City Council - Regular Meeting

Sometimes this works. Okay. Mayor, I'd like to call to order the regular meeting of the Elwood Park Mayor and Council for October 16th, 2025 to order at 7:01 p.m. On roll call, we have council members Fullo here. Golbeck absent. Samson present. Sheridan here. Tracy here. Council President Pellegrine here. Mayor Kleti here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. How's everybody doing this evening? That That's it.

Come on. We got rain. We haven't had rain in months and we finally get the one or two inches. Keep everything nice and green. Um so, you know, we got a lot to look forward to, especially this evening. We'll be honoring some fire people. Uh but first we uh must say a prayer and we must salute that that flag of ours. Oh God our father, we ask you to bless our meeting which we entrust to your faith, fatherly care and protection. Please remove all selfishness and prejudice from our hearts and implant therein a keen sense of justice and a greater love for you and our neighbors. guide us in our deliberation so that our decisions will always please you and bring you peace and happiness to our community. Amen.

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. 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 special meeting notice in the Herald News and the record and by posting such a 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 and transmitted on January 3rd, 2025 and published on January 8th, 2025. Okay, I would like the record to reflect that Councilman Golbeck is here. Moving on to approval of minutes. We have the September 4th, 2025 work session and the September 18th, 2025 regular meeting.

May I have a motion to approve the minutes? Second. Any discussion? Call the RO, please. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members Folo. Yes. Golg. Yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Tracy, yes. Council President Pellegrine, yes.

Motion carries. At this time, we will have the fire department service awards. So, I will turn the meeting over to Fire Chief Ed. Thank you for allowing us to have this here tonight. I hope everybody showing support for your member that's going to be receiving an award. After this all, I am going to turn this over to the master of ceremonies, firefighter Dumbrossski. Thank you, Chief.

Honorable Mayor Kleti, members of the Elmo Park Council, Elmo Park Fire Chiefs, Elmo Park Fire Adviser, Mr. McDermott, members of the Elmo Park Fire Department, members of the fire department auxiliary, and the Elmo Park residents. I have had the pleasure to serve this community as a two-time elected councilman, but I have working side by side with these men and women gives me no greater honor to work with the men and women from the Elmo Park Fire Department. Tonight we're going to be giving away some service awards and I'm going to read to you the incident report and then we're going to call up the individuals. On June 28th, 2023, at 1504 hours, Elmo Park Rescue 2, Marine 1, and Marine 2 had been dispatched to the Elmo Park Marina to assist Garfield Fire Department Marine Unit and the Clifton Fire Department Marine Unit for a call of construction workers stuck at the head of the Dundy Dam, also known as Garfield Waterworks. Upon arrival, they witnessed the Clifton Marine Unit already in route down river. The members of Elmo Park Fire Department Company 2 immediately prepared to launch Elmo Park Marine 1. And at that time, it was decided that firefighter and ex-chief William Shadwell would pilot Marine 1 with firefighter Ryan Tomesco and Garfield firefighter Ken Robertson aboard. Arriving on scene, Elmo Park Marine 1 observed Clifton Marine Unit already engaged with ropes tied to the barge holding the three construction workers trapped at the edge of the falls. It appeared that the Clifton Marine Unit was attempting to pull the barge away from the edge. Members of Elmer Park Marine 1 witnessed Clifton Marine Unit experienced control issues and quickly be uh and quickly being dragged over the falls. One Clifton rescuer entered the water above the falls before being swept over while the other remaining rescuer

remained in the boat and went over as well. Immediately, ex- Chief Shadwell called a Mayday. At that point, Elmo Park Marine 2 was deployed, piloted by firefighter Chris Gilmore with firefighters Matt Ruglio and Samuel Vanhton aboard. Garfield also deployed their inflatable boat to insist to assist with the rescue operations and a RIT team. Elmo Park Marine 2 shortly upon deploying experienced engine troubles. They pulled off to a safe location tied off close to the shoreline and the Garfield Inflatable proceeded down river. Meanwhile, Elmo Park Marine 1 moved into position to deploy throw bags to the stranded Clifton firefighter. The firefighter took hold of the rope and the El and Elmo Park Marine One dragged the firefighter up river to a safe location and pulled him aboard. With the stranded firefighter secured, the El Elmo Park Marine One quickly engaged with three construction workers that were also stranded on the barge at the edge of the falls. And it was decided the best approach would be to deploy throw bags to each of the three stranded construction workers and pull them to pull their boat pull them to the boat at the time. Once all three were secured safely on the boat, Elmo Park Marine One started to return up river in route. They met with Garfield Inflatable who followed us back as our safety boat. Once everyone aboard Elmo Park Marine 1 were safely on shore, Garfield Inflatable went back to assist Elmo Park Marine 2 safely back to the marina. All four rescue victims were checked by EMS and all four signed RMAs. The committee voted to present life-saving awards to ex-chief William Shadwell, Ryan Tomesco, and Garfield firefighter Ken Robinson in recognition of their exceptional action. Also, unit citation award will be uh to the following members at the at the end which I will uh announce at the end of this. At this

time, we'd like to bring up firefighter Ryan Tesco. At this time, we'd like to bring up from Garfield Fire Department, Ken Robinson, ex-chief. I apologize. And I proudly ask ex-chief William Shadwell to please come up. And to accept the unit citation, I ask Captain Joseph Cunns from Engine 2 to please come Also receiving the unit citation tonight and no need for you to come up at the

moment because Joe will bring it back to you. We have, of course, our chief Ed Mirajooski, Captain um Captain Joe Cunns, ex-chief Gary Ruglio, firefighter Cheryl Asmusson, firefighter Christopher Gilmore, firefighter Matthew Ruglio, firefighter Ibraham Kohi, firefighter Samuel Vanhton, firefighter Bonito Dela Cruz, and firefighter Ryan Nielsen. And that is it. Okay, thank you gentlemen.

Nice job. Our second award tonight. I'm going to read out the incident. On May 13th, 2024 at 246 hours, the Elmo Park Fire Department had been dispatched to six Craig Court for a motor vehicle accident with enttrapment. The Elmo Park Police Department arrived on scene and requested the Elmo Park Fire Department to expedite. Elmo Park Fire Chief Edward Miserjooski and the second battalion chief arrived on scene. They witnessed a motor vehicle overturned laying flat on its roof with the victim trapped inside being crushed by the flattened metal around her. Immediately Chief Maji established command. Elmo Park Rescue One arrived on scene and went right to work. Responding members from and Elmo Park engine companies two and three assisted Elmo Park Engine Rescue 1 with setting up airbags and cribbing. Members from all three companies work swiftly and diligently to extract the trapped victim. Simultaneously, crews from Elmo Park Truck 4 as well as members from engine 3 search for other victims that may have been ejected from the vehicle on the path that it took off of the Garden State Parkway northbound. They reported back no other victims were found and continued to look for structural damage to the homes that may have been hit by the vehicle. Members of the Elmo Park Fire Department were successful in extricating the victim at this point and the victim was turned over to Elmo Park EMS and transported to St. Joseph's trauma center. The New Jersey State Police were called to take over the investigation since the incident originally occurred on the Garden State Parkway. And at that time the new New Jersey state police took command of the incident and Ow Park Chief Mr. Jooski released all units and terminated command. The committee has voted and to offer life-saving awards to the following members.

