Township Council - Regular Meeting

Hey, hey, hey.

One last thing to say. That's great. My night is already getting better. 12 is coming on. Go ahead, Mayor. Good evening everyone. Roll call. Madam clerk. Councilwoman Peterson absent. Councilwoman Scavage here. Councilman Zazali here. Deputy Mayor Miseri here. Mayor Megan here. We stand for the flag salute. I pledge algiance 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.

Adequate notice of this meeting was duly provided to the Verona Cedar Grove Times and the Star Ledger on December 18th, 2025, filed with the township clerk and posted on public bulletin board in the municipal building lobby in accordance with the open public meetings act. Now, I just have one more little blurb. To our residents listening at home and via live stream on YouTube, we understand there may be some difficulty in hearing us clearly up here because there's some te technical difficulties that we are working through. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this. Okay, tonight we have some extraordinary business with a presentation to the Unico chapter of the Township of Cedar Grove. I'm going to go Hi everyone. Hi how exciting it is to highlight UNICO's 40th anniversary. Before I do the proclamation, I would like to touch upon some of the wonderful events and who UNICO supports right here in Cedar Grove. You will see the strong sense of

organization UNICO is and how much they do to support Cedar Grove and beyond. Their motto is service above self and leading by example and that they truly do through many events and donations every year. Some of UNICO's most notable Cedar Grove events are your Columbus Day essay contest which is done every October with our town sixth graders honoring the Italian heritage. you do a golf outing and in Octo is it October,

right? It'll be your 25th annual one. I mean, that that's a milestone in itself. And the proceeds to this go towards local scholarships and family in need, families in need and area food banks. We do an annual turkey drive. This is an astounding number. Okay. They started out with the first turkey drive consisting of delivering 25 turkeys. This annual event is held every Tuesday before Thanksgiving. In 2025, co delivered 600. Since 2010, over 7,500 turkeys have been delivered to families in Newark and the surrounding town surrounding towns. Cedar Grove's Christmas tree lighting. You provide hot chocolate to the community for several years now. You support the Cedar Grove Junior Baseball and Softball League with your outfield sign. You do your annual pasta fundraiser, donating to families in need to support and to support the local scholarships. You do the Easter egg hunt at Community Park, which is coming up, which is an event every year bringing the community together. You participated in over 10 years in clean sweep. You raise the Italian flag in Cedar Grove. Then you do events at the district and national level which include and I'm sure there's more than I'm saying. I'm not touching on everything. District 4 Christmas party for people with exceptional need abilities. District 4 bus trip in December to Little Italy in New York City which raises funds for your district scholarship. You contribute to the annual UNICO national co calendar highlighting our Italian culture. Well, your Italian culture and influence around the world. And then you make several charitable

donations. Scholarships to Cedar Grove High School seniors. You've given out over another great number $100,000 in scholarships. The Human Needs Pantry in Montlair. We've donated $15,000 over the last 20 years. St. Catherine's of Sienna School donation for new windows and additional upgrades. And finally that I have on my list. We've made donations to the Cedarville Fire Department, Ambulance, and St. Hughes Research Hospital. I would like to on behalf of the council thank everyone who participates in UNICO and everyone who supports you. Your efforts do not go unnoticed by this council and this community. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. We do hope you'll be around forever. Now, I also have a proclamation. You're going to hear me read a lot. This is a proclamation to UNICO that reads, "Whereas UNICO is the largest Italian service organization in the United States dedicated to the principles of patriotism, charity, and civic responsibility. And whereas the Unicode chapter of the Township of Cedar Grove was chartered on January 29th, 1986 under the leadership of President Jim peasant niti I don't know how you say his last name the organ organization would later be incorporated December 5th 1995 and whereas whereas this year under the leadership of president Amy Tafarro and the Unico chapter of the township of Cedar Grove proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary of outstanding service to the residents of Cedar Grove and the surrounding communities.

And whereas for four decades, the UNICO chapter of the township of Cedar Grove has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the community service through charitable fundraising, scholarship, support of local organizations, and the promotion of cultural heritage and civic engagement. And whereas the members of UNICO chapter of the township of Cedar Grove have generously devoted their time, resources, and leadership to initiatives that strengthen the township, assist those in need, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. And whereas the UNIC code chapter of the township of Cedar Grove continued dedication reflects the highest ideals of volunteerism and community spirit and brings great credit to its members and the township of Cedar Grove. Now therefore, be it therefore be it proclaim that I, Michelle Migga, mayor, and the township council of Cedar Grove uh in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, do hereby commend and applaud Unico President Amy and the entire membership of UNICO on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and extend sincere appreciation for its steadfast commitment and last longlasting contrib contributions to this community. A job very well done. Congratulations.

