifying our binding of a uh recreation accident coverage policy
with AIG. We have uh two professional service resolutions. Actually, we have three, but the first two are for our grant writer. Sorry, our uh special uh council for uh special litigation. And we also have our grant writer. And
then 72 and 73 are connected. Uh 73 is rescending our award of contract to Clary Gakobi. And 70 sorry 72 and 73 is awarding a contract to our attorney's new firm and the name slips my mind.
>> Lasser Hawkman. >> Lasser Hoffman. >> Y >> um and uh that's because Levi is changing firms. Actually changed firms last week. Um, so this is a uh temporary resolution. This will get us through on a non-fair and open contract. And um
probably either next week or the week after I'll get an RFQ out. We'll put it uh we'll put it out for a fair and open solicitation. Uh we have to cancel some tax exempt taxes for um some disabled veterans. And
then we have uh authorizing a new shared service agreement with the Mid Bergen Regional Health Commission uh for child health services. As you recall in the past we had services with Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission and since they no longer provide health
services for health officer services for us. Uh they no longer provide child health services to towns that they no longer provide health officer services for. They had a policy change internally. So, we went shopping and Mid Bergen is willing to provide those services for us. We have an agreement to
for renewal of our agreement with Valley Health System for our DOT alcohol and drug testing and we will also be uh redeeming one additional tax certificate at 284 Village Place. Ordinance 2063 has been pulled. The adop the um
uh adoption of this ordinance is being Oh, I'm sorry, never mind. 2063 is being introduced. It's an ordinance to amend our sore fees uh specifically uh chapter 157 section 62 for establishing our 2026
sore fees uh sore charges. Uh and then once this is adopted our sore bills will go out and then we have several motions and then the last thing is ordinance 2062 which was on the ordin on the agenda originally will not be adopted this
evening. Uh moving on, there will be a special meeting next Tuesday uh special meeting of the township committee next Tuesday the 24th at 5:30. Uh that'll be to introduce several and by I mean several there are currently nine ordinances uh with regard to our
fourth round oblig uh affordable housing obligations. Uh 2025 property tax relief programs have been launched. All forms are available online. Uh that's the prop, that's the senior freeze, the anchor, the
>> stay New Jersey, >> the stay New Jersey program. All of them are available on the state's division of taxation website. The board of health will be presenting living safely with wildlife in your neighborhood this Thursday in the library from 7 to 8:30. The county health department will be
providing free flu and CO 19 vaccines um at one Bergen County Plaza every Tuesday from 5 to 7:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 8:30 to 1:00 p.m. through the end of March. Ridgewood Waters contractor is installing the Royal Water Man on Cedar
Hill Avenue in the area of the wellfield in case you haven't figured out that Cedar Hill is closed currently. and a reminder to renew your pet license. And Mr. Mayor, we will be needing a close session resolution this evening. >> Okay.
>> That covered everything, right, M? >> Yeah. >> Reports of township committee members. Uh Rudy, you okay if we start over? >> Um yeah, just a few things. I was going to be brief anyway and then I left my day runner in the car in my hurry or at least to get here. So, I'll just report
that um the um sewer project on Helina was scheduled to start today. Did that start, Matt? Do we know? >> I didn't hear anything. >> I didn't hear anything. But the contractor had told me on Friday that they were going to Okay. So, we'll assume it did. If it's not today, it'll
be sometime this week, I guess. >> The um >> That's a deep project, too. >> Library board meeting has been moved back a week this month. Um, and I think I'll leave it at that. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'll be brief also.
Environmental committee will be meeting this coming Monday. Um, just and then lastly, uh, stay tuned. Gala ticket should go on sale any day now. So, uh, that's all I have to report.