When I mention your name, please come up. Ex-Chief Michael Presler, Ex-Chief Ken Presler. Lieutenant Joe Cunns, now Captain then firefighter now Lieutenant Melissa Manorino. No. Then firefighter now Lieutenant Matthew Ruglio.

firefighter Cheryl Asmusson. Thank you. Firefighter Christopher Gilmore. I'm not sure if he's here, but firefighter Charles Dubber, firefighter Trish Patel, firefighter Devon Johnson, and myself, Joseph Dumbrossski. taking command of this in uh incident as along with the chief was our first battalion chief Michael Jones. as well is our chief Ed Mirajooski.

Congratulations everyone. Great job. The victim victim did survive. Thank you.

Yeah. Our next incident. On June 12th, 2024, the Elmo Park Fire Department was dispatched for a confirmed structure fire at the townhouse in Suites. Firefighter Melissa Manorino demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness during a life-saving rescue. Responding to a critical incident, she lattered she laded a second story window, punched through the glass without hesitation without disregard to her own safety to save the trapped civilian. Her decisive action and unwavering commitment to duty exemplified the core values of this fire service. Courage, sacrifice, and putting others before oneself. In recognition of heroic her heroic efforts, the valor committee uh voted in favor to award her a class 3 rescue award. She was also additionally um uh received an award from the South Bergen Chiefs Association as an honored firefighter, receiving another award. Firefighter Melissa Manorino, please come up. Nicely done. Thank you. And tonight we have one more award that's going uh actually two more awards going out but one more incident. On October 6th at 1930 hours, the Elmo Park Rescue 1 and Elmo Park Truck 4 were dispatched to a report of a male individual hanging from a roof. Upon arrival, Chief Ed Majooki witnessed firefighter Ziggywasniaak

along with a civilian Derek Bruno administering CPR. Ziggy initially started CPR with two hands. The 73-year-old victim started sliding, resulting in Ziggy holding on to the victim with one hand as he continued CPR. The victim had been re uh recovered from the roof where the Elmo Park EMS applied life-saving measures through the use of an AED and a Lucas machine before swiftly transporting the victim to St. Joe's trauma center. What makes firefighter Quazniaak and civilian Bruno actions exceptionally commendable is that they both initiated CPR and acted even before fire tones were dropped, showcasing initiative, courage, and swift decision-making skills in the critical situation and is recommended by this committee that that firefighter Ziggy be formally recognized and awarded with the special service award as well as civilian Derek Bruno be recognized as an with an award of the civilian unit citation. At this time, I'd like to ask Mr. Bruno to please come up. And at this time, I proudly ask Ziggy to please come on up.

advisor, would you like to say anything? Sure.

So, uh, thank you very much. Uh, well done. You know, one thing doing this for 33 years, I could say the day you sign is the day you put a a cape on your body. These people are part of your community and they surround you. As evidenced tonight, they're here just to protect you. If you start putting the hours that they put in every month after their 160 hours or so of work, it enumerates probably another 70 hours. So, there was about 70 calls last month alone. Each call is about an hour. They're putting so much on the line for you. And not just their life. They're leaving their families right now. The fire trucks are outside waiting for a call. If that call dropped right now, they're not staying here. They're out the door. They're here to serve you. They do it with with grace. They do with valor. And they do it with technical expertise. Having done this in Patterson for almost 30 years. I can say I would put any of you up with me working in Patterson. As a matter of fact, I think Elwood Park had been in in my 30 years probably a hundred something times plus to help us in Patterson in our time of need. So, it's great to see familiar faces. Uh some I've worked with over the years, too, and now to help them out. Uh tremendous job by all. Congratulations to the families who let them go out all the time to help your community and uh exceptional exceptional work. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mayor, if I may ask, can we take a fivem minute break so the firefighters can take one picture with you guys?

Well, do we have any closing comments? Well, after your closing comments. There you go. Yeah. Well, what what we'd like to do, we got a a small ceremony. Am I correct? We'd like to do that and then we'll have council comments on both situations if that's okay with you guys. Sure.

Okay. All right. Okay. Um, next on the agenda, we have the Safe Sleep Box donation. And receiving the donations will be Mayor Kleti, uh, Chief Felgno, and Council President Lorraine Peligreen on behalf of the residents assistance program. And at this time, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Councilwoman Troy to um give the donation. I'd like to invite up the park Patterson Elks lodge exalted ruler Lisa Nazeretto. Good evening, Mayor, Council, and all those all those in attendance. Uh, my name is Lisa Nazeretto and I have the honor of serving as exalted ruler of the Elmwood Park Patterson Elks Lodge number 60. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a charitable civic organization dedicated serving the needs of our community. October is SIDS awareness month and we are reminded that sudden infant death syndrome and sleepreated accidents remain the leading cause of deaths among amongst infants 1 to 12 months. At the Elmwood Park Elks, we are deeply committed to saving little lives through our safe sleep initiative. We strive to reduce infant death by distributing safe sleep boxes throughout the communities we serve. Each box contains essential items that promote safe sleep, including swaddles, sleeps sacks, pacifiers, and educational

material designed to help families keep their babies safe. Beyond the boxes, we also provide safe sleep instruction, car seat safety, and infant CPR classes. In addition, we host programs and events that support emotional and physical wellness of mothers and babies such as chair yoga, the distribution of self-care items for postpartum period. Our work is strengthened through collaborations with leading professionals including neonatlogists from Ruckers University, the Sid Center of New Jersey at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the Bergen County Division of Child Care Resources and the Wick Clinic at St. Joseph's Medical Center. This initiative is made possible through the impact grant awarded to Elwood Park Patterson Lodge number 60 by the Elks Grand Lodge located in Chicago. The impact grant is the lo largest and most competitive grant offered by Grand Lodge and we are truly honored to have been selected to be a recipient tonight. It is our great privilege to present to the residents assistance program with 10 sleep boxes to be distributed to expect expectant new parents in need within our community. Each box represents hope, comfort, and the promise of a safer start for newborn child. Because saving little lives is a big deal, it is our hope that this project will make a lasting difference for families in Elwood Park and beyond. This project is dedicated in loving memory to Jacqueline Nichollet whose leg

legacy reminds us all of the importance of safe sleep. May every baby have sweet dreams and a safe sleep. I would like to call up um one of our members, Kathy Andreaniano to No. Okay. So, would you like to present?

Yeah. Um so, on behalf of Elen Park Patterson Elks Lodge, we'd like to present the residential assistance program with 10 safe sleep boxes. We have three in Spanish, seven in English. There's more where this came from. So, if you run out, you just um you know, reach out to us and we will get more for you. May I say a couple words? Absolutely.

If I could, Pam, come up here with me. Councilman Tracy, I just want to say that these boxes mean the world to us. We have a lot of um clients that come into our pantry that have small children, babies, infants. They may be grandmothers. They may be the mother themselves, but they take these boxes and they're so grateful for them. And I just want to say that this isn't just a box. It's a lifesaving box. Pam and her family went through a tragedy with the loss of her granddaughter and what she did was got into action so that this would help another family not have to go through this pain. So, I really want to commend her out of a tragedy. She's saving lives each and every day. And as your colleague and as your friend, I love you and thank you for what you're doing. And I want to thank the Patterson Elma Park Lodge for all that they do. I am an elk and what these people do on a daily basis to help this community and everybody is just amazing. The work they do non-stop, they're like Energizer Bunnies, always doing good. So, I want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart. I know Angela Fava and Dion York, my team. I know Chief Felgno and the police force have been with us from year one and we're into year eight. Mayor Kleti and our entire council always supports our pantry and our residents assistance program. Without them, we couldn't do what we do. And I want to thank the community because what the community does with donations and all too, it's a team effort. I love our community. I love our Elks. I just am so grateful tonight to accept this. And really, let's give everyone a round of applause, but especially our councilwoman, Pam Chrosty, for getting this started.