I don't know if you want to say a few words or up here though.

Yeah. Just want to thank the council um the mayor of the council for for this recognition. Um, we do a lot with what we have. We don't necessarily have the biggest chapter um, in UNICO, but we work really hard and do the best that we can with our fundraising and giving back and finding families that are in need. Um, and uh, we're just very appreciative of you guys taking the time to to recognize all that we've done over the years for the town and the local community. So, thank you very much. Thank you so much. You're welcome. Does anyone else want to say anything?

Do you guys want to get up for a picture? A picture. Can we take it down there? I think that has to become the deal. Yeah, from now on. Some of us are too short. Excuse me. Hey. Or all of us except Joe are I'm like the only one specify that. Jo

I'll go on the end here. a little bit. One more. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Thanks. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Yeah. Yeah. Thanks,

please. Okay, moving on. We have have an acknowledgement to make tonight. Um, it's challenging to keep something under wrap from the gentleman who runs the township of Cedar Grove. I hope we have success here.

The person up here on the deis, there's a person up here on the deis that we would like to acknowledge. He's our township manager, Josie Kelly. Cedar Grove is very lucky to have Joe at the helm. He is smart. He has tons of energy. He works incredibly efficiently and fiscally responsible every single day. So, not only do the people in Cedar Grove get to see this, but many others get to see it, too. In February, Joe was awarded the Satan Hall University uh law school Rhdino Society Young Alumni Trailblazer Award. This award is in recognition of Joe's excellence as a public servant, a leader, and a humanitarian. We would all like to publicly say congratulations to Joe. Now, I know Joe doesn't like to be publicly recognized. So, if he's going to be mad at me for anything, I'll take the hit on this one. Joe, I say all the time to you, you are a true leader, and you lead by example. Your work ethic is amazing, and yes, at times I do struggle to keep up with you. Just so our residents know and understand how you operate and the switching of the hats that you do. In the last week alone, not only did you run the town daily with your incredible team, you conquered the blizzard beautifully. I saw photos of you on snow mounds. And then today, I saw photos of you at your former elementary school in the classroom you went to for kindergarten. kindergarten for ReadAcross America week. That summarizes

Joseph Kelly. Never stops, continues to go, switches hats all the time. You are a true trail trailblazer, Joe, and we are thankful to have you. Congratulations and hopefully you won't be too mad at me for sharing this. Thank you. Congratulations. You're very welcome. And if any members of the council would like to chime in, you could feel free.

Yeah, I'll start. Uh Joe, congratulations on the award. Um just for the public so they understand this is a big deal coming from Cen Hall Law School, they give this award annually and Joe was the recipient this year and um you know he's not in private practice which is another you know it's another issue. He's essentially a government employee and for the for the school to give this award um for someone in this role it's an even bigger deal and I want the public to understand that. So he was competing against a lot of alumni and he was selected. So congratulations Joe. Welld deserved. Um we all know it and it's nice to see that the uh the law school recognized it. So it's a big deal. So congratulations on

I don't know what else I could add add to that. Michelle was very thorough but congratulations Joe. Any opportunity we have to um sing your praises you know we're going to do it without hesitation. So, thank you for all you do for Cedar Grove and all you do for us. Thank you. Thank you. So, Joe, congratulations. Um, it's definitely welld deserved. I have to say I'm kind of not surprised. Uh, you you you do stand out. Um, you do work hard. Um, and I'm happy that you got acknowledged for it. So, congratulations.

Thank you. You're only as good as the people around you, mayor. So, all of this goes to our fantastic team of employees and staff and all the people I so blessed to work with every day to allow us to do the great things we do in Cedar Grove. So, thank you. I have to ask I have to call you after the meeting. One question. Are you mad? No. Did you maybe two questions? Did you know? Was it a surprise? I had no idea. Did you know about the Well done. Well done. Dale kept it. No. Thank you. I had to ask for legal advice how to do this. Roll call. Roll call, please.

Thank you. All righty. All right. Where my 3A to consider approval of minute of minutes of regular public meet of the regular public meeting February 2nd, 2026. May I have a motion? Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor M. Yes. Two uh 3B to consider approval of executive session without release February 2nd, 2026. May I have a a motion?

So moved, mayor. Um without release. Okay. Second, please. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Mazali, yes. Deputy Mayor Mer, yes. Mayor Me, yes. I'm taking these one at a time, right? Correct. Yes, ma'am. Item 4 A to consider adoption of pending ordinance number 26-963 an ordinance amending chapter 217 section 16 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled sewers service charges s exchanges Mr. Zakali.

Yeah thank you mayor. This is a ordinance adoption amending store short service charge rules and rates. Between um the time of the introduction of this ordinance and now the council's consideration of this adoption, our auditors were here and they completed our AFS, which I will discuss as part of my manager's report later on the agenda. Um but I do want to note that neither the water nor the store utility ran a deficit this year. Um and a large part of that is because of the rate adjustments that the council has prudently been making over the past few years. Um, as a result, this ordinance amendment will change quarterly sore charges from $6.67 per 10,000 gallons to $747 per 10,000 gallons. Uh, thereby raising the minimum quarterly bill from $1106 to $12326, which equates to a $13.20 difference per quarter. Um, $440 difference per month and $11 difference per week. Again, this adjustment is necessary to continue the ongoing uh self liquidity of the utility as well as to project future.

Okay. Thank you for that. Is there anyone here wishing to speak to the ordinance? May I have a motion? Uh, mayor, I move for the adoption of pending number 26-963 to be published on the township's official website as a past ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Thank you. I have a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Mrs. Ali, yes. Deputy Mayor Missi, yes.

Yes. 4 C to consider adoption of pending ordinance number 26-965 an ordinance of det 4B 64. Oh, I didn't do 4. I crossed it off too. I I got ahead of myself. Thank you. To consider adoption of pending ordinance number 26-964, an ordinance amending chapter 217 section 16 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled water colon consumption and rates and charges. Mr. Zakawi.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, much like the previous ordinance that was adopted, this is an adoption to amend the water service charge rates. Uh, as I just noted, like the soy utility, the water utility did not run a deficit last year. More on that in my report. Um, with respect to our bulk water suppliers, North Jersey District Water Supply Commission in Pake Valley Water, that's where we purchase our water from. U, they raised rates 9% on the sale of water. Um this as well as increased operating costs uh for water mane repairs uh parts and materials um necessitates an increase in the rate. This ordinance amends the rate from 667 per 1000 gallons to $8 per 1000 gallons raising the minimum quarterly charge from 3335 to $40 which is a $665 increase per quarter or $221 per month 55 cents per week.

Thank you. Is there anyone in the public wishing to speak to the ordinance? Seeing none, may I have a motion? May I move for adoption of pending ordinance 26-964 to be published on the township's official internet website as passed ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. Thank you. May I have a second? Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Migu. Yes, Madame Mayor, before you jump in on 4 CD and you would like to speak on NFA. Sure. Can

um I I mentioned a few minutes earlier about the affordable housing settlement uh nearing completion. I believe I said we're at the 10 yard line. Uh these ordinances were introduced at the February 3rd meeting for adoption this evening. The um ordinance that essentially requires additional time is more D which has to do with the overlay zoning. Uh two additional requirements must be met before this ordinance is adopted on final. Number one, the planning board must meet to declare it consistent with the master plan that is happening I believe on the 13th.

That's currently scheduled. Um, and there has to be a notice requirement to all the property owners and those within 200 feet of those properties uh that uh requires mass mailing and certified mailing to those properties. That's ongoing and going out this week. Um, so it's just not ready yet to be adopted on final this evening. My recommendation is to table CD and E to the March 16th meeting where we will have a special meeting uh either I think preceding the work council meeting or following immediately after immediately after the work council meeting where the affordable housing ordinances will then be moved at that time. Okay.

So I would recommend again a motion be made to table CD and E to March the 16th at a special meeting to be noticed accordingly according to law. Okay. May I move to table 4, C, D, and E on the agenda till the March 16th meeting? Second, please. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Ma,

yes. Item five, the meeting meeting is open to residents of the township wishing to be heard on any item on the agenda. Anyone wishing to adjust the council? Seeing no, I will close this portion of the meeting reports. Mr. Zelli, good evening, mayor. Good evening. I got a surprise for you now. No, see, I got you. No, no, we're not doing that.

Thank you, Mayor. Three, just um two bigger items I want to discuss and of course some items throughout the agenda. Um as everyone knows, our meeting last week was canceled due to a very large snowstorm. Um we received a lot of snow last week, more than we did in January. Totals nearing 18 to 20 in um throughout the town and an additional inch to two inches following uh morning on Tuesday. township used approximately 150 tons of salt and we had crews working overnight and into the next day on both days along um with the following and subsequent days during the week to remove and relocate snow throughout the township. Uh just briefly for the council's edification, I did prepare some preliminary preliminary damage assessment numbers uh just to the township alone and not including the hours um of runtime on our vehicles which have a separate value to it. Just in hard costs alone, labor, plow, contractor, and salt. This storm cost the township $49,1143. Uh when you add in the runtime of all of our vehicles, that numbers closer to $89,000. Uh and when you add in the board of education's cost uh of labor, that's around $10,000. So this was easily a $100,000 storm. Um all of which we've uh put in through our Essex County OEM for hopefully some type of reimbursement from FEMA, which would be really helpful. Um again, this doesn't include the hourly running time of our single axle dump trucks, our mason dumps, and our pickup trucks. Uh this was a expensive storm, but we got through it. Um, I also want to update the council on our budget. Um, my goal is to have the budget introduced at our next council meeting, the April 6th meeting. Um, as all of you know, that's like my Christmas. Um, with the public hearing and adoption to be scheduled for May 4th. Um, I do want to share some numbers regarding our annual financial statement, which is now complete. Uh I

provided both uh the AFS for all of our utilities and our solid waste district to the council under separate cover. But I do want to share um an increase in our fund balance which I find is very important. Um last year uh we will be ending the year with $12,797,4163 in fund balance which reflects an increase of $1,742,000 from last year. Uh, so we grew our fund balance by $1.7 million between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025. For our um water utility, we're ending with 1,318,36983 in fund balance, which is an increase of $1.3 million, largely resulting from a 1.2 uh million connection fee from various uh developments and $80,000 in rate adjustments. Our Soore utility ended the year with $1,512,3567 in fund balance, which is an increase of $1,450,000 from last year. Again, resulting from connection fees of $1,244,000 and a $26,000 surplus in the rate adjustments. Um, now that we have these revenue numbers, I'm able to complete the appropriation side, um, which I'm able to now scale out our debt service a little bit, capital improvement fund, and, um, at our next meeting, have a nice buttoned up package for the council to, uh, consider for introduction. That's all I have for tonight, mayor. I will speak on a few items throughout the rest of the agenda.

Okay. Thank you very much. Great job, Madame Clerk. Good evening, Mayor, members of council. I have nothing for this evening. All right, Mr. Logano.

Good evening, Madame Mayor, council members. Um I just in addition to my comments made on the affordable housing once so the March 16th is a hard deadline. We have to have those ordinances adopted. Um once those are in place, we will be in a position to report back to the court that the U enabling ordinances, sorry, the enabling ordinances have been adopted and these are the ordinances that are going to be put in place to actually affectuate ultimately the affordable housing program. Again, nothing is mandated. Uh but the zoning it will be in place to allow for the creation of affordable housing. Um at that point, we will be waiting for the judge to sign the judgment of repose, which essentially says you have a 10-year compliance period for the fourth round, and we will be in place. Our immunity from builder's remedy lawsuits will be in place, and the township will be um in its position to essentially continue on and have resolved its fourth round obligations. So like I said, we're we're approaching the goal line. Uh these ordinances are critical. It's that March 16th date is critical. Um and then at that point, we'll be in a position to report to the court that u we are in compliance and wait for the order. So with any without any questions, I have nothing further.

Okay. Any questions for Dan? Okay. Thank you, Mr. Zazali. Councilman Zazali.

Good evening, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. Uh, mayor, um, I just wanted to report on Mr. Zeli and you also mentioned the snowstorm that we had, the blizzard. Um, I had the opportunity to, uh, sit in on a call with the OEM prior to uh, prior to the storm, and it was it was informative, and they they laid their plan out, and all the different departments um, participate, the DPW, the fire, the police, everybody. Uh it's a it's a collective effort. Um it's an exceptional effort and the uh the degree of of of planning and the detail behind the planning and the the foresight is it was very impressive uh to be a part of to to be able to hear that. So um and that's it.

Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Welcome Deputy Mayor Miseri. Good evening, Mayor. Um, first I wanted to take an opportunity. I know we had uh Cedar Grove Unico um has extraordinary business and um the township had uh provided the proclamation which was great for the 40th year. Just wanted to make a few comments on it. Uh working with UNICO through the years um their motto service above self is really something that they carry out well for the community. Um, you mentioned the turkey drive for example. The amount of families that were fed for Thanksgiving over the last 15 years, you're talking about like 7,500 families.

Amazing. Just from our community, right? And volunteers that we go out and and get the help from the community to to donate food and then actually to go and deliver it, which, you know, which is a tremendous amount of work.

Um, and they do that with St. Lucy's in New York and they do a great job. They've also given out $100,000 of scholarships over all these years. So that goes to a lot of families in Senior Grove. Um, you know, all these students that have done well each year. They give out I think they give out four scholarships a year, which is nice. You know, it's a great great little gift to the community. And everybody in that chapter, there's not a lot of people. There's 35 members. I was asking the president tonight if she was here. they're out there and they're working hard and it's all volunteer work and uh they just give back to our community. So, I just want to acknowledge it. I know you did earlier, but I I couldn't uh you know, miss this opportunity to thank them for all they do to the community.

Couple more points, Mr. Z. Kelly. Um you know, we talked about the last snowstorm when the last council meeting was cancelled. It seems like that's the trend this year. Um, but as uh Councilman Zazali said, it's the prep that really makes the difference. And I feel like we've been very well prepared for the storms. Like there's there was a shortage of salt, you know, two storms ago, but Ced Grove has managed because of your efforts to make sure that that's not an issue. And here we were with a bigger blizzard with more snow that we needed more salt. So thankfully, you planned ahead. I mean, really, that's what it comes down to. And DPW, those guys don't complain. They've worked overtime. They worked, you know, multiple hours after the storm to make sure that the roads are clean and everything is taken care of. So, tremendous job, tremendous job to them, tremendous job to all the first responders

because they go to work. You know, a lot of people stayed home. We stayed home that night. You know, we didn't have this council meeting. Uh, but the first responders couldn't. they had to go to work and they were available, police, fire, volunteers, ambulance. So, we thank them. Um, certainly we thank everybody in the community and I personally witnessed the community come out and help each other. There were people that could not shovel and I saw just on my little area just people helping each other. So, I wanted to give a shout out to everybody. So, job well done. Cedar Grove starting from the top and all the all the workers and uh and just tremendous work and hopefully hopefully that's it.

That's it. It looks like that's it. Don't say it. Hopefully that's it. Um that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Scand over there. Hi. Good evening.

Good evening. Um just to add on to what um Councilman Zazali said about that OEM call which took place on Sunday. Um the there were multiple scenarios that thankfully we did not need planning or we did not need to implement but were planned for such as largecale electricity losses um transporting um seniors or anyone who might have lost um lost power um and heat where they might stay. We had a warming center ready to go um with CS and personnel ready. I mean, it was really in-depth and very impressive to just see, you know, when we say the level of detail, every scenario, everything that could have gone wrong was planned for. Thankfully, none of those things happened. Um, we were very fortunate as a as a community, but um just kudos again to the to the OEM team, um, which is led by Joe Laari. Um, and then just, you know, another uh accolade for our um folks at DPW who are cleaning the streets. I mean, we always get one or two complaints, right? Can't make everybody happy, but the overwhelming response of of gratitude for those folks um being out there and and really just doing an outstanding job clearing the streets much faster than a lot of the surrounding communities. Um, so it can't be stressed enough um, how fortunate we are and how hard those guys worked to get that done. Um, so thank you to them. It really was an extraordinary effort and I don't use that word lightly. So um, really well a job well done by uh by Joe and and the team um, just making sure that Cedar Road got cleaned up quickly and efficiently. And that's it for me. Thank you.

Thank you. Sorry guys, you're not out of me having a report tonight. I also would like to acknowledge the OEM DPW first responders responders for the incredible job with the blizzard. I received compliments via text messages, phone calls, Facebook, my personal emails, my email to um the township. The overwhelming response was positive. Um, and I hats off to everything that was done. I won't reiterate every single thing that they said, but kudos to everybody and a big thank you. Um, I also have some uh news on the historical society. They are hosting a free program on the 25th of March at our Cedar Grove Library. The program is Colonial Taverns and it's at 7:30 p.m. It's open to everyone. You do not have to be a Cedar Grove resident to attend. They are also hosting a fish and chips on April 15th. You can do a grab and go or they will have seating set up in the barn. Um if you would like to stay there to eat it and tickets are on sale. You could grab them at the website or off their Facebook page. And I also did attend the uh state of the county address last week. It's always nice to go hear the accomplishments of the county and hear the goals coming forth of Essex County. So that's my report and thank you everyone for your reports. Okay. So moving on together. I'm going to take the consent agenda together. So we'll um vote at the end. 7 A to consider resolution concerning approval of raffle application for Cedar Grove Elk number 2237 and 7B to consider resolution concerning

approval of raffle applications for South Family and School Association. May I have a motion? So moved. A second. Please second and a roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Viseri, yes. Mayor Migu, yes. Item 8A, new business to consider resolution concerning the municipal alliance grant. Mr. Zakali, mayor, this is just a resolution through setting forth 2026 to 2027 funding match for MAC, uh, which sets forth $11,300 broken out as a cash match of $2,825 and an income contribution of $8,475. Thank you. I have a motion. So,

a second, please. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Viseri. Yes. Mayor Miger. Yes. 8B. To consider resolution to adopt the provisions of chapter 48 NJSA 52 col14-17.38 under which an public employer may agree to pay for SHBP and or SEBP coverage of certain retirees. Mr. Zakell.

Yes, Mayor. The township does uh offer um benefits post uh employment in retirement for certain retirees. Um but after the provisions of chapter 78 took effect during the Christy administration, uh certain retirees who did not yet reach 20 years of service by June 28th, 2011 were required to pay contributions uh in their retirement towards their healthcare. Uh, and for ever the township has been receiving checks every month um for those retirees who um didn't qualify under chapter 78 for the free retirement. They mail a check or they drop a check off. Uh, and while we love seeing them, this is a modern approach where the healthc care contributions will come right out of their pension check. Um, so they do not need to write a separate check to the township. Um, the state administers this entirely. It takes a lot of paperwork and processing out of our end and it allows us to just let the state handle the the processing.

Thank you. May I have a motion? So move. A second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Council Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Mig. Yes. 8C. to consider resolution approving the issuance of a fireworks permit for the fireworks display executed by Starfire Corporation at LRP Athletic Fields on July 2nd, 2026 or in the event of rain, it will be on Friday, July 3rd, 2026. In the amount not to exceed $25,000, Mr. Zakali,

Mayor, we did uh increase this budget slightly um from our $17,000 budget last year. Um, this is uh to cover the firework display for America's 250th uh anniversary. Uh, there's going to be some extra special surprises, which I will keep a surprise from you. Um, at the fireworks, and as you indicated, it's tentatively planned for July 2nd. Uh, but if it rains, it's going to go to July 3rd. Okay. July 2nd because I believe that's Councilwoman Scav's birthday. Yes. Oh, a big party for you. Also a milestone birthday. That's why the fireworks are going to be so grand. May I have a motion for that?

I'm not making it. Yes. I'll make it. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zazali? Yes. Deputy Mayor Meri? Yes. Mayor Migos?

Yes. 8 D to consider resolution authorizing tax exemptions of 50% due to permanently and totally disabled veteran status as per NJSA54 col4-3.30 30 block 190 lot 75 exemption portion to be known as block 190 lot 75 qualifier X 77 Cedar Grove Parkway Norine Ford Mr. Mr. Zawi, do you have anything on?

Yes, ma'am. This is just a tax um proration in the amount of $92.84 um from the fiscal year of 2025 and for 2026, the assessed property uh taxes will be uh 50% given the veteran exemption, disabled veteran exemption. Thank you. I have a motion, please. So moved. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Council, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Mig.

Yes. 8E. To consider resolution approving the list of volunteer members of the Cedar Grove Township Ambulance and Rescue Squad who qualify for contributions under the Township Lap program. Mr. Kelly mayor, this is the length of service awards program and the amount is not to exceed $6,76946 again for the volunteers who qualified under the LOAP ordinance in the statute for LOAP. Okay. May I have a motion? So moved. A second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Council Mrs. Z. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Migga.

Yes. 8F. to consider a resolution of the township of Cedar Oh, I'm sorry, of the township council of the township of Cedar Grove authorizing the award for gasoline to SJ Fuel South Company, Inc. through the MCC PC contract number one for motor gasoline. Mr. Zakali,

mayor through you, this is a contract where we purchase our gas to the Mars County Cooperative Pricing Council. Um that's a co cooperative um that collectively bids uh to get better pricing. Uh this year the contract that MCCPC awarded was to SJ Fuel South Company Incorporated. Um these are our bulk suppliers who bring gas to DPW which fuels our police cars, our DPW trucks, the board of education. Um yeah, I think that's our only gas uh outfit. The other contracts for diesel later. Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion? So moved. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zazali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Mig.

Yes. 8G. To consider resolution authorizing participation in the self-examination program of the municipal budget for the 2026 budget year. Mr. Zelli, do you have anything? Yeah. This is just allowing Rebecca to perform a self-re self-examination of the budget which she will certify to prior to the governing body's adoption. Every three years, we are required to undergo state review. Um that would be next year for 2027's budget. Um the state division of local government services. We'll have to review it. Um but this year Rebecca is allowed to follow the statutory provisions to perform the self-examination. Thank you. I have a motion. So moved. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage.

Yes. Councilman Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Meri. Yes. Mayor Ma. Yes. 8H. to consider resolution of the town of the township of oh my goodness township of the township of Cedar uh council of the township of Cedar Grove authorizing the award for diesel fuel to national fuel oil inc through the MCCPC contract number 12 number two for ultra low sulfur diesel fuel correct good job mayor thanks

this is just for our uh just like the fuel contractor the cooperative for Our diesel uh trucks are single axle dump trucks. Um the fire trucks, ambulances uh that run on diesel. Excellent. I have a motion. So moved. Second, please. Second. Roll call. Council Mavic. Yes. Councilman. Yes. Deputy Mayor Meri. Yes.

Yes. 8 I to consider consider pending ordinance number 26-968. An ordinance amending chapter 230 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled right ofway construction andor maintenance and establishing subsection 44 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled structures within the public rightway prohibited. Mr. Zigali, do you want to add?

Yeah, mayor Brley. This is just pre prohibiting structures from being temporarily erected within the rightway or permanently erected within the rightway. Uh which makes it harder for our uh crews to either operate uh the leaf tags or snow plows. Uh and this just gives the govern the uh township enforcement power to uh have the residents remove them. Thank you.

If I may, Mayor, the issue is often mailboxes and basketball hoops. They get damaged as a result of the snow plowing. just the sheer weight of the snow often causes these structures to be damaged. Um and then the township gets invoices for the damage. So, um this is the public right away. Uh other than your garbage cans, there really should not be anything in the public right away. Thank you. May I have a motion? So moved. May I have a second? I think you're good for that. Yeah. What do I have to do? Uh um mayor, uh I move Sorry. Yes, you're right. My eyes are

I move for introduction of pending ordinance 26968 to be published on the township's official internet website as a pending ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for April 2nd, 2026. Thank you. Now, may I have a motion? Second. Second. You have a second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Sazali, yes. Deputy Mayor Siri, yes. Mayor Miga, yes. Item nine, approval of bills. I do these two separate. Item 9A, February 23rd, 2026. Madame clerk,

thank you, mayor. We have um two just for the record. Um this one that I'm about to read is from the February 23rd meeting that had to be um renoticed for today. Um so we have 9A and 9B which will be the March 2nd. Okay. So this was formerly number eight um of February 23rd but is now 9A. Be it resolved by the township of Cedar Grove County of Essis, New Jersey that the summary of bills having been duly audited and found to be correct are hereby ordered paid in the aggregated amount of $67,351.36. Thank you. May I have a motion? So moved and a second. Second. Roll call, please.

Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zazali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Ma, yes. And this one is 9B, dated for today. And it is be it resolved that the township of Cedar Grove, County of Essex, New Jersey, that the summary of bills having been duly audited and found to be correct are hereby ordered paid in the aggregated amount of $275,59247. Thank you. We have a motion. So moved and a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scabage, yes. Councilman Zazali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Mika, yes. Thank you.

Thank you. 10A to consider resolution authorizing the execution of the shared services agreement between the township of Cedar Grove in the township of Little Falls for the for the provision of part-time fire inspector services. Mr. Zakali, would you like

Mr. Mayor? This uh our fire inspector many years um at the end of last year indicated he no longer would be able to continue uh serving. Um, and this is a uh authorization to execute a shared service agreement between us and Little Falls uh where they will be providing us a part-time fire inspector uh for four hours per week for every week uh for a total of $953 per month. Uh benefit to this is there's no pension cost to it. There's no health insurance costs to it. Um we're just paying the township for four hours per week of this inspector's time. Thank you. May I have a motion? So move. Oh, sorry. I'll second that. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali,

yes. Deputy Mayor Viseri, yes. Mayor Migga, yes. 10B to consider resolution awarding a professional services agreement with SOS Inspections LLC of 106 Lanzanna Lan Yeah. Lanza Lanza Avenue Sweet A, Garfield, New Jersey 07026 for plan review and inspections of the inclusionary development located at 36 Cliffside Drive, Cedar Grove, New Jersey in an amount not to exceed $760,000. Mr. Zelli, Dan, do you want to speak to this one?

Sure. So this is um this is an agreement to or I should say this is the authorization to enter into an agreement for um a plan review and inspection for the Cliffside Drive property. It's a rather large endeavor but is going to uh inundate our local uh inspectors. Um, in order to keep the project moving forward, the state allows for private inspector inspectors to be hired to do the plan review inspections throughout um, I think only the building inspectors will be could be done at a local level, excuse me. This will allow for things like elevator inspections, fire inspections and so on to be done by this private agency and is established uh payment will be established to an escrow entirely paid by the contractor. So this is essentially to help move along the inspections otherwise again a small town with one inspector to do five different uh subsp specialties or subcodes would take a lot longer. So uh this is this was drafted. Uh now this is um the contract is not ready yet. This would be the authorization to execute that agreement.

Also if I may add this is um the way this would work is that we would be build for the services um but it would be paid out of the developers escrow account. Um so it's not this is not going to cost the township any money to uh have these inspections performed. Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion for 10B? So moved and a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Scabage. Yes. Councilman Zazali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Mika. Yes.

10 C. To consider resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the township of Cedar Grove and Seagar Realy LLC for the restoration of the parking lot located at 181 Stevens Avenue. Mr. Zak.

Yeah. Mayor, you're going to see one or two more of uh these types of resolutions. Uh this is for the surrounding properties of the North End Firehouse. Uh there's one to the left, one behind, and one to the right. Um as part of our settlement agreement with the uh contractor, uh the township will be restoring those properties back to um their conditionfree uh building. Um for a few reasons. One, we think it's better to we take care of our own residents that way uh because you know, we can ensure quality control and also cost. uh and also these ad adjacent uh property owners were immensely helpful in allowing us to uh exceed our you know property line and and use their property to facilitate the construction. So this is the first of probably two or three agreements um that you'll see for us to just button up the surrounding properties to the Northland Firehouse.

Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion? So move and a second. Second. Roll call, please. Council Miss Gavage. Yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Siri, yes. Mayor Miger, yes. Okay. The meeting is open to residents of the township wishing to be heard on any items on or off the agenda concerning township business. Is there if there's anyone wishing to be heard, please come up. Mr. Young. You knew I came here for something.

Steve Young, 18 Young Avenue. I just want to commend the DPW for the great job they did in snow removal. I've uh do still some consulting work in other towns and uh to try and park in Monontlair on Bloomfield Avenue even now is impossible. They did a great job. And I also want to remind since I've been a Cedar Grove fireman 48 years, how important it is for the residents to clean out those fire hydrants around your house and do it at least a three-foot radius all the way around because when we have to open those hydrants up, it's and I've been in fires after my 48 years where trying to get a hydrant open and getting the hoses onto those connections is tough. So, please for your safety and our safety, please do that.

Okay, that's it. Okay. Thank you. Okay, seeing no one else, I'll close that portion of the meeting. May I have a motion to adjurnn? So, move. Second. Roll call. I don't know. Do we need a roll call to Councilman Scabage? Yes. Okay. Councilman Zali. Yes, Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes, Mayor Ma. Yes. Thank you everyone. Good evening. Thank you.