City Council - Regular Meeting

Thanks. [clears throat] Okay. Good evening everyone. Mayor, I'd like to call to order the reorganization meeting of the Elwood Park Mayor and Council for January 2nd, 2026 to order at 7:07 p.m. I believe she said to you, "Good evening." And I didn't hear anything. There you go. One more time. How we doing out there? Good. All right, that's important. Now we're all on the same page here. Uh, happy new year to all of you

and it may be a healthy one because with your health, everything else is second nature comes to you. So, that's what our prayers should be for today. Uh, we have a lot to do this evening. Uh we're swearing in a new councilman and we're bringing back an existing councilman and we have some special people here today that are going to help us get through that. So let me get started with my end over here. Whereas chapter 231 of the public laws of the state of New Jersey require at the commencement of every meeting a statement of compliance be read by the presiding officer. Now therefore be advised that the meeting requirements for this meeting have been met by publishing a special notice in the Herald news and record and by posting such notice in the office of the burough clerk as well as in a public place within the municipal building. also by notifying interested citizens. Said notice was posted on December 17th, 2025 and published on December 23rd, 2025.

Okay. At this time, as the burough clerk for the Burrow of Edwin Park, it is my duty to certify the general election results from the November 4th, 2025 for the position of council. We have Franchesco Fisolo 3,286 votes. Joseph S. Oswald 3,141 votes. Douglas A. D. Mateo 2,625 votes. Daniel Briezac 2,556 votes. certifying that the winners of set election for the position of council are Francesco Fullo, council member for a full term, and Joseph S. Oswald, council member, fullterm. At this time, I would like to have our swearing in ceremony. I will ask that everyone please rise. We will welcome in Councilman Elect. Oswald, who will be sworn in by Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz. He will be escorted in by the Elwood Park Police Honor Guard. Peace.

I would like to ask his family to please join him on the day is for his swearing in. You can be seated for the swearing in ceremony. Wait.

The first paper. The oath. Say again.

His oath. It's the first one. The first paper. Before I swear Joe, I just wanted to say it's truly an honor to be here today with the mayor and the council and the governing body. I work part of such an amazing community and I'm very excited to be here today. And Joe, you're going to be an amazing amazing council woman. I know how much dedicated here in the commerce and also street I see your friends you have the mayor council here supporting you so you've had quite an impact on so many people in your life and you're going to be quite a big asset here you know dedication integ Repeat after me.

I repeat after me. I I Joseph Oswald do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey that I will bear true faith and allegiance that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established in the United States and to the governments established in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I'll faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially

impartially and justly perform and justly perform all duties of the of the office of counseling all duties of the office of counsel according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability

congratulations Heat. [applause] [applause] HEAT. [applause] You just stand. congratulations. Would everyone please rise while the honor guard leaves the room, please? Left face left face.

Just remain standing while the next uh councilman is is brought in.

Okay. At this time, we will welcome in Councilman Franchesco Facello, who will be escorted in by the Elmo Park Police Honor Guard. He will be sworn in by Assemblyman Al El Deaziz. I would like to ask his family to please join him on the deis for his swearing ceremony. You can be seated for his swearing in. Thank you. [clears throat] I state your name. I, Front Solo,

do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey in the Constitution of the State of New Jersey that I will bear true faith and allegiance I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established to the governments established in the United States [clears throat] in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I faithfully faithfully impartially impartially and justly and justly perform all the duties perform all the duties of the office of the office of councilman councilman according to the best of my ability according [snorts] to the best of my ability so help me God

so help me God CONGRATULATIONS [applause] [applause]

OH MY GOD.

WHAT DO I Good job. Would everyone please rise while the honor guard leaves the room? Thank you. You may be seated. Okay, at this time we will have our roll call. On roll call we have council members Fello

here. Oswald here. Peline here. Samson present. Sheridan here. Choicy here. Mayor Kleti here. We have a quorum. Thank you. We um at this point would like to call up our pastors. We have two of them that are going to say prayer here today. We start with uh Pastor Arnold. Will you please come up?

Thank you. Yes, sir. Peace be with you.

It is There you go. January 2nd, we have started resolutions in our lives and God Almighty has started resolution for all of us to be kind, to be faithful and to work hard to serve the people and for us to give of ourselves for the betterment of the group and of the nation and of our city and of our town. I pray to God Almighty, the creator of all things to bless the newcomers, the council, their families, their loved ones, the citizens of Elmud Park, the as they are governing this city, for them to be blessed, to be thoughtful, and to remind themselves that they are accountable to God Almighty before they are accountable to the people. And for us to serve with integrity and good intentions. In his name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. Thank you, Dan. Pastor Dan.

Uh, just to let you know, I'm chaplain, not pastor. I haven't been ordained [laughter] and uh I'm certainly not as good as the imam. I actually have it on my phone. So, if we could all bow our heads. Almighty God, we come before you today grateful for this community and for the opportunity to serve it. As we begin this reorganization meeting, we ask for your guidance and wisdom to be present in every discussion and decision. Grant us integrity in our actions that we may do what is right, even when it is difficult. Build trust among us. Trust in one another's intentions. Trust in the process before us. And trust that honest work leads to lasting good. Help us to act with honor, remembering that our words and conduct reflect not only ourselves but on this town and those we serve. Strengthen our commitment to keep our word, to follow through on our responsibilities, and to place the well-being of the community above personal interest. May our conversations be respectful, our decisions thoughtful, and our efforts united in purpose. We ask for humility to listen, courage to lead with principle, and resolve to move forward together for the good of all. Amen.

Thank you, pastors. And now, everybody, please stand for our flag salute. [clears throat] I pledge allegiance 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. At this time, we will have the selection of council president for the year 2026.

May I have a nomination for council president? Mayor, I'd like to nominate councilwoman uh Loren Pelgine, please. I'll second that. We have a first and we have a second. Thank you. Calling roll, please. Oh, wait. No, I'll read the resolution first. Resolution R-01-26, selection of council president, whereas the nomination was made by council member Pollo and seconded by council member Samson to name council member Peller Green as council president. Now, therefore, be it resolved that council member Pelleig Green is hereby name the council president for the year 2026. [clears throat]

May I have a motion on the resolution? So move. I'll second it. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Councilman Fellow. Second by Councilman Samson. On roll call, we have Council Members Folo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, I vote yes. Sheridan, yes. Tracy, yes. Uh, Councilwoman Pellegrine, yes.

Okay. At this time, I would like to call forward Councilwoman Peligine to be sworn in by Mayor Kleti for the position of council president. If our if her family could please join her on the deis for her swearing in this this lady is no stranger to this. [laughter] She's She's been around the block like a couple of us.

All right.