>> Yeah, I will not be brief. >> Go for it. I'll take >> there's always one >> a few you know give me a chance >> maybe take my nickname away. >> The board of education met on February 9th. There are 254 children currently in our K through8 school system. Uh they
announced the retirement of two very long-term teachers who will be recognized at the June board of education meeting for their retirement. Uh similar last month's meeting the health benefits are up 36% and they're trying to figure out how to balance that. >> They stated that the state of New Jersey
is allowing for 8 million over the 2% cap to acknowledge those increases which they can work with um I guess to help to def those costs. State and federal aid is not yet confirmed. The new governor also may delay for a few more weeks which is longer than normal which is
going to crunch their budget process. So they've got some a lot of work to do in a short amount of time. Uh good news that cursive writing has now been approved. It was approved by Governor Murphy for gates three through five which I thought was a good thing to do. and they had a pipe that burst at EMS due to the cold like a lot of other
people did and that's all repaired at this point. Uh the board of health met on February 12th. Uh in their words, it was relatively quiet in the way of spikes for communicable diseases, which was nice. Erica from Bergen County reviewed the ine the inspections in town
and nothing alarming there. Uh Matt talked about Tao's presentation at the library on the 19th. Um we reviewed rigid water progress. Matt touched on that as well. And they discussed the well child care service which Matt also talked about as well. So those were all
good there. Parks and recreation met on February 9th. 8-year-old traveling baseball traveling uh child are all done. They've got the highest level ever for third and fourth grade wreck baseball of 140 kids and Andy is scrambling to find fields. They talked a little bit about the tennis courts that
are being rebuilt. I guess we do that every next number of years. So that's underway or that was discussed and the lacrosse wall the PO was approved last in the January meeting. So they'll get started on that as soon as the snow gives them some room. Uh historic
preservation committee met on February 10th. Uh they recap the 14 homes in Whiteoff are designated historic. They have the blue plates on them. There are additional 33 that have been designated or recognized by the county of Bergen which they're going to go talk to those people and find out if they want to
become designated to start. Uh they divided up that list and they evenly acro much amongst all the people on the board. Um I think that was it. A couple other things that we did we went to the uh Ramadan crescent lighting on the 4th
of February. Uh we were all here for the wear red on the 6th for the women's cardiovascular disease and on the 12th we went to Eastern Christian for the ribbon cutting for the Herman and Marjgery Jeffer wing and that's very important. Township
committeeman Shepherd you have arrived your report. >> Okay. Um as fire commissioner I went to my first meeting um last Monday the 9th. Um on the second Tuesdays of every month um they have their company meetings and
company one um chief um Tim Brock and assistant chief um Tim Murray go to all and Dave Murphy our police chief go to all the fire houses one mav and wav and they give their reports. Um so I was
able to go to my first one um and the report I got from um the assistant chief was that the white fire department responded to 53 calls for service totaling 625 man hours for the month of January.
Currently, the fire department has responded to 104 calls for service totaling 1,400 man hours. It's a lot of manh hours. Um the fire department responded to three mutual aids to assist our neighboring fire departments.
Four members have completed their ice rescue technician class. Um they wanted to relay their thank um they were very grateful for the members who stood by during that snowstorm at the firehouse. The ambulance also stayed there and they were very grateful to the township
committee for the meals that um we provided them. So they wanted to say thank you. Um the uh this past Sunday the fire department responded to a kitchen fire at a local restaurant in the township. I don't know which >> Sakura. >> It was Sakura. Okay. Uh the quick
response kept the fire damage to a minimal. Later in the evening on Sunday, they had a busy night. The fire department responded to a house fire in the township and again the quick response kept the fire damage to a minimal. That one was a significant um dangerous I mean start to a bad fire. Um
it's a lithium um batteries that people store. This fire involved the lithium ion battery. They wanted to mention, please be very careful when it comes to storing lithium batteries because they they are flammable. Um, one of my personal goals for as fire
commissioners, I'd like to find ways of recruiting volunteers for them. Um, whether it's going through the schools or, you know, classes. Uh, I I'd like to work on that. That's my personal goal. Um, as Jim mentioned, we did go to um
the the committee members went to the Ramadan festival celebration. Um it wasn't just actually WOFF. I know there were um Muslim uh members that came from Franklin Links as well. So it was just from neighboring towns. Um they were
really gracious. They um spoke very short. They gave us nice sweets. I'm sure you guys tried it. It was very delicious. >> Um just to recap, they um you know, so we can learn a little bit about their holiday. Ramadan actually begins tonight until March 19th. It is their holiest
month. Um and their calendar month, the Islamic calendar that they follow, it's the ninth month. Um which marks a mandatory month-long fast from dawn to sunset to foster spiritual growth, self-discipline, and gratitude. Um they
can't drink anything, food, no food, no smoking, um increase prayer, and they do charitable work as well. Um so it's really self-reflection during those times. Um I actually had a question Matt
somebody in the township asked um what the update for the Ridgewood water is and as far as paving and all that stuff. I know we discussed >> Midland Park and Pace. >> So updates with Ridgewood Water of Voluminous a little bit.
>> Uh Park Avenue contract uh was opened last week uh and the bids came in under contract. So that'll be at our next meeting to uh concur with Midland Parks award. Uh White Coff roads that were done last year, meaning prior to the
fall or prior to the winter, will be paved this year uh in a combined contract between the township and Rididgewood Water uh at the same time we do our road paving program. Um, anything that's being done now will probably most
likely not be on that list and it will wait one more freeze thaw cycle. Um, and a perfect example of that is WOFF A right now. They did some work on Woff a and you can see that there definitely has been settlement with this freeze thaw cycle and that's exactly what we
want. We want that to happen before we pave so that we don't have an issue of after we pave that that settlement of the under of the under uh uh the under layers uh happens. Um
they are working diligently to get as up and running not as um hard up and running. Uh the raw water manes are being completed for the lines that need to go into
Cedar Hill and that construction should be starting soon as well, I'm assuming. Um but again, but Ridgewood Water ultimately will not be complete until the end of mid 2027, I believe, is their their
deadline on their consent agreement >> with all their projects. >> Thank you. that it me. >> Yeah, that's it. Thank you. >> Uh I attended all of the mentioned uh events that uh that all you folks brought up. Uh and based upon what Matt
said uh in our centennial year uh you know mid year we should be riding on a lot smoother roads which will be a big benefit. And that's all I have at this time. Mayor, if I may, when you're finished. >> Sure. Sure. >> Just one thing which is not
governmental, but it's kind of a white off kind of an important thing that after six months of being closed, Aby's Diner has reopened. >> It's nice. >> Y owned by White Oaks own Casey Culinary >> and I had the first sandwich and it was
a Madigan. It was good. >> And and just to clarify, I just wanted to look it up, make sure I had the right date. Um, they intend to have all their treatment facilities online by the end of 2026. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Uh, yes. You can set the agenda. >> Oh, I'm sorry, D. I'm so sorry. >> That's all right. >> Trust me, it wasn't intentional. >> That's the meeting. >> That's right. >> It's clear right. Um, real I'll be quick as well. Affordable housing. Uh Matt
mentioned that we're going to have a special meeting on February 24th and there'll be another one in March. We have to um adopt introduce adopt ordinances with our affordable housing plan. That'll take place because all that needs to be done by the 15th, which is really a Sunday. So I have to
actually file it by the 13th. Um litigation, we did file because we're part of the Montville litigation group. We filed an application to the Supreme United States Supreme Court. It was docketed. Justice Alita, who hears emerent uh relief
matters for the third circuit, he ordered the state to respond with a reply by today. I haven't seen anything, but I'm sure they did. If they were going to respond, we might do a quick response back, but we think we'll hear something whether they're going to provide any injunctive relief by the end
of this week, the latest by the end of this month, knowing that March 15th is kind of the drop dead. Um it's kind of our last chance at this. We couldn't ask for better justice or we're all the way to the top court. And again, it's really just for asking for a pause right now so
our action our case can be heard. But I'll keep you informed of what's going on. We should have some within a week or two have an answer on that. And again, we'll be meeting for on the other side of it, our affordable housing plan with the program. That's all I have tonight. >> Quick question.
Was there any surprise in Trenton that it that the court reviewed Judge Justice Alto agreed to review this? >> Did you sense anything? >> Um I not I didn't No, the short answer is I'm not I don't think they're
surprised. And I don't know >> necessarily what that you know I would want to jump ahead of myself and think that it's going to be a positive result, >> but he could have just I mean they could have just wiped it away and said we're not even going to hear anything that we don't expect the state to respond. So
that is at least a positive on that side of it. Um I'm sure the state's not happy. It's just another thing they have to respond to. >> But uh listen, we're at the right justice if we're going to get any kind of result. >> Okay. So >> thank you. >> Yep. Thank you very much, Dave.
>> Okay. >> All matters listed below are considered by the township committee to be routine in nature. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If any discussion is desired by the township committee, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. The minutes for approval from February
3rd, 2026, regular meeting. We have a bill list resolution and then the following resolutions authorizing redemption of tax sale certificate 25-00006 for block 280 lot 13556 Fairmont Road computation of reserve for
uncollected tax for the 2026 budget authorized 2025 LOSAP qualifying participants ratifying the binding of recreation accident coverage with AIG professional service Professional council professional service grant
writer rescending contract award for tax appeal council resolution number 26-05D award contract tax appeal defense cancel taxes as per NJSA 54-3.3
tax exempt authorize shared service with Midburgen regional health for child health services authorize agreement with valley health system for DOT mandated alcohol and drug testing Authorizing redemption of tax sale certificate number 18-00004
for block 289 lot 1 284 village place. One ordinance for introduction number 2063 which is an ordinance to amend chapter 157 of the code of the township of Wyoff sewers by amending section 157-62
schedule of charges establishing 2026 sewer charges for the use of the sanitary sewer system of the township. I have four motions. Approve requests for special event by Wyoff YMCA to host a 5K and family fun onemile run on Saturday,
October 24th. The course will be discussed with and approved by the Woff Police Department as it is anticipated that the course will take runners onto Woff roads and back to Pulis Field for afterevent activities. Approve requests for special event by
the Zabriski House trustees to hold an openhouse event at the Zabriski House on Bergen County History Day, April 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and to post temporary signs promoting the event for the 10 days immediately prior to the 25th. Approve requests for special event
by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to hold a blood drive on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Approve requests by Temple Beth Rashan to post a temporary banner sign promoting their preschool and summer camps for the 10-day period of April
13th to the 24th, 2026. May I have a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda? >> Move the consent agenda. Second, >> Nancy, there's some important stuff in here, so let's have a roll call, >> please. >> Oh, yes. Yes.
>> Miss Bogdansky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Bonstra? >> Yes. >> Mr. Melion? >> Yes. >> Mr. Shepard? >> Yes. >> And Mayor Lane? >> I. >> Thank you. With an affirmative vote, the motion is approved. >> Uh, can I have a motion to adopt
resolution 26 C-3 to enter into close session discuss? Second. >> All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? >> Uh for the benefit of you folks in the audience, we're going to return when we come back out of close session just
basically to have a motion to adjourn the meeting. So, you're welcome to stay to hear that.