Can I can I add something real quick if you if you don't mind?

Thank you. Um, actually there are a lot of people in this room that have uh helped with this project. My best friend sitting there in the row, raise your hand, bestie, raise it. She helped me come up with the first prototype. It was five boxes and I was a resident at the time and I came here um to present uh the five boxes to the residents assistance program in honor of Jacqueline's first birthday. Um my fraternal brothers and sisters from the Elks happened to be here for uh another reason. Um the mayor was proclaiming youth week and there was um an executive session called. So there was a brief moment for us to talk and they were asking about what I was doing and then they stepped up in the most incredible way. They applied for a grant and we were awarded $10,000. And so then last year those five boxes turned into 250 boxes. And then for a second year in a row, Kathy Andreaniano was able to obtain the grant again. And so this year our goal is 350 um safe sleep boxes. In addition to my best friend who helped me uh with the very first prototype, these ladies

with the auxiliary sitting there came and helped assemble boxes. So I thank you my safe sleep committee. Um, sometimes we don't always agree on things, but I appreciate them so much the work that they do. Chief, your police department has helped with the program. They participated in the safe sleep the uh car seat safety classes. So, I want to thank you for that. and um anybody else who contributes to this cause. Thank you very much. Um I think that's all I have to say. Anybody else would like to speak?

Yes. Thank you to the Elks. Great organization. You guys seem to be getting better and better every time we see you. Um really stepping up. Been great, but but getting even even better uh over time. This is a great program. I know that the RAP gives a lot of these out. Um, anyone that's a parent remembers going into the crib and like looking to see the chest rise and the, you know, it's terrifying for new parents, right? So, this is a comfort for everyone. It's a great program and thank you again to the Elks for doing this. So, as the mayor, I get the opportunity of overseeing all this good stuff from our people and One thing about this American council and not primarily the council, these are council people that go far beyond your call of duty. If we were to sit down and say, "Okay, now councilwoman, this is what you're supposed to do as a council person." That list would go maybe from A to J. But these people, and it's a special group here, I can say been here a while, so I think I have the right to say that. uh 25 years uh in as part of the government in this town one way or another. Uh you get to see who the talkers are and who the shakers and movers are. And uh I happen to be around a bunch of people that are shakers and movers and I'm very proud of that. Today is an excellent example of going beyond what they supposed to do. And I originally thought this was a cake when they brought that up. So and then the way they were handling it. so so delicately, but it's more than a cake, right? This could save save a life and that's uh the importance of it all. So, um I want to I want to say thank you as

the mayor of this town for making it easy for me to be part of a good unit of people. And let's state the course

council comments. We're gonna start very shortly. Can we get the box? Don't go anywhere. Thank you.

All right. Council comments. Uh, Councilman Samson. Thank you, mayor. So, I just want to say that um these two groups, these two fine groups stand uh that have received awards and have uh made a presentation here are uh indicators of the level of service that we have here in our burrow. Dedication, service, pride, those are those are all words that are just easy to roll off your tongue, but that's true. That's heartfelt here. There's no one here that that doesn't deserve anything that uh they're receiving tonight. As far as the fire department, um you know, a lot of times you'll especially on Facebook, you'll see, oh, they're volunteer. What does that mean? To me, that's a term of of uh distinguishment. You're distinguished to be a volunteer fireman. Because I have news for you, everybody in this room, as a 43year um emergency service member myself, fire doesn't know the difference. emergencies, accidents, overturned cars, don't know that the the door on the side of the truck says volunteer. And the the fact of the matter, as acknowledged by me and the rest of us, in the middle of the night, in the pouring rain, in 105°ree weather, um last year during the July 4th weekend, five calls, three working fires, etc. Volunteer is a distinguished term. Thank you very much to my beloved Elk uh members. We're all in this together. We work as a team. I'm proud to serve as the leading knight. Uh we're going to look toward the future very shortly. And again, this program is a great program, Pam. Great job putting it together. It does save a lot of lives. It it also I I'm at those presentations there at the Elks and it relieves a lot of people. you know, you could see that the the new parents, like the chief said, they they get a sense of relief that they have this information and they understand and

it's in English and in Spanish. So, it's good. We do CPR classes there. Um, uh, chief, you help us with carcasses. So, again, everybody here works together for this burrow to keep everyone, uh, safe and protected. And I just want to make a special acknowledgement because that fell in the back there, ex- chief Robertson. We grew up together in the fourth quarter of Garfield. We went to the same schools. We we're graduates of Bergante. And yeah, he's he's laughing too. So he knows because we came up together. Chief, outstanding job. Thank you very much. Everyone else really again. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilman Folo. Thank you, mayor. I want to start off with the uh with the Elks. Thank you again for spreading awareness awareness on such uh important causes in our in our community and genuinely in our in our society. So, thank you for all that you do for not only our community but for communities around the United States. I want to say congratulations and thank you to the uh entire department, the entire fire fire department um for not only your members, for the civilian and also for um the members, you know, for the entire department for for all that you do. Uh these men and women don't just respond when the alarm sounds, but they represent the meaning of courage, commitment, and heart. The actions uh were the difference between tragedy and survival. Your dedication makes Elmo Park a safer and stronger place. Thank you for all that you do. Congratulations for truly being a pillar for our community. Thank you and God bless you every day.

Thank you, Councilman Councilman Golbeck.

Thank you, Mayor, to the Elks and to the council members involved in the safe sleep uh box program. Uh great job, great initiative. Um and you know, even if one life is saved along the way, that's a tremendous thing. um to our Elman Park Fire Department under the leadership of Chief Ed Mvski. Um thank you for everything you do. These were some tremendous um um recognitions here tonight. Uh we got the um we got the descriptions of that that Mr. Dumbowski read tonight a couple weeks ago and I made a comment to the council at the last meeting that I'll share tonight um with regard to the incident that happened at the Garfield Waterfall. And as I'm reading him, Marine One is dispatched, Marine 2 is dispatched, and I had an instant flashback about 10 years ago in the back room. I was a young man sitting in in the audience as a resident. Um, and I remember the Elwood Park Fire Department coming in and asking either to replace Marine 2 or to get Marine 2 to begin with. And I remember sitting there and council members at the time who are no longer involved drilling the fire department on the the the cost on on the probabilities that we'll ever need two boats at once. And um and I just remember taking it all in and and just comparing that and and in the end it was purchased. Um but just comparing that um so number one justifying the need, right? Like something happened out of out of whack. Communities nearby came together. Our our assets were deployed. Our people needed help. Other communities needed help. Um and and on that front, tremendous thing. And then also just just the mindset and I think that we all collectively share is that when it comes to public safety, the needs of our police, fire, EMS, we spare no expense. We'd rather spend more, get more for that one day where, god forbid, it's needed. So, I just wanted to share that anecdote and it was a pleasure spending this evening with everyone. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. Councilwoman Tracy,

thank you. Um, congratulation to the civilian and fire department award recipients. Your courage and dedication remind us of what true heroism looks like. Whether it was saving a life from a burning building, braving dangerous waters, or responding to a critical emergency. You showed bravery, courage, and strength. I'm incredibly proud of our firefighters. You represent the best of Elwood Park and you are proof that superheroes are real. Happy birthday, Joe Denrowski. Um to the Elks. Um thank you to Lisa and uh the entire El Park Patterson Elks Lodge number 60. Um, your partnership and your hearts for service is truly admirable. This program is deeply personal to me. It started to honor Jacqueline's first birthday. It was a very small effort, but it's grown into something that is greater than that. It's the community coming together. As I mentioned, we had ladies auxiliary and firefighters helping us with the boxes, the fire department, elks, friends, family members, and we're coming together for a common purpose, and that's to save lives. So, um, this initiative is carried out in loving memory of Jacqueline. She was a beautiful little baby and her short life continues to inspire our mission. And it reminds us that even

the littlest of lives can leave the deepest impact. May every baby sleep safe, dream sweetly, and grow up. That's the important part. Grow up, right? Surrounded by people who love them. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Shepardan. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, first of all, I'd like to um give a shout out to the Elwood Park Fire Department. You guys are the best. Garfield Fire Department, you're getting there, but we're better. Um, to Mr. Bruno, thank you very much um for going beyond what anybody else would do. Um to your family, thank you very much. Um to the elves, um Lisa, you're the best. Thank you for everything you do. To all the ladies and gentlemen, Pam, Lorraine, we all stick together. We got it done. um to the fire to the police department chief. Thanks for always helping out whenever no matter what it is. You always you don't even say no. You don't even think twice. Um I just want to give you a big shout out for that. Thank you for everything you do for us. Um we all work together in this town and that's what counts. Um somebody gets hurt or something happens, we all pitch in. Doesn't matter who, what, where, when. Everybody's there for everybody. Um, and it's great. I mean, I've been on this council four years and we all stick together no matter what. So, I just want to say again, thank you to everybody. God bless everybody. Guys, always come home safe. Ladies, come home safe. And, uh, Mr. Bruno, thank you again for everything you've done. That's it. Mayor,

thank you, Councilwoman. Council President Peline.

Yes. Tonight's very emotional night sitting here watching everything and there's a theme going on. Everybody here tonight that got awards. They're all about saving lives, right? When we see a fire, everybody's afraid we step back. These men and women run into it to save lives on a daily basis, right? So, I want to congratulate all of those that got awards, but I want to congratulate and say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all our firefighters for what you do on a daily basis. I can't even imagine going into those calls and seeing what you see and not panicking and doing the right thing and saving lives. You really are full of bravery, selflessness, and you really are all heroes. I really mean that from the bottom of my heart. I really do. So, you're all to be commended. And we want each one of you to know that all of us up here appreciate every single thing you do on a daily basis. It means the world to us that you keep our residents safe and all of us safe. And hard work doesn't go unnoticed. So, thank you all so very much. And if if I could say one more thing about somebody special to me back there, Bill Shadwell, ex-chief. And I know you're not going to like this because you don't like recognition, but I can remember years ago when the rap first started. And it's never left my mind because you showed such kindness. We needed help with shoveling out our residents in need. And we were sitting around at a meeting and when I said, "I don't know what we're going to do." It was just when RAP first started out and we really needed help. And he said, "Lorine, we'll help you. I could help you. our team could help you. With no hesitation, when no one else wanted to throw their hands in the ring, Bill Shadwell stepped up and said, "We will help you." And they did help us until we

got the volunteers we needed. They helped us. And Bill, I will never forget that. So, thank you for that. And thank all of you. and to our Elmwood Park Elks and Pam for these sleep safe boxes. We actually work the pantry, me and my husband, every third Friday and we see these people come in and when they look at this and they'll say, "What what is this? Can you tell me about this?" And we tell them about it and they're just so in awe that the town is doing this for them. The Elks is doing this for them. Pam started this. We tell them the story about how this occurred. And it's such a beautiful moment. And I know you don't get to see that, but through our eyes, I hope telling you about it just makes you realize all the hard work and effort you put into writing grants and packing boxes and everything else you do. I see those faces and they appreciate each and every one of you and all that you do. And Pam, I called the fire department a hero tonight, but you're a hero for starting this program and saving lives. So, thank you, my colleague. Thank you, my friend. Thank you, elves. This is a beautiful night for me in Ellen Park. I get very emotional. But, you know, you hear different things around town, sometimes negative, sometimes on the Facebook negative. But when I look around the room tonight and see all these people that truly truly care and help our town be better and be good and help our residents, I feel really grateful to know all of you and have all of you in my life. So, thank you all. Last but not least, I noticed we have uh quite a few former

chiefs here and I happen to have served with each and every one of them. It's remarkable. they're still here after going back 20 22 years and for the most part most of them are still here and that that's dedication and I noticed that when their names are pronounced it's they're they're clear like Ken Presler uh that's a clear name but when it comes to Chief Ed it's Ed Muru Ed Murmuru how do you pronounce it Ed don't Ask me mirki. Yeah, sure.

I it would take a lonsman to pronounce that properly here. Am I right? Uh but all kidding aside, um remarkable group. I often said that I get humbled by this group because yes, we do our job. We put a lot of hours in, but it's kind of like we can schedule ourselves. But the fire department and at one time the ambulance department also when it was volunteered uh they could never really schedule their lives uh to a maximum. By that I mean they would tell the wife, look, I'm on call. I can't do this. I can't do that. I can't have that glass of wine at dinner that I'm dying for. And to me that that was a lot a lot of sacrifice that people don't know that these people do. They do it each and every day. And the other thing is when they arrive on the scene, everybody's running out of the building and they're running in and and tonight attested for the bravery and that's why we had given out these not we the fire department has given out these citations. Well, what's nice about the evening is the fact that we're sharing this with the mayor and council, which is a great thing because we are one. There is no separation between us all the years and Daniel went back quite a few years ago about how the councils for the majority of the time they would they would sponsor whatever the needs were for the safety and well-being of this department and really I I can't think of one council that was opposed to those standards in in operation for the fire department. So with that, I I've uh said a lot here and uh want to thank everybody for coming this evening. You can stick around for the balance of the

meeting if you like. Once again, gentlemen, we owe a lot to you. Uh thank you for being who you are and let's state of course damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead. Take a break. We're going to take a break now. take some pictures with the uh fire department if they'd like. 5 minute recess 10 minutes 15. Okay. Mayor, I'd like to reestablish a quorum for the October 16, 2025 regular meeting for the Elmo Park mayor and council. On roll call, we have council member verso here. Golbeck here. Samson present. Sheridan here.

Troy here. Council president Pellegrine here. Mayor Kleti

here. We re we have reestablished a quorum. Next up on the agenda, we have ordinances on first reading. We have resolution R-306-25. Introduce ordinance number 25-24 on first reading. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending burough code section 4-34.2 license required fees expiration to revise towing license distribution be passed and adopted on first reading. And be it resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard at which time any persons interested in said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being and she is hereby authorized to advertise an illegal newspaper a notice of introduction and final hearing as required by law.

Mr. Flo, would you like to break this down for us? Yes, mayor. This is an ordinance to um assist the clerk's office in accepting applications for our towing services, annual towing services. Uh we have seven towers and currently the way it's structured is it's first come first serve. So they they line up, they bum rush the clerk's office, they overwhelm the staff. So to avoid that, they will be the seven towers so long as they meet the criteria and the requirements uh annually by our police investigation. Sounds like a good resolve uh to the situation. Uh may I have a motion on the ordinance? So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please.

First by council president. Second by councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members. Yes. Golibbec. Yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council president, yes.

Motion carries. This is on. Next we have resolution R-307-25. Introduce ordinance number 25-25 on first reading. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance adopting Burough Code section 4-15 amusement parks to allow for designation of Parkway Lanes for amusement games be passed and adopted on first reading. And be it resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard, at which time any persons interested in said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being and she is hereby authorized to advertise an illegal newspaper a notice of introduction and final hearing as required by law.

Mr. Fully, now this is just basically allowing Parkway Lanes to have amusement games. Is that correct? Yes, Mayor. They want to enhance their operations by adding uh games that uh give prizes uh more than five machines, which currently is what we're restricted to. Um and it will be for that location and that location only. Thank you. May I have a motion on the ordinance? So move. Second. Discussion. Call the role, please. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members. Yes. Golc. Yes. Samson. Yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Pellegrine, yes. Motion carries.

Resolution R-308-25, introduce ordinance number 25-26 on first reading. May it resolve that an ordinance entitled an ordinance adopting Burough code section 7-32 electric scooter regulations to address electric scooter use be passed and adopted on first reading and be resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard at which time any persons interested in said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being and she is hereby authorized to advertise an illegal newspaper an intro an introduction and final hearing as required by law.

Thank you Mr. Fligdale. This uh this scooter situation must be wreaking havoc on our police department uh on the police department on the motoring public on everybody and anybody that's a resident of the state of New Jersey. If you're out there you see them. They are vicious. they are they don't you know take any laws into regard and they're dangerous so we need to get grasp on it. Um this is for the scooters. The ebikes are already covered by New Jersey uh title 39. This will address a lot of the concerns with the scooters and it will give us some enforcement power. Thank you. May I have a motion on the ordinance? Second. Any discussion?

Yeah, mayor. I want to uh commend our chief and our entire police department for uh really being proactive on the the scooter and electric bike uh situation. I know driving uh myself and being at a stop sign particularly and you're just about to go past that stop sign and somebody zooms right in front of you, it's uh it's scary because you don't obviously want to hit somebody, but they they come so fast in front of you, it's it's uh it's really dangerous. So, I'm glad we're being proactive when we're trying to get a grasp of this. Yeah, it's crazy. I had somebody um on my street come off the highway, go right through the stop sign in the middle of the road, too. It wasn't even to one side, and it was no kid. It was adult.

It was an adult. I may have a motion on the ordinance. We have um motion by council president, second by Councilman Po. I will call the role. We have um council members, yes. Golc. Yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Pellegrine, yes. Motion carries.

Resolution R-309-25, introduce Ordinance number 25-27 on first reading. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending sections 7-20, stop intersections to add intersection on Van Riper Avenue be passed and adopted on first reading. And be it resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or soon thereafter can be heard at which time any persons interested in a said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being she is hereby authorized to advertise in a legal newspaper a notice of introduction and final hearing as required by law. This is self-explanatory. Uh so we'll move along. May I have a motion on the ordinance?

So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Folo. And roll call. We have council members Foso. Yes. Colbec. Yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council president, yes.

Motion carries. Resolution R-310-25. Introduce Ordinance number 25-28 on first reading. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-7 construction zone traffic controls for street and highway construction and maintenance operation and adoption of manual on uniform traffic control devices for streets and highways to address contractor compliance be passed and adopted on first reading and be resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday November 13th 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard at which time any persons interested in said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being she is hereby authorized to advertise in a legal newspaper a notice of introduction and final hearing as required by law.

Mr. Folo, I'm sorry Mr. Felgno. At least I had the Fs right right for last name. Mr. Felign, would you like to break this down? Yes, mayor.

I'm thinking about you, Frank. This is to establish and reaffirm the rules and guidelines for contractors, paving contractors specifically working in and for the burrow. Uh to tighten up the rules. Sometimes they get sloppy. Sometimes they leave equipment around. They don't put the signage up for road closures and and restricted parking uh with enough time for the residents. So, it's a tool for us to use to um make them compliant with and make our our community not only safer, but um you know, better better for the residents to be to be made aware of things uh quicker. So, so Mike, basically, after this construction is done, everything will go back to to normal

after Well, it's it's for paving. So when the pave when the contractors come in, you know, they have to close roads, they have to put up signs to uh restrict parking and sometimes they do it last minute. They don't pass out the notices. They leave their equipment overnight where they're not supposed to. So this gives us um tools to to punish them to to make them comply with these regulations so our residents are not uh inconvenienced.

Yeah. So, I want to caution the residents on this that live in that area that uh they should be supportive of this uh and realize that this has been thought out ahead of time. It's not just a whim. There'll be some suffering in terms of parking. However, uh it will eventually return back to normal. Uh may I have a motion on the ordinance? So, move. Second. Any discussion? Call the role, please. First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Samson. On rule call, we have council members Fiso, yes. Golbeg, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. Resolution R-311-25 introduce ordinance number 25-29 at first reading. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-13.1 parking prohibited at all times on certain streets to allow additional limited parking on 16th Avenue pending school construction through October 1st, 2026 be passed and adopted on first reading and be it resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard at which time any persons interested in said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being and she is hereby authorized to advertise in a legal newspaper a notice of introduction and final hearing as required by law.

Mr. Flell, please. Yes, mayor. There is construction uh occurring at 16th Avenue School. It will um impact the uh staff parking. So, we need to put the staff on the street. So, we need to restrict parking for residents temporarily during construction so the staff has somewhere to park. Yes, it will be an inconvenience for but it's temporary and it's necessary. Yeah. Once again, we ask your patience and everything shall return back to normal after the construction is done. May I have a motion on the ordinance? So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Foso. On roll call, we have council members Foso. Yes. Golc. Yes, Samson. Yes,

Sheridan. Yes, Troy. Yes, Council President Pellegrine. Yes. Motion carries.

Resolution R-312-25 introduce Ordinance number 25-30 on first reading. Be it resolved that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-10.1 stopping or standing prohibited at all times on certain streets be passed and adopted on first reading. And be it resolved that a final hearing on said ordinance will be heard in the municipal building on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard, at which time any person interested in said ordinance can be heard. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk being she is hereby authorized to advertise an illegal newspaper a notice of introduction and final hearing as required by law.

Mr. Felign, please. Mayor, this is um if you're familiar with Alter on Molnar Drive. Vinnie, the president of the residents association, reached out and said that people are parking in a bad spot by the bridge uh alongside the uh Molnar Drive and he asked that we restrict parking there because it's dangerous. The residents can't get in and out of the driveway and we looked at it and he's right and that's what we're doing here. Thank you. May I have a motion on the ordinance? So move. Second. Any discussion? Call the roll, please. First by Council President Pelgine. Second by Councilman Foso. And roll call, we have Council Members Folo. Yes. Golbeck, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy,

yes. Council President Pellegrine, yes.

Motion carries. Moving on to ordinances. On second reading, we have resolution R-313-25. reintroduce ordinance number 25-15 on second reading. Whereas a public notice has been given by the burough clerk that an ordinance entitled an ordinance adopting burough code sections 7-9.1 to 7-9.15 residential parking permit area to allow for the designation of residential parking areas on a trial basis was introduced and passed at a meeting held on Thursday September 18th 2025 and that further consideration of this ordinance will be taken up at this meeting and whereas all persons interested in a said ordinance were given an opportunity to be heard concerning the same. Now therefore, it be it resolved by the mayor and council of the Burrow of Edwin Park that an ordinance entitled an ordinance adopting Burough code section 7-9.1 to 7-9.15 residential parking permit area to allow for the designation of residential parking areas on a trial basis. Pass on final reading. I'd

like to emphasize that this is on a trial basis. May I have a motion to open to to the public?

So move second. Would anyone from the public here to comment on this ordinance and this ordinance alone? Please come up, state your name and your address. Come to the mic, hit the button. When it's you see the red, you're on. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Ron Oac 133 Broadway. Um I was here last month when the discussions were uh regarding this ordinance and um I had not had a full time to prepare myself for that. Uh I would make several comments about this ordinance. Um there was a lot of discussion about safety being an issue, why this is going to be trial basis. Um, it does not seem to me that creating private parking for the residents by permit is going to change safety issues where cars are going to be looking for parking spaces to go to the stores and buy things at the stores. It may cause more Uturns on the street because people will not be able to find suitable street parking during the daytime when businesses operate. And it'll also cause other streets to have similar issues where the shoppers are going to be looking for parking. So when it comes to being this a safety issue, and I know safety is the magic word that creates that opens everybody's ears and eyes, I would suggest to you that creating private parking for these people on this street is not going to create a safe environment for their children any more so than if those people would take care of their children and watch them when they're out in a

public street. The second thing I'd like to mention about this is you have to consider the stores and the commercial part of your town in making this decision. It's not just the residents that are going to be affected. So, if these ordinances are going to create a block for store owners to be able to have customers come and visit them, it's going to impact on the town, on your tax roles. You're going to have a blighted area where businesses can't operate. And I would leave you with two legal concepts that I had the opportunity to research during the course of the last month. The first is called spot zoning and you should probably consult with the legal attorney for your town to decide what that is and whether or not this is spot zoning. The second legal concept is called uh excuse me one second inverse condemnation. And those two concepts, if they apply to this air, to this area, will invite litigation in the town by the shop owners, by the landowners who are being affected by this private parking that you want to consider granting for the citizens of this street. So, I'll leave you with that. You should make careful considerations about this and you should consider not just the residents of that street but all of the owners, property owners and business owners in your town. They make a part of this town just the same like the residents do. Thank you. Thank you.

And there's somebody left. Anyone else?

Okay. Anyone else care to speak on the subject? Uh to you to to uh answer you sir. The um the council is well aware of the fact that uh we have a commercial area with residential and is always trying to work on a marriage between both. That was our goal. Uh we had a majority of people on that block there that were vying for this this particular situation. This is only a temporary situation in the sense that we want to see how it's going to work out and and we'll deal with it from that point on. Nobody else cares to be heard. May I have a motion to adopt the ordinance?

Some second. Call the role, please.

So, we have discussion. Yes. Um I like last uh meeting I will be voting no um on this ordinance. I happen to agree with the the individual who came up just now. Uh I believe that doing this will just move the problem around to uh Elizabeth, Colombia, Willow. Um and then we'll have residents from Colombia and Elizabeth coming to the meeting and and wanting permit parking as well. Um and eventually it's just going to spread around town. And like the the individual who came up said, we're not thinking of our businesses when putting this in place. we are limiting their their ability to function uh you know in in this town. They are a huge part of our ratables. They they affect our tax roles like the individual said. Um and for that for those reasons I'm going to be voting no.

Thank you. Anyone else? K in discussion.

Yes, mayor. I just want to add um along similar lines but I I I just think it's Pandora's box for other parts of town. um we implement this what's to stop the residents of DAV which is half Elwood Park and half Garfield from saying well we want permit park we want uh our own program because Garfield residents park on our side of the street overnight what's to stop residents of Lynwood or Glenwood or Donor saying the the visitor parking you know the visitors from the apartments are spilling over into our streets we want our own program and what are we going to say you know so um um I you know I don't fault anyone for for for trying this. But um this this residential commercial corridor has existed for

we got the motion 100red years plus. Um and I it's not a popular thing to say but I'll say it. When you purchase real estate, when you purchase a home, you have to be aware of the surroundings. You have to be anticipate the risks and the things that may or may not happen based on on your decision. and nothing that's happening right now is is something that is completely unforeseen for people that chose to live in that neighborhood. So, um I'm not in favor of this. Thank you, mayor. Thank you. Now, this is a very difficult uh situation here we're dealing with. Okay. Um the motion has been made. Correct. Yes. We need to call the role.

Yes. First by Council President Peline, second by Councilman Samson. On roll call, we have Council Members Folo. No. Golc. No Samson. Yes. Sheridan. Yes. Troy. Yes. Council President Pellegrine. Yes.

Motion carries. Next we have resolution R-314-25 introduce ordinance number 25-22 on second reading. Whereas a public notice has been given by the burough clerk that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-37.1 regulation for the movement and the parking of traffic on municipal property and board of education property to address noise and vehicle activity in the burough lot was introduced and passed at a meeting held on Thursday September 18th 2025 and that for the consideration of this ordinance will be taken up at this meeting and whereas all persons interested in that ordinance were given an opportunity to be heard concerning the same. Now therefore, it be it resolved by the mayor and council of the B of Elwood Park that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-37.1 regulation for the movement in the parking of traffic on municipal property and board of education property to address noise and vehicle activity in the burrow lot. Pass on final reading.

May I have a motion to open to the public? So move second. Anyone from the public here to speak on this ordinance and this ordinance alone? If not, I'll close the public portion. May I have a motion to adopt the ordinance? Second. Call the roll, please. First by Council President Pelgine, second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have council members Folo. Yes. Golbeck, yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. Next we have resolution R-315-25. Not sure if can you guys hear me? Okay. Introduce ordinance number 25-23 on second reading. Where's the public notice has been given by the burough clerk that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-21 multi-way stop intersections to add stop signs on Pulsa Avenue/Bank Street and Martha Avenue/ra Street was introduced and passed at a meeting held on Thursday, September 18th, 2025. and that further consideration of this ordinance would be taken up at this meeting and whereas all persons interested in said ordinance were given an opportunity to be heard concerning the same. Now therefore, it be resolved by the mayor and council of the burrow of Elwood Park that an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending section 7-21 multi-way stop intersections to add stop signs on Pulsa Avenue/Bank Street and Martha Avenue/ra Street. Pass on final reading.

Motion to open to the public. So move. Second. Anyone from the public care to speak on this ordinance and this ordinance alone? If not, I'll close the public portion. May I have a motion to adopt the ordinance? Second. Call the role, please. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilman Folo. On roll call, we have Council Members Foso. Yes. Golc. Yes. Samson, yes. Sheridan, yes. Troy, yes. Council President Peline, yes.

Motion carries. At this time, we have our consent agenda. We have the following resolutions. Resolutions R-316-25, approval of payroll. R-317-25, approval of bills list. R-318-25, authorized vacation buybacks. R-319-25 A award proposal for professional services alignment group for the FY2024 CDBG road programs. The Rome is placed R-320-25 authorized current estimate number two change order number two 2023 CDBG road improvements R-321-25 authorized release of road opening performance bond R-322-25 approval of item items of revenue and appropriations NJS4A 4-87 R-323-25 approval of items of revenue and appropri Appropriation NJS484-87 R-324-25 appoint full-time laborer department of public works Isaiah Evers R-325-25 approving the memorandum of agreement reached with Teamsters Local 560 on a successor collective negotiations agreement art S326-25 resolution of the council of the burrow of Elwood Park referring the redevelopment plan for the non-condemnation redevel development area located at 41 Slater Drive to the Elwood Park Planning Board for review and report pursuant to the local redevelopment and housing law NJSA48 colon 12A-7 R-327-25 approved handicap parking space 14th Avenue R-328-25 hiring employees to staff the Elwood Park Emergency Medical Service Unit R-329-25

maintenance of for Frederick Court R-330 30-25 persontoperson liquor license transfer R-331-25 resolution to approve the consent agenda. We have a motion on the consent agenda. So move. Any discussion? I need a second. Second. Call the RO. First by Council President Peline. Second by Councilwoman Choicey. A roll call. We have Council members Folo. Yes. Golbeck. Yes, Samson. Yes, Sheridan. Yes, Choicy. Yes, Council President Pellegrine. Yes. Motion carries.

Next, we have departmental reports. We have the board of health meeting minutes from June 9th, 2025 and August 11th, 2025. We have a motion to accept. So move second. Any discussion? Call the RO, please. All in favor? Uh I in favor, you know, once you make that mistake, it's like ingrained and it it's just hard to get out. All in favor? All right. All right, Mayor. This concludes my portion of the meeting. I will turn it over to you for council reports.

Council reports. Mr. Folo. Thank you, Mayor. I just have a few things. Um, it's a little weird to say in October we have a community day coming up. Uh, should be a great event. It's going to be colder than usual. We'll probably have some pumpkins around, but uh, it should be a great event on Marcus Street. And then following is the fireworks, right, Chief? Yes, sir.

Um, I also want to wish a, you know, the the children of our and and the adults in our community a happy and safe Halloween coming up and also election day. you know, no matter who you vote for, um it is your civic duty to go out and vote. Uh people have fought and died for the right to vote, so don't take it for granted. Um and get out and vote. Um and that's it. Thank you, Mayor Progress. Thank you, Mr. Folo. 100% right. We want everybody to get out there and vote. Be it be very nice. Uh Council Mcolenbeck,

on a on a similar note, I'd like to encourage our residents to vote. a lot of big decisions. Governor, state senator, assembly, local council people. Um, want to commend everyone that's running for council. A lot of people in this town think they have the solutions to to everything, but very few people put their name forward to be part of it. So, it's commendable in itself. So, that's all, mayor. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Samson.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, I had plenty to say to the uh firefighters and the Elks. Uh so just to acknowledge them again for the great things that they do for us and my outside activities uh the ARP meeting and bus trip. So we had a meeting last week and the bus trip uh yesterday to Resorts World which uh was a fun time. Jeanie was with us. Um we had a good time. Uh the next ARP meeting is the second Thursday of November and uh it'll be the last till January. And of course, the homeowners group. Linda's here. Always doing a great job for the burrow. Linda, hi. Her next bus trip is uh 10:25. Uh the bus is probably close to full, but you can talk to her or me and uh we can see if we can help you out. Um I look forward to uh of course Halloween and uh before that the um community day. It's going to be a fun day. It always is. Uh we of course the police department, fire department's going to have a demonstration there. We're going to see the best the best that our emergency services have at least in the county most likely in the state. We we nobody does it like us. Nobody does it better than us. So, um that being said, Mayor, uh thank you and progress in our burrow.

Thank you, Eric. Councilwoman Tracy,

thank you, Mayor. Um with October being SIDS awareness month, I just want everyone to remember to practice the ABCs of safe sleep. Babies should always sleep alone on their back and in an empty crib. My rec update. Registration is open on Community Pass for basketball until uh November 13th. Volleyball is happening on Wednesday nights, $10 uh per person. uh wrestling clinic is on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. The wreck has joined forces with afterchool alliance to showcase after school programs. They'll be doing a supply drive the entire month of October. They're accepting board games, books, crafts, nut-free, healthy snacks. You can drop them off at the wreck Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday between 12 and 5:00 p.m. The next WCK board meeting is on October 20th. For the board of ed update, there's a pro wrestling event fundraiser to benefit Project Graduation on November 1st. Tickets for Battle in the Burrow are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. The meet and greet starts at 6 with the bell ringing at 7. There is a beef steak fundraiser to benefit the athletic booster club. It's being hosted by the American Legion. It is on November 13th. There will be a DJ and a turkey tray. Tickets are $60 and the check should be made payable to the American Legion. Um, and you need to RSVP by uh October 31st. The Elmo Park High School marching band is holding a crispy cream doughut sale. Donuts are $12 a dozen and the sale is

running from now until November 1st. The next board of ed meeting will be October 28th. And then I just want to mention that the Elks will be hosting their annual spooky story time event. Unfortunately, it winds up being on the same day as community day with the reschedule. Um, but it is from 12 to 3:00 p.m. This year, the title of the book we're reading is It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Each child will get a copy of the book and in keeping with the theme, they'll decorate pumpkin-shaped cookies. can RSVP to me at 2011-674-6589. And then lastly, the Athletic Hall of Fame dinner is um on October 22nd at uh starts at 6:15 at the Fiesta. Tickets are $60 and you can pay at the door. Progress mayor.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Uh, Councilwoman uh, Sheridan.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, I just want to give a shout out. I went to the, um, Emer Park Latino um, festival on Saturday, last Saturday. I just want to give a shout out. It was great. The dancing, the costumes. Uh, it was their first annual one and it was fantastic. I mean, everybody had a good time. I didn't quite understand everything that was going on, but we all had a good time. Um, the dancers were great, and I just want to give a shout out to everybody that was involved in that. Good work. Can't wait till next year's. Um, I also want to tell everybody to have a happy, safe Halloween. Um, don't forget to wear your bright colors, um, so we can see you in the dark since it's getting dark earlier. And um everybody just get out and vote. That's it. Mayor,

thank you. Councilwoman, council president Green.

Yes. A few things. Mayor, my board of health update. They had their big event on October 4th. Elwood Park celebrates seniors. It was a great day. There was great music, food, prizes, and a lot of good information for all. Thank you to our board of health members and all their for all their hard work. Great teamwork. Made a very successful event. The next free rabies clinics for dogs and cats will be held on November 12th from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Firehouse number four on Mola Boulevard. Their next meeting will be October 20th at 700 p.m. The public is always welcome to attend. My police update, Chief Aligno and his team will be the guest speakers at Council Corner this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the allpurpose room downstairs in the municipal building. Come join us and be a part of the conversation. Come join our Elwood Park PD at the Halloween Spooktacular Weekend. Friday night 10:24 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday night 10:25 at 7:30 p.m. Hay rides, magic shows, trunk or treat, and much more. Also, there will be a scarehouse. Recommended age for that is 13 plus. The new Elwood Park Chamber of Commerce, I know Joe's here, are you going to get up and talk about the car show? So, I won't bring that up. He'll give you all the details on that. and um their next meeting will be Tuesday the 21st at our local VFW at 6:00 p.m. Progress. Mayor,

thank you. Let's move along here this evening. I may have a motion to open the floor to the public on comments on any subject whatsoever. So move second. Anyone from the public here to speak on any subject whatsoever? You're limited to 30 seconds. I I mean uh 10 minutes. It's on. Yes, Glattus. How are you? Good.

Okay. I just want to get situated here. Okay. Uh, Glattis Griskowitz, 256 Fencac Avenue. Um, where are my notes? I want to touch on resolution R29123. Um, this was the resolution uh with social media posts against me. Um, 291. Hold on, let us get with you. That was a resolution from a few years ago, Mayor. Right.

Oh, okay. I'm bringing it up because it was brought up two weeks ago in the work session. Um, evidently, Councilwoman Lorraine was uh her home was threatened on a social media site. Um, they were going to throw poison on her, um, her shrubs and stuff like that. And my question is, um, how come there wasn't a resolution on this person today on the agenda? Uh, I think we need some legal advice on that. Policy determination. I know what legal advice you need on this. Okay.

And also in uh s the former attorney in graphia said that the mayor and council would be policing this social media. That's what was said. I have the tape. Um yet um I don't see it being policed. I have examples here of things that were on social media. One regarding Daniel that I will not read or I'll show it to you. It's so sexually explicit, but there wasn't a resolution on this either. I want to know why there was a resolution on me.

So, so respectfully, I can't speak to what happened years ago before my time, but certainly my advice to the mayor and council is is that it's not your role to police social media. Individuals have first amendment rights and and can post what they want. And if they slander someone, then that's a matter between them and others. So, I again, I can't speak to what advice, right? But however, if it's voted on, which it was voted on here by um Councilman Fisolo, um that violates NJSA4A922-5D. Once it's established that a public official has a conflict of interest, any official action taken is considered tainted and must be invalidated. And you're referring to something that happened years ago.

It was two years ago. Um, again, I I don't have any knowledge of of that. But what I'm saying Oh, so you know what? If that's the case, then maybe I can bring you up to speed in a meeting, a private meeting, respectfully, again, we're we're past the point of of any action related to something that happened years ago. Okay. So then what about the action that just happened to Councilwoman Pellegrine? Why isn't there a resolution there? This there was going to be policed. So if I I feel like I've been signaled out, actually I have been because why isn't there a resolution? As I just advised the mayor and council, my advice would be that the the role of the mayor and council is not to police.

So then you then you need to get rid of this resol this uh resolution. Just to clarify that there was no policing of anything. It was a condemn condemnation of a statement. There was no policing right of anything. There was no nobody ever said policing. We don't have a branch of the police department or a branch of the council that is policing Facebook and going after comments and and he did not say that we're policing Facebook. Yeah, he did. But okay, but the the ordinance that we passed does not say that we're policing Facebook. It was a condemnation of a statement.

Right. And and he's and when asked he said on tape, okay, when asked if this happens again, will you do another resolution on another person? And he said absolutely. If the council does not agree with a statement that's made, this council has the right to point it out that they don't agree with a statement. So, if this council wanted to, they could have done that for the post about Lraine. They could have done that about the post for anybody. They could have done that about a statement made in public. It's at the council's discretion. But four of the six members that are up here voted for that resolution, right? And they shouldn't have. You being one of them,

Lorraine being another one. Um the the mayor never even read it. Terry Sheridan uh said she never read uh she doesn't have Facebook. The the the ordinance was read of the resolution was read into the the record and in it in its entirety. So just like the when you said the pride flag would fly from now to eternity. Well, that was overturned. So I you know I feel like then I am going to I'll be the police. So now I will um ask request that a resolution be done on the person who threatened Lraine and then this one on Daniel I guess I will be doing the resolution on that. So how do I go about that because if this is if that's how you run for counsel

excuse me run for coun I don't want you're asking how to how you can bring about a resolution on the council. How do you go about that? Run for counsel and make a motion to put it up. That's the answer to that question. Why would I have to I'm I'm a resident being attacked. Why would I have to type up a resolution, come up to the podium and say, "Mayor, I'd like you to put this onto the meeting."

Well, I just asked for it to be done. Why do I have to write it? I mean, Lorraine, I have a They put a picture of Lorraine's house up here, saying that they were going to spray a cancerous chemical all over her house, over her sprinkler system. And then there's here one of Daniel that is very sexually explicit. So, you know, I mean, if you're going to signal one person out, you need to do it all. You need to, you know, and and Ingraphia said that it would be policed by the mayor and counsel. So, so respectfully, Mr. Angafi is no longer here, and this mayor and council has not passed any resolutions chastising any speech. So, again, I I I sympathize with you. You clearly disagree with me.

You really understand what I'm saying here. I I think I do. But yeah, you're you you signaled me out, but no one else now. It's going to be written up. I did not do anything with respect to you, nor did this mayor and counsel. You're talking about something a prior mayor and counsel did. That term has expired.

No. Well, it would have expired except it was brought up two weeks ago because in the uh work session, uh Carl Robbins asked why isn't why aren't they now having a resolution written up on them like the other one? And just like you can come up and make whatever public comment you want to. Mr. Roberts, if that's his name, is is free to do that or anyone else in the public is is free to do that. But in terms of this mayor and counsel, there's been no resolution uh from this mayor and counsel that that has criticized you or any other person about any speech. So I I don't know why you feel like you're being singled out by this governing body as it exists today because this governing body did not exist prior to January of 2025.

They did except for two. And just to just to clarify for anyone listening to to this, um I spoke to Councilwoman Peligreen and I showed her that I was very upset about the her house being posted online. We're we serve the burrow. We don't get paid millions. We are not um uh deciding on tariffs or immigration or national politics. We have nothing to do. N today we agreed on 90% of what we voted on. this council serves the town. Uh when we don't agree with something before, we're council members, we're we're friends, we're residents, we all live here, we all pay taxes. Uh if the council woman felt deeply that um you know, or any of our colleagues felt deeply about something that, you know, directly targeted them for some sort of reason, I would wholeheartedly and 100% support any resolution that would uh have the council condemn some sort of speech that we don't agree with. So, I stand by the resolution two years ago and if there is another resolution brought up tonight or any other night that you know targets that um specifically talks about something that targeted a specific council member, of course, I would support it to support my colleagues. I

I'd like to say something if I may. Yes, that was very terrible what I read on what happened to me on Facebook for a sprinkler incident. And um I don't like threats to my home or to my personal being or to my husband's personal being. We are instructed from our GIF representative that we are not because believe me I would have loved to say a lot of things on that post but we are instructed that we should not do that and I abide by the rules and I've stuck to those rules. I have taken a picture of the threats

because they have taken that they have taken that post off of Facebook. I don't like being threatened for having a sprinkler on. I still honestly don't know what I am going to do about it yet. I'm digesting it still. But I I it is a little scary to me that people want to put poison on my property Roundup

because my husband was watering the lawn. Okay. And then and the second part of this is pictures of miners faces were posted. That's another issue from the person that did this. So, um, I thank you for mentioning it. I don't know. I may be asking my colleagues for something. I'm not sure what I'm doing with it because I am digesting it cuz to tell you the truth, I've been on high alert because if somebody gets that angry over watering the lawn, I'm a little scared of what they could possibly do. Well, not just that, someone else could take it into their own hands, too. So, all right. Thanks. Thank you, Glattus.

Thank you. Yes. Uh, your name and your address, please. Uh, Martha Hayes, 259 Fencac. Welcome. So, thank you. Thank you for this opportunity to talk today. Um, I do have a question. So, I'm a little confused and I'm not a legal expert in no means, but you're saying that the resolution in question that Glattus brought up was not voted on by this council. So, are we saying that all um ordinances fall that way? If it's not voted by this council, then

the resolution resolution and ordinances are two different things. A resolution is is issued by so every January there's an organization meeting the at the organization meeting a new governing body is seated so to speak. It's a new legal entity from the perspective of things things that it does. So yes, a a again I'm not familiar with the the resolution of the issue, but any resolution passed two years ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago was technically done by a prior governing body. So, this governing body is what I was referring to. There's been no resolution acted upon by this governing body since January of 2025.

So, I know you haven't had an opportunity to look at this resolution, but when I did question the former attorney, he said it would be policed and it would be acted on. So, doesn