I need water. Let them see it. I so swear. strongly swear that I will support that I will support the Constitution the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey that I will bear true faith that I will bear true faith and allegiance allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments to the government established established in the United States in the United States and in this state in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully that I will faithfully

impartially and justly and justly perform all the duties perform all the duties of the office of the office of council president council president according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God.

Congratulations. [applause] What's up?

[snorts]

She doesn't know she's signing my mortgage. [laughter] Yeah, thank you. [clears throat] [snorts]

[snorts] Okay. Yes. Okay. At this time, I will turn the meeting over to our burough administrator, Chief Michael Felgno, for the recognition of our dignitaries and special remarks/presentations.

Thank you, Chené. I'd like to uh welcome and recognize some uh dignitaries that are here in attendance with us tonight. Starting with Assemblyman Alab Deaziz, [applause] Bergen County Executive Jim Toedesco, [applause] Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, [applause] Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amaroso, [applause] Saddlebrook Mayor Robert White, Saddle Brook Councilman David Garrick, [applause]

Fairone Mayor Christina Katron, Fairlon Councilman Josh Reinets, [applause] uh Elwood Park Fire Chief Greg Thompson and the members of the fire department [applause] and uh former Councilwoman Sandy Ballisteri from Elwood Park is going to speak on behalf of Nelly Poe when uh we get to that point. Uh who would like uh Assemblyman, would you like to speak? Good evening everyone. Good evening.

Um, it's an honor and privilege to be here to mark a new year that the governing body works to try to deliver results for the residents of Elwood Park. And it's an honor and privilege, Council Folo, to be able to swear you in on behalf of Senator Wimberly, who gives his regards. um he couldn't be here cuz he had a funeral and assemblyman Kinyatta Stewart who's on his way here. We um are looking forward to working with you and the entire council and special regards to the newly sworn in uh Councilman Joseph Oswald. Um it takes a lot to serve. You know, we're all up here giving accolades and clapping and doing all the work for the people, but it takes a toll on their family, their friends every single day. They're trying to do what's best for the residents. And that's what I give advice to this council. Council president, congratulations. I guess how many terms I've been following Park. You've been there for a while. Um the residents are expecting us to deliver results on the state level. will continue fighting for this bureau. I know on the county level, you guys have amazing county executive Jim Desco. We give him a shout out one more time [applause] and our county commissioners, but it all starts on the local level. Mayor, council, you're the front line. Regardless of where we stand on the aisle, we need to deliver for our residents. I look forward to working with each and every one of you and all the residents in this bro. If we could ever be of help on the state level, please feel free to reach out to any of us. Senator Wimblembley, myself, our Kinyatta Stewart. Happy New Year and God bless you all, [applause] County Executive.

Thank you, Chief. Uh, good evening everyone and happy new year. Um, being a elected official, as Al says, it's not always the easiest thing. Um, matter of fact, volunteerism right now and people wanting to do things for their community is having a hard time getting people to volunteer to stand up and help their community. I want to take the opportunity to thank my brothers and sisters in the fire service, EMS, and the police department for what they do to make us safe. But at the end of the day, it's about how we help our community. And the two council members that was one was elected and one was reelected are saying they're committed to helping their community to help make their community a better place. And uh I thank them for that along with the mayor and the other members of the council. I was a councilman. I was a mayor. I know what it's like to sit up here. But from a county perspective, one of the things I always talk about is the local community and the local leadership. When that does well, the county does well. We have 70 towns in this county, the largest county in the state of New Jersey, almost a million people. And it's not easy to make them all happy. But you govern by what is the right thing to do for the people. And I know that this council here does that and will continue to do that. At the county level, I can tell you that our commitment is to you, the people. So, we're going to work with Elwood Park

and the other 69 towns in this county to continue to make this county a place where people want to come, live, work, and raise a family. We have the best county in New Jersey. You have a wonderful town here. Let's continue to make that grow and make that even better in the future. So, thank you for having me tonight. Thank you. I have two presentations to the two council members. County has a lot of money that's they give a lot of goodies out of the state. We don't have that much on the state.

If I could ask Franchesco [laughter] and Joan come down. So those are certificate accommodations thanking them and congratulating them for their election and reelection. And on behalf of the people of Bern County, it's my honor to present the county pin with the seal of the county on it. and also um the county executive coin for you to have on my and from from me

and congratulations again on your success. [applause] [applause] Thank you, Mr. Tedesco. Uh uh may I ask I have a question for Mr. Tedesco? Yes, sir. Um did you come in on the dump truck with the plow on it? Yeah. [laughter] If you don't know what I was talking about, some of you might. Uh, he leaves by example. He'll get in that truck on a snow night and he'll plow and he'll check out the roads himself. This way, nobody can tell him why they didn't plow that road and why they didn't. I got it, Jimmy. Thank you,

Commissioner Ortiz. Commissioner,

thank you, Chief. I first want to wish everyone a happy new year. It is very exciting to be here today on January 2nd starting our new year with our reelected councilman and with our new councilman and public I would say public service is really built on trust, collaboration and dedication and these two individuals are definitely defines that and you're very lucky to have him and he's they're going to be great assets to this governmenting body. Thank you, mayor, and the governing body for incredible work that you do. We love Elmwood Park. I've been here a gazillion times. I love working with everyone here. It is such an inviting community and it will continue to grow beautifully and you're in great hands and I wish you all the very best on your next term. Thank you so much and for your re-election.

Have a wonderful evening everyone. [applause] I'll pass it over.

Hi, I'm County Commissioner Mary Emmerroso and I was just remembering one of our most fun times was coming to Elmwood Park for the dog Halloween contest. Only in Elmwood Park, right? Um, Commissioner Germaine Ortiz and I were just reminiscing about what it feels like. We were both on our town councils. what it feels like the first time you sit in your seat, your council seat, and you've won it. You know that it's an amazing thing when people put themselves out there and request citizens sacred vote and then they win that it is and and you have you have been winners too because you are getting two excellent councilmen. We've worked with Frank Fisolo for many, many years and we have run into Joe Oswald at every opening of a a business in both Fairlon and um Hwood Park and and of course we went to the cat spa opening, right? Weren't you there for you managed that so we we've had a lot to do with pets. Uh but anyway, we have some commendations for our two councilmen. If you could come down here, we'll just hit you up. Okay. We are so proud to commend you on your installation or reinstallation. [applause]

Would anyone else like to speak? Uh any of the other mayors or council uh people? Okay. I want to call up uh former councilwoman Sandy Balisteri to speak on behalf of uh Congresswoman Poe. Also want to point out uh former councilwoman Doris Wler is in attendance. [applause] Former Councilman Glenn Pedigano is in attendance. Brian, put your hand up. And former Councilman Daniel Garbeck. [applause] Thank you. Good evening, everyone. I'm here. Uh, Congresswoman Nelly Poe had asked me, she had wrote uh, a letter for both new uh, councilmen and she asked me if I would be would read this for her. Uh, greetings and happy new year. It is a true honor to send my warmest regards as you gather for this reorganization meeting. While I am unfortunately unable to attend today, I wanted to share my heartfelt congratulations to the entire community and most importantly to our two dedicated public servants being sworn into office. To Councilman Franchesco Fisolo, your swearing in for another term is a reflection of your steady hand and your commitment to the families of Elwood Park. Your experience is an invaluable asset to the council and I am grateful for your continued dedication and your hard work of local governance. I look forward to continuing our work in delivering for the residents of the burrow. To our newly elected Councilman Joseph Oswell, I offer my sincere congratulations on your first swearing in ceremony. Taking the oath of office is a profound moment that marks

the beginning of a journey where your decisions will shape the daily lives of your neighbors. I have no doubt your passion for this diverse community will be your guiding light. Now is a time of significant consequence for our nation and our state. The work will be the work we'll do has never been more important than it is today. Please know that the doors of my officers in Washington DC and Patterson remain wide open to you as we continue to work together. I wish Mayor Kleti and the entire governing body a successful year of collaboration, vision, courage, and courage. I'm sorry. Congratulations again to our honores and to the people of Elmwood Park. Sincerely, sincerely, Deli Poe, member of Congress. Uh, and I also want to congratulate both of you. I know you'll continue to do a fantastic job for Elwood Park. I'm very proud of both of you, and I obviously I consider you my good friends. So, I wish you a good 2026 to the entire council and mayor. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Okay. At this time, we're going to allow the council to make some comments on everything that's happened up to this point. Uh we'll stop at we'll start with uh Councilman Samson. Excuse me. Thank you, mayor. Good evening. Um, just I'm going to keep it brief because we had a lot of comments and a lot of dignitaries. Thank you very much to our dignitaries for coming this evening. Really appreciate it. Um, so to uh, Councilman Folo, congratulations on your re-election and Councilman Osmo, congratulations on your election and I look forward to this opportunity for all of us to work together. I heard some reference to what side of the aisle you're on. So the bottom line is the people in this room, the people in this burrow, and the

people that we serve. So um looking forward to working together at every level and and delivering those people in our residents and our burrow the absolute best leadership that we have to offer. So once again, welcome aboard, Joe. Franchesco, welcome. Um congratulations. God bless America and happy new year, everyone. Thank you, Councilman Councilwoman Sheridan.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, first of all, I'd like to say happy new year to everyone. Um, thank you for everybody coming out. Um, Francesca, we've been friends for a while. Welcome. Not that you ever left. [laughter] Um, Mr. Oswald, welcome aboard. Uh, I've knew you a couple of years now, so I'm sure we're all going to get together. We're all going to make it a great year and a nice peaceful year. That's all I got. Come here. Thank you, Councilwoman Chroy.

Um, I'd like to welcome the residents, uh, the dignitaries, our fire department. Um, happy new year to everyone. I hope it's a year that's filled with love and happiness. Um, I'd like to congratulate Franchesco Fisolo on his re-election and Joseph Oswald on his uh election. I look forward to working with both of you and congratulations to Council President Pel Green. That's it. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilwoman. [applause]

Okay, we'll go with the Agent Before Beauty. Yes. Yeah. Lorraine. No, we're going to do Lorraine now. Okay, that's okay. [laughter] Lorraine Council Council President Lorraine color green. Sure.

Good evening everyone. First, I want to congratulate Councilman Fisol. Um, congratulations on your reelection. I've known you for many years. Um, we worked well together. We disagree at times, but our best interest is always for our town and our residents. So, I look forward to more years together doing good things for the council and for our residents. Right, Joe? Councilman Oswald, they said it couldn't be done, but we worked very hard and we started up the Elwood Park New Chamber of Commerce, right? And we worked really, really hard together and there were some naysayers that said that I don't know if it could be done, but we did it with a lot of help from a lot of people, but we worked hard together as a team. So, I know you're going to be a great addition to our council because I know how hard you work and I've worked with you for the last couple years on things and we get a lot done together. So, I'll be proud to be working with you side by side up here. I want to thank my colleagues for voting me in for council president and having the faith in me. The mayor does an excellent job. When he's not around, he counts on me a little bit here and there and I try to make him proud every time. And I will continue to do that for you, mayor. Whenever you need me, I will be there for you. I want to say when we run for elections, we run on different teams. That's just the way it is, right? But once we sit up here together, now we're a different family. We're a new family. We're a new team up here. I really, we say this every year, once we're sitting here, we're going to work together. And for the most part, we really do. But this year, I really, really, really have great hopes and I really believe that this council is going to unite and we are going to do some really great things together and continue our work for Elwood Park because I already see it

tonight just by who nominated me for council president. I I can just see that we're ready to work together for the people and that's really the way it should be. So, I'm looking forward to a great 2026 together. I have faith good things are coming for this community. We have a lot of things in the works and I know it's going to be a blessed year for all of us. So, thank you all and happy new year. Thank you, Council President. [applause] We'll go with Mr. Oswald first.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I appreciate the opportunity to press the red button for the first time. Um, [clears throat] I will attempt to keep it brief, but since this is my first chance to address everybody and such, uh, esteemed people in this room. Um, I just want to say that there's well over 3,000 people. Um, I know that the votes may have specific numbers, but there's well over that many people that I would like to thank. Many of them are in this room. Many of them are going to watch this on a video that is sent to them afterwards by my wife or my my brother Anthony over there. Um, but I do hope that I will make all of you proud, whether you voted for me or not, whether you vote or not, whether you're old enough to vote, whether you live here, whether you don't. Um, it's always been my dream to serve people and to make people happy and to put others first. Um, of course, this would not be much of a victory if I didn't have the person who has given me thousands and thousands of happy days, my wife, Gina Pedagano. um [applause] you've always been my always and uh you were my first best supporter and the reason I was able to be brave enough to take on this adventure. I'd like to thank of course my running mate and now new colleague uh Councilman Fisola. I'm very proud to work alongside you uh in this new role. I know that we're going to accomplish many great things together on this council. Uh your advice and friendship have been paramount to this new beginning. So I really appreciate that, Franchesco. Um and I just want to say thank you again to the team that kept us going from the beginning. I know there are so many people in this room that I would like to thank, but especially um Sandy and John, you know who you are. You kept pushing me from the very beginning. You encouraged me to say yes, to knock on the doors and to walk around and to make sure I met every single person that I could. Um and I really believe that that is one of the most important things about being a councilman is being accessible. Um being someone who you can trust. [clears throat] Um I want to thank our dignitaries that are here. Um especially our county executive, Mr. Desto. Thank you so much for honoring me. Um, it's this is one of the best days of my life and I really appreciate that. Um, and I know Al, you got you got here real quick and I really appreciate you knowing

River Road like the back of your hand now. Um, commissioners I'm Roso and Ortiz. Thank you so much for being here. We've we've hung out a lot over the past year and Germaine, you and I, we see eye to eye on a lot of stuff. So, it it was really an honor for you to to swear me into office. Um, and I just want to say that, you know, I'm not going to be able to sit up here and wave a magic wand to make your taxes go away uh or make everything better in our lives. But I can tell you that I will be a voice up here uh for you. I will be a voice uh for diversity and for inclusion for people that uh feel like maybe you were sitting in that audience and never had the um courage to come up to the microphone. But over the past year, I've seen uh people from children to seniors come up to that microphone and tell this council what they'd like to see get done. and I've seen this council and the burough administration take care of those problems do for you guys. Um, so just thank you all very much. I really appreciate the opportunity to serve. [applause] Thank you, Councilman. [applause] Last but not least, Mr. Folo. Councilman Folo.

Thanks, Mayor. Good evening, everyone, and happy new year to everybody. Thank you all for being here tonight. Your presence is deeply appreciated and I'm truly honored to stand before you after taking the oath of office to continue serving the burrow of Mwood Park. I want to begin by thanking the man who administered my oath of office this evening, our assemblyman, Alab Deaziz. Let's give him another round of applause, please. [applause] The assemblyman and I have been working together long before the primaries and over that time he has become not only a trusted colleague but a great friend and someone I look up to very much. He's no stranger at Dwood Park. Even before serving in the state assembly, he showed us exactly who he is. A man of the people. His example of service is one that I strive to follow. He's one of the most responsive and active assemblymen our burrow has ever had. He always picks up the phone, always shows up, and is always there when Elwood Park needs him. He has been uh he has proven that commitment time and time again through his actions, not just his words. I'm truly honored that he administered my oath tonight. I'm proud to call him a friend and even more proud that Elwood Park is represented by someone of his character, accessibility, and dedication. [applause]

[laughter] just like

there's also a few people in the audience who have had uh a great impact on me. Uh Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart, your dedication to Elma Park has been unwavering as well. [applause] From the very beginning of your campaign, you made it clear that this burrow mattered to you. I look forward to seeing the positive impact you will have in Trenton and I'm confident that Elwood Park's voice will be heard clearly and proudly in the state assembly. Thank you. [applause] Someone really important too. I would like to acknowledge former Councilman Daniel Golbec right there. [applause] Even though you're a bit younger than me, you have been a mentor and a trusted friend throughout our time serving together. Your passion for public service and your willingness to lead by example have left a lasting mark on this burrow. More importantly, you have inspired young people here to believe that they too can step up step up and serve this burrow. For that, I am truly grateful. Good luck in your new role and I look forward to seeing you do great things in the future. Mike

[applause]

Mayor Andre Seya, where is he? There he is. Mayor of Patterson. Everybody, [applause] what can I say, Mayor? At this point, I feel le like you're less than the mayor of Patterson and more like a member of my family. [laughter] Thank you for our friendship, your support, and the genuine care you show, not just for me, but for my family as well. I look forwarding to continue to work together as we move both Elwood Park and Patterson together side by side. [snorts] [applause] There's also a few people in the audience I'd like to recognize. County Executive James Teddesco, County Commissioners Maria Maroso, Germaine Ortiz, Saddlebrook Mayor and Councilman Garrick and Bob White, uh, Elwood Park Board of Ed members Luis Gerardi, uh, Duran Asper, Karen Pena, former council women Sandra Baliser and Doris Wetcher, and, uh, Glenn Pedigano. Also, Patterson board of ed member Joel Ramirez. To my colleague and running mate, Joe Oswald, thank you for stepping up when Dan decided not to run. There were not easy uh shoes to fill. That decision was not an easy one and it showed courage, commitment, and a true desire to serve. I could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, dedicated, and thoughtful thoughtful person to run alongside me. I hope that I could be the mentor to you that Dan was to me during my first term and beyond. And Joe, know that my phone is always uh available to you. To my family and friends that are here in the audience and at home, there are no words that can fully express my gratitude. You are you are my foundation. You give me strength to pursue my goals, the resilience to stand firm in difficult moments, and the courage to continue walking this path of service. Public service is demanding. It requires sacrifice. And it often asks more of those who stand beside us than those who actually stand at the podium. Thank you for believing in me, standing with me,

and reminding me every day that this work actually matters. To my mom and my sister, there's nothing in this world that I cherish more than the two of you. We have shared challenges, setbacks, and moments that really tested us. But we have also shared love, laughter, and the strength that not that cannot be broken. What makes all of this possible is the bond we have with one another. the love that carries us through every storm and the strength that we give each other when one of us needs it most. I am who I am because of you. I love you both more than I could ever put into words. [applause] To my colleagues here on the council, I look forward to working with each of you in the year ahead. I firmly believe that when we approach our responsibilities with respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the greater good, we can accomplish meaningful and lasting progress for Elwood Park and all who call it home. And I want to especially uh congratulate Councilwoman, Council President Peligine on her appointment tonight as council president. [applause] I'm almost done, I promise. [laughter] And finally, to the people of Elwood Park, the most important part, thank you for placing your trust in me. Once again, serving this bureau is not about politics for politics's sake. It's about responsibility. It's about stewardship, and it's about making thoughtful decisions that protect taxpayers, strengthen our neighborhoods, and preserve the character of the community we all love. I believe residents want leadership that is steady, experienced, and present. leadership that listens carefully, plans responsibly, and understands the real that real progress is built over time. It's not about a quick win or a loud promise, but about doing the work day in and day out with integrity, transparency, and purpose.

That is the commitment I review I renew to you tonight. As we look ahead, I am hopeful. Hopeful because I know what this community is capable of when we work together. hopeful because Elwood Park's best days are not behind us, but still ahead. And hopeful because together we will continue to move forward. Forward with responsibility, forward with unity, and forward with a shared vision for a stronger, more vibrant Elwood Park for generations to come. God bless you. God bless Elwood Park. And happy new year. [applause] Thank you. follow that mayor, [laughter] Bill.

Well, I want to welcome our newcomer to start off with and then our veteran here. It's uh your third trip here to uh you know, it's it's weird because I'm one of the I am now the youngest council person up here, but I'm the most I have the most years up here besides councilwoman uh Pellegrine, but it it's a little with a bit of a weird dynamic now.

Yeah. Yeah, I can see why. I I can understand that cuz at one point I said that also year many years ago I was the youngest councilman and as you could see, father time has changed that. Um, it gives you uh, they say the white hair gives you wisdom, but I see my colleague and friend Bob White. He's got more. What happened to that all that gorgeous white hair, Bob? [laughter] Well, well, we do have wisdom. We age age. I think we got a unique town here. the fact that we have all these dignitaries that come into our town like this, it's not normal that across the board, there's 70 municipalities like Mr. Tedesco has suggested. Um, and it it's really unique and I think it's a great tribute to our town and and the council, the mayor and councils that reside over this town. It's our policies, how we look at life, and how we treat people that enable us to sit here and be reelected time after time after time. It's uh no more than that. And I think it's you get reelected when people trust you. And this is a hell of a business to be in and use the word trust, but uh the most of us are elected officials. We're not politicians. Some of us are politicians. Um, and that usually gets crazy around October. Uh, and for the balance of the year, it goes away. But as I've said to each and every council person that comes into this chamber, new and old, when you come through that door, you leave the politics there. And I think we've managed to do that over the years

and have a town of multi-nalities. It this really is a a melting pot of uh what our country is represented by different nationalities and we do a good job with that. There's u no not one religion here in this town. There's all religions. That's and we recognize it and we respect it. That's the important thing. Respecting that person next to you, what their wishes are and what their commitments are. And if we do that, we end up like a group that we are tonight. Guys, I think you're going to do a good job. I hope you better do a good job. My grandfather would say, otherwise, strapa and Mr. Desco, you know what that means, right? [laughter] Strap in. I'll hit you in the head with a strap. That's what the that that's what my grandfather would say. I don't think I have to go to that. I I I know I won't go to those those uh resorts, but uh anyhow, welcome aboard and um u let's have a good year together. [applause] Mayor, if I may, on behalf of the Elwood Park Mayor and Council, the Bur would like to uh recognize and welcome the honorable Patterson Mayor Andre Seiya and Assemblyman Kinyatta Stewart. Gentlemen, would you like to come up and say a few words, please?

Oh, what a quick change that was. [laughter] Warmed up. I don't know, ladies and gentlemen. We going to trust this guy. Do you see that wardrobe change he just did? It's like he's like Superman. [laughter] Clark Kent. Who are you? Clark Hatler Superman. Good evening, Elmo Park. Happy New Year.

I also would like to share my New Year's resolution with everyone. I'm going to focus on my mental and physical health, which means I'll be watching fewer New York Mets games and fewer city council meetings in the city of Patterson. Speaking of which, I'm proud to announce that your former mayor and former city council member is now the new business administrator for the city of Patterson, Dan. [applause]

[applause] Speaking of resolutions, I don't know if there's any truth to the rumor that Assemblyman elect Kinyatta Stewart, Assemblyman Alan Deaziz, and Senator Benji Wimly are introducing legislation to change Elwood Park's name back to East Patterson. I'm not sure if that's true, is Okay, we don't want to start any problems. No. Okay. Security. Security. Security. Yes. Yes. We get any email.

Yes. That's right. That's a That's fake news, as they would say. But I'm here to congratulate your two newest members of the municipal council. Jawswald, it's an honor to see you here at the podium. And I'm quite sure that Dan's going to give you some pointers, not just about what the Enwood Park Council's like, but what the Patterson City Council is like, cuz I'd like to hit some of them with a strap over their heads. Mayor, my grandfather would say strapa and dashed. what he said. It's all Greek to me. And to Councilman Frank Folo, I am an honorary member of his family. Right, Enza?

Yes. Come on. Please clap there. Say something in Italian. Except no strap to my head. But Frank, I'm really encouraged that you're back. That the residents of Elwood Park saw fit to return you to the municipal council. And quite frankly, yeah, you can apply for that. That's fine. Come on, guys. Quite frankly, I want to see some harmony here amongst the members of the missile council, just like we have back in Patterson, of course. Right. But just know you're advancing an agenda for the people that put you in those positions. And it is a standard that we all ask that you uphold, a high standard that you uphold, and that we hold our heads up high here in Elwood Park, knowing the responsibility that we've all taken on as elected officials or public servants. mayor. So, I congratulate all of you. Council President, congratulations to you as well. And if there's anything your neighbor can do, because Patterson has never failed a friend, I'm just a call or a text message away. Congratulations. Thank you very much. [applause]

Andrea, assemblyman. Tell everybody what you said. sir. Appreciate it. You're welcome. Sure. Sure. Uh so uh I try to keep mine very very short. You know the mayor doesn't know that you guys have been here for a little while. You want to celebrate a little bit. Uh

you're right. But uh you know just first of all I just want to say good evening. Um you know my name is Kenya. Just happen to be a newly elected assembly person of the 35th district. And you know, quiet has kept many people forget about the fact that Elwood Park mayor is a part of our district. And I thought it was important for me to be here not because of your two new league elected council people worked hard with me knocking on doors especially in that special part of Emerald Park but because I think it's important for Ewood Park to understand that myself and Al Abdelaziz and of course our senator Benjamin Wimbley who couldn't be here right now unfortunately because he had to be at a funeral will make sure that animal park gets his piece of the pie. It's important. We recognize and we love Mayor Seiya and what he has to go through. Dan, welcome to the other side. Uh, you know, feel free to reach out to us. We understand and appreciate, you know, some of the relationships with the council out there, but as I said to you before though, we want to make sure, mayor, that Emerald Park gets his peace. We want to make sure that we spend time here. We want to make sure we bring funds here, Madame President, and we also want to make sure we are part of your family.

That's music to my ears. So, while I here, I'm here to say congratulations. This is really our first step, my first step to say hello in this new role, but more importantly, me and myself and of course, my my assembly mate will be here for a long time doing what's right. All right, guys. Thank you. [applause] BEFORE [applause] we take a a short recess, I I do want to ask the mayor of Patterson. Uh he did suggest that if we need anything, [laughter] you did suggest that, right, mayor? It's on the record. How about some of that food that you advertise in that commercial? Could you get us some of that over here? Give me more, though.

Okay, you got it. We're going to take a short intermission, allow people to mingle and take some pictures. Mayor, I'd like to reestablish a quorum for our reorganization meeting of the Winter Park mayor and council for January 2nd, 2026. On roll call, we have council members Fiso here, Oswald here, Pel Green here, Samson present, Sheridan here, Choicy here, Mayor Kleti here.

We have reestablished a quorum. Okay, we're back. Um, recently I had the opportunity at a groundbreaking ceremony uh with Major League Baseball. Uh, we were there, the council was there and u somebody wanted to hire UPS in the organization, Major League Baseball organization. It was their birthday and I opened up by saying that in Elwood Park, if you're in Elmet Park and you you're it's your birthday, we sing happy birthday to you. That simple. And we sang happy birthday. We have a birthday here tonight. Uh the gentleman is uh I think he's like turning what what did he say? 29 years old.

Yes, mayor. And never been kissed. You got it. [laughter] My wife can attest to that. Eric Samson, his uh birthday was today. Today. Wow. It's right on the right. We right on top of it. So, what do you say? We sing happy birthday to him. Yeah. Happy birthday to [singing] you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, [singing] dear. Happy birthday to you. [applause] That's tradition here in Elwood Park. Mayor, thank you. Thank you, everyone. So, moving along.

Yes. At this time, we have the selection of council representative to the planning board. I'd like to nominate Councilman Samson for that position. We have one nomination. I'll second two nominations. Okay. Resolution R-02-26, selection of council representative to the planning board. Whereas a nomination has been made by council member Lurin Po Green and seconded by council member Franchesco Foso to name council member Eric Samson as council representative to the planning board. Now therefore it be it resolved that council member Samson is hereby name the council representatives to the planning board for the year 2026. May I have a motion on the resolution?

So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the role please. First by council president. Second by councilman Folo. On roll call behalf, council member Bur Foso, yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. Moving on to appointments to the Burough Council. I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appoint Mcder Murphy, Arthur Rtebo, Jr. Esquire and Kyle Trent Esquire as burrow attorney for a period of one year term ending December 31st 2026 respectfully submitted Robert Kleti mayor resolution R-003-26 appointment of burrow attorney be it resolved by the mayor and council of the burrow of em park that the appointment of a puzzi mcderro Murphy Arthur RT Bolt Jr. Esquire and Kyle Trent, Esquire as Burough attorney attorney for a year for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $60,000 from the account number reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st, 2026 and the same is hereby confirmed. Be it further resolved that the mayor Robert Kleti and Burough Clerk Shaarss are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term.

May I have a motion on the resolution? So move. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Sheridan. On roll call, behalf of Council Member Fiso, yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries to the burough council. I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Steven Roa Esquire as bond council for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted Robert Kleti, Mayor Resolution R-044-26, appointment of bond counsel be resolved by the mayor and council of the bur of Ela Park that the appointment of Steven Roa Esquire as bond counsel for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $15,000 from the account number reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st, 2026 and the same is hereby confirmed. Be it further resolved that Mayor Robert Kleti and Burough Clerk Shane Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term.

May I have a motion on the resolution? So move. Second. Discussion. Call the roll, please. First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Choicey, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appoint Lurge Finy and Bliss LLP as burrow auditor for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026 respectfully submitted Robert Kleti, mayor resolution R-05-26 appointment of Burough Auditor resid by the mayor and council of the Bur of Elwood Park that the appointment of Lurge Vincent Bliss LLP as burough auditor for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $50,000 from the account reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st, 2026 and the same is hereby confirmed. May it further resolve that the mayor, Robert Kleti, and Burough Clerk Shane Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term.

May I have a motion on the resolution? Move. Second. Discussion. Call the role, please. First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Samson. On roll call, we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peller Green, yes.

Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Kelly M. Reyes, Esquire as Burough Prosecutor for a period of 1 year, term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor, resolution R-06-26. Appointment of Burough Prosecutor. Be resolved by the mayor and council of the Bur of Elwood Park that the appointment of Kelly M. Reyes Esquire as burough prosecutor for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $25,000 from the account reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st 2026 and the same is hereby confirmed. Be it further resolved that the mayor Robert Kleti and Burough Clerk Sha Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term.

May I have a motion? So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the role please. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Samson. On roll call we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald. Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Choicey. Yes. Council President Peline. Yes. Motion carries.

To the Burough Council hereby nominate with your advice and consent appoint Kurt Gisler, Esquire as public defender for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-07-26, appointment of public defender, be it resolved by the mayor council of the Bible elbow park that the appointment of Kirk Gistler, Esquire as public defender for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $20,000 from the account reflected in a resolution term ending December 31st, 2026 and the same here is hereby confirmed. Be further resolved. The mayor Robert Kleti and Burough Clerk Shane Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term. May I have a motion on the resolution? So move.

Second. Any discussion? Call the role, please. First by Council President Pelgine. Second by Councilman Oswald. On roll call, we have council members Folo. I'm going to recuse as he's the lawyer for um Garfield Board of Ent as well. Okay. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline,

yes. Motion carries. [clears throat] To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint the Grave Law Firm as public defender for a period of one year, term ending December 31st, 2026, respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor resolution R-08-26, appointment of public defender. Be it resolved by the mayor and council of the B of Elwood Park that the appointment of the Gray Law Firm as public defender for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $10,000 from the account number reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st, 2026 and is by is hereby confirmed. Be it further resolved that Mayor Robert Kleti and Burough Clerk Shane Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term. May I have a motion?

So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Council President Pel Green. Second by Councilman Fiso. And roll call behalf council members Folo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Joyce, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Alama Group as municipal engineer for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted Robert Kleti mayor resolution R-09-26 appointment of municipal engineer be it resolved by the mayor and council of the bur of Elwood Park that the appointment of alignment group as municipal engineer for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $85,000 from the account number reflected in the resolution including capital and escrow accounts term ending December 31st 2026 and the state is hereby confirmed may it further resolve that Mayor Robert Kleti and burough clerk Shane Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for set term.

May I have a a motion on the resolution? Excuse me. Second. Any discussion? Call the role, please. First by Council President Pelgine, second by Councilman Folo. And roll call. We have council members Fullo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Joyce, yes. Council President Pel Green, yes.

Motion carries. To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint TNM Associates as burough planner for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026, respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor resolution R-10-26, appointment of Burough Planner, be resolved by the mayor and council of the bureau of Elmer Park that the appointment of TNM Associates as burrow planner for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $40,000 from the account number reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st, 2026. And this same is hereby confirmed. Be it further resolved that Mayor Robert Kleti and Burl clerk Shane Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for said term.

May I have a motion on the resolution? So move. Second. Any discussion? Pull the roll, please. First by Council President Pelgine. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald. Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Choicey. Yes. Council President Pelgrade. Yes.

Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appointing McDermott Mastro Murphy as Burough attorney for a period of one-year term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-11-26 appointment of labor attorney be resolved by the mayor and council of the el of the burrow of element park that the appointment of a puzzi mcder murphy as labor attorney for a period of one year at a cost not to exceed $115,000 from the account number reflected in the resolution term ending December 31st 2026 and the same is hereby confirmed it further resolved that the mayor Robert Kleti and burough clerk chen Mars are hereby authorized to execute the contract for set term May I have a motion

on the resolution? So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll. Yeah, mayor. Real quick. Um I I am going to I'm going to vote no on this is probably going to be the only thing that we disagree with tonight. Um it's has nothing to do with the the the firm and in in question. Um I just think that we should have uh different firms for for these uh two areas. Um, again, I voted yes for a burough attorney, but I think that we should have different firms for these two categories of things. Any other discussion? [clears throat] Call the roll, please. First by Council President Pel Green. Second by Councilman Samson. On roll call, we have council members. No.

Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council president, yes.

Motion carries. Moving on to the consent agenda, we have the following resolutions. Resolution R12-26, Open Public Meeting Act. R-13-26, Declaration of Official Newspapers. R-14-26, Annual Notice of Public Meeting Calendar. R-15-26 Designation of Official Depositories. R-16-26 cash management plan. R-17-26 Affirmation of Civil Rights Policy. R-18-262026 Temporary Budget Appropriations. R-9-26 agreement adopting flexible benefits spending plan. R-20-26 Resolution establishing petty cash fund police department. R-21-26 authorizing cash fund police department R-22-26 resolution establishing petty cash fund recreation department R-23-26 appointment of public agency compliance officer Paco R-24-26 approve property tax delinquency rates R-25-26 appoint licensed water operator DB block environmental services R-26-26 Appoint licensed sewer operator DB Block Environmental Services R-27-26 Appoint License Site Remediation PEI Prestige Environmental Inc. R-28-26 Appoint Municipal Grant Writer Millennium Strategies. R-29-26 Appoint special legal counsel Brag Iller LLC. R-30-26 Appoint special counsel representation for property tax appeals. R-31-26 Appoint Municipal Finance Advisor and W Financial Group LLC. R-32-26 Appointment of Risk Manager Professional Insurance Association. R-33-26 Appointment of Elwood Park Emergency

Ambulance Service Medical Director as provided by the NJAC 841-1.1 for all EMS BLS qualifications. R-34-26 Appointformational Technology Consultant Inputs. R-35-26 Resolution regarding mutual aid plan and rapid deployment force interlocal service agreement. R-36-26 appoint leveling board secretary Carrie Petti. R-37-26 Appoint special counsel cannabis and marijuana administrative board. R-38-26 appointing board secretary to the cannabis and marijuana administrative board and R-39-26 resolution to approve the consent agenda.

That was lengthly. May I have a motion on the consent agenda? So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the role, please. First by Council President Pel Green, second by Councilman Folo. And roll call behalf council members Folo. I'm going to vote no on R-32-26. Yes to the rest. Oswald, yes to R. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Pellerine, yes.

Motion carries. Moving [snorts] on to appointments for board members to the burough council. So I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appoint Aziz Kjo to the board of health for a period of 3 years term ending December 31st 2028 respectfully submitted Robert Kleti mayor resolution R-40-26 appointment of board of health member be it resolved by the mayor and council of the board of burrow of Elwood Park that the appointment of Aziz Corno to the board of health for a period of three years term ending December 31st 2028 and the same is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion on the resolution? Some move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please.

First by council president. Second by councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members for solo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council president, yes. Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Joan Panola to the board of health for a period of 3 years, term ending December 31st, 2028. Respectfully submitted Robert Kleti mayor resolution R-41-26 appointment of board of health member be resolved by the mayor and council of the bur of Elwood Park that the appointment of Joan Polola to the board of health for a period of 3 years term ending December 31st 2028 and the seam is hereby confirmed.

May I have a motion on the resolution? So move second. Any discussion? Call the role please. First by council president. Second by councilwoman Shardan. On roll call, we have council members Fillo, yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Tracy, yes. Council President Pellegrine, yes.

Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Clarissa Proctor to the board of health for a period of 3 years term ending December 31st, 2028. Respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-42-26 appointment of board of health member may resolve by the mayor and council of the brow of Elwood Park that the appointment of Clarissa Proctor to the board of health for a period of three years term ending December 31st 2028 and the same is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion on the resolution? Second discussion call the roll. First by council president Paligine. Second by councilman Folo on roll call we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan,

yes. Tracy, yes. Council President Peline, yes. Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Frank Delgotti to the recreation board for a period of 3 years, term ending December 31st, 2028. Respectfully submitted, Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution, sorry. Resolution R-43-26 appointment of recreation advisory board member favor resid by the mayor and council of the burrow of Elwood Park that the appointment of Frank Delgotti to the recreation advisory board for a period of 3 years term ending December 31st 2028 and the same is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion please? So moved

second. Any discussion? Is it four years or three years? Because this says four. Oh yeah. I'm just curious. Is it a four year? Is it a four-year term or threeear? Oh, it's a threeyear. Okay. That's a typo. Sorry. That's okay. Okay. We have a correction on that. Oh, it was okay. Um, on the resolution it says three. It's on the It says three on the resolution. It's just the other part. We're good. Okay. So, we need a motion. I have a first and second. So, we need any discussion. Okay. Call the roll, please.

Okay. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members Foso. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appoint Alyssa Matura to the recreation advisory board for a period of three years term ending December 31st, 2028 respectfully submitted Robert Kleti, mayor resolution R-44-26, appointment of recreation advisory board member resolved by the mayor and council of the Elmer Park that the appointment of Alyssa Lata to the recreation advisory board for a period of 3 years term ending December 31st, 2028. The same is hereby confirmed. Motion on the resolution. So move. Second. Discussion. Call the roll, please.

First by Council President Pel Green. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call behalf council members Folo. Yes. Oswald. Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Troy. Yes. Council President Pellegrine. Yes.

Motion carries. To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Tom Mulligan to the recreation and reserve board for a period of three years, term ending December 31st, 2028. Respectfully submitted, Robert Kleti, mayor, resolution R-45-26, appointment of recreation advisory board member. Be it resolved by the mayor and council of the bur of Elwood Park that the appointment of Tom Mulligan to the recreation advisory board for a period of three years term ending December 31st 2028 and the same is hereby confirmed. Motion on a resolution second discussion. Call the role please. First by council president. Second by councilmano. On roll call we have council members.

Yes. Oswald yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Joyce. Yes. Council President Pel Green. Yes. Motion carries.

Okay. To the Burough Council hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appoint Kathleen Paul to the library board for a period of 5 years term ending December 31st 2030. Miss hereby confirmed respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti mayor resolution R-46-26 appointment of library board member but it resolved by the mayor and council of the burrow of Elwood Park that the appointment of Kathleen Polyano to the library board for a period of 5 years term ending December 31st 2030 and the same is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion on the resolution? So move second. Any discussion? Call the roll please. First by council president Palraine, second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members Folo, yes. Oswald,

yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Joyce, yes. Council President Feller Green, yes. Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Angela Fava to the rent leveling board for an un for an unexpired term term ending December 31st, 2027. Respectfully submitted, Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-47-26. Appointment of rent leveling board member. Be it resolved by the mayor council of the b of Elma Park that the appointment of Angela Fava to the rent leveling board for an unexpired term term ending December 31st 2027 and the same is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion and a resolution? Some move.

Second. Any discussion? Call the roll please. First by council president Paline. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald. Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Troy. Yes. Council President Peline. Yes. Motion carries.

To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Franchesco Fellow to cannabis board for a period of one year, term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-48-26, appointment of cannabis board member. Bar resided by the mayor and council of the bur of Elmo Park for the appointment of Franchesco Folo to the burrow's cannabis board as a full member term ending December 31st 2026 beat and is hereby confirmed. Motion second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Oswald. On roll call, we have council members Folo. Yes. Oswald, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Joyce,

yes. Council President Beller Green, yes. Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Joseph Oswald to the cannabis board for a period of 1 year, term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted, Robert Kleti, Mayor Resolution R-49-26, appointment of cannabis board member. fate resolved by the mayor and council of the bureau of Elwood Park that the appointment of Joseph Oswwell to the burough's cannabis board as a full member term ending December 31st 2026 being is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion please? So move second. Any discussion? [clears throat] Call the roll. First by Council President Pel Green. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call behalf council member Fosol. Yes. Oswald.

Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Joyce. Yes. Council President Ber Green. Yes. Motion carries. To the Burough Council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent, appoint Joseph Pride to the cannabis board for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026, respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-50-26, appointment of cannabis board member. F resolved by the mayor and council of the bur of Elmer Park that the appointment of Jose Joseph Pry to [snorts] the burrow's cannabis board as the full member term ending December 31st 2026 being is hereby confirmed. May I have a motion please? Second. Any discussion? Call the role.

First by council president, second by councilman Folo. On roll call behalf council members yes. Oswald yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Troy. Yes. Council president. Yes.

Motion carries. To the burough council, I hereby nominate and with your advice and consent appoint Janette Randazzle to the cannabis board for a period of one year term ending December 31st, 2026. Respectfully submitted. Robert Kleti, mayor. Resolution R-51-26, appointment of cannabis board member may resolve by the mayor and council of the of the burrow of Elmo Park that the appointment of Janette Randazzo to the burrow's cannabis board as a full member term ending December 31st 2026 being is hereby confirmed. Motion please. So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll please.

First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Chroy. On roll call we have Council Member Foso. Yes. Oswald. Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Shy. Yes. Council President Peline. Yes. Motion carries. Good job. Thanks. Almost finished. Great. That was kind of lengthy. Also,

I'm looking for one thing. Okay. Okay. Next up, we have mayoral appointments. We have Miles Garvey to the planning board member. As a planning board member, four-year term, Charlie Cani, planning board alternate number one, two-year term. Bryant Nolock, planning board alternate number two, two-year term. Mayor, this concludes my portion of the meeting. I will turn it over to you for council reports.

Council reports. Okay, let's start off with uh uh Councilman Samson. Thank you, mayor. Um, thank you everyone for your attendance tonight. I I know it was a long meeting. This does um it's evidence that we have a a good solid year set out in front of us, this entire agenda and these um appointments and uh selections that we've made. Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for uh basically u believing in us. And we won't let you down. Mayor, that's all I have. That's all you have. Okay, that's that's enough. That's plenty. Uh, Councilman Oswald,

I don't think I have anything to report so far. It's been a great year. [laughter] Great year. Good move there. Good move. Smart. Councilman Folo. Progress, Mayor. There you go. Councilwoman Sheridan. Thank you, Mayor. Happy New Year to everyone. Stay safe. That's it, Mayor.

Councilwoman Troy. Um, for my rec update, the travel basketball team begins next week, so we wish them success in the 2026 season. And then for my board of ed report, the preschool registration opens on January 12th through the 20th. Um, children 3 years old as of October 1st, 2026 and four years old as of October 1st, 2027 are eligible. You must be a resident of Elmo Park and proof of residency is required. And once again, congratulations to Councilman Fisolo and Councilman Oswald on their election win.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Well, I think my colleagues left me a little time here. I made a Oh, before I I keep forgetting this young lady. Somebody better smack me. Council President Pelligerine, I'm so sorry. Why do I forget that? I don't know. I just wanted to congratulate everybody that was just appointed to boards tonight. I look forward to working with everybody and I wish them all good luck and congratulations also to all our professionals for the 2026 year. Again, I look forward to working with all of them and um I think it's going to be a great year here in Elwood Park. So, progress mayor.

Thank you. I'm I'm glad I I didn't miss you. Uh I thought I'd just prepare a little state of the town speech here. uh regarding 2025, the year that was, [clears throat] it brought Elwood Park its second tax increase in as many years, uh preceded by two years of zero increase, which was facilitated by grant monies received from the American Rescue Act. Make no mistake about it. Without the $2 million received from the grant, there would have been there would have been a tax increase in both of those years. Healthc care garbage and recycling costs if not for their extreme increases completely out of our control, taxes would have stayed flat in both of those years. With that said, a recent study showed of the 70 municipalities in Bergen County, Elwood Park was in the top 10 of the lowest taxes. 2025 showcased our first responders ability to bring their specialties to a new level. Starting with our police, fire, and ambulance departments, tasked with covering a town with four major highways running through them, but still managing to assist in all our community events, making any divide between these departments and residents not existent. We work very hard on that. No divide between our duties and and the residents. regarding our newly formed paid ambulance department who have constantly slashed their response time at a break even cost to the town. By the way, safe to say these three departments are firing on all cylinders. Let's talk a little about what has been done recently in Elwood Park.

All our parks have been upgraded or are in the process of for safety and recreational activities. Then there is our yearly ongoing street paving program designed to cater to the roads most in need of rehabilitation. The majority paid for by grants. Our recreck department has continued to grow in innovating ways bringing new ideas to all its programs. All our departments, starting with the DPW, health, fire, ambulance, police, and recreation, vehicles and safety equipment and their tech have all been upgraded in order to keep up with this everchanging world that we live in. More recently, we rescended about half of our various cannabis licenses, reducing them to a reasonable amount for a town like Elwood Park. Previous councils have doubled the original cannabis zoning and licenses in search of cannabis producing revenue. As of now, however, the reduction, we have four dispensaries alone on Route 46, starting from River Road to the boulevard. Let's get that straight. In that little stretch, we have four dispensaries. and we would have had more if we didn't decrease and resend uh some of these licenses. Enough is enough when it comes to that. We recently put a moratorium on state and and county matching grants which are grants that match dollar for dollar with the town for proposed projects. This sounds too good to be true and if you are in need of the project which that grant covers, it is the right thing to do. However, if there's no need for that project, you are spending the taxpayers dollars foolishly. Today, we

welcome a new member to our council. Hopefully, he was bringing and I from what I seen tonight alone, uh, he's a a man of his own man. And I I got a hunch he's going to fit in here very well. Hopefully bringing new ideas to our community as we navigate through all these departments, their needs, the nuts and bolts that are necessary to keep Emerald Park a highly desired place to live and raise your family in 2026. Moving along here. I believe we're done. We're done. Um, public mayor.

No, we got to go to the audience live. Yeah. Anyone I need a motion to go. So move. Uh, anyone from the audience care to speak on any topic whatsoever at this point? If no, I will close the public portion. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Second. All in favor? Good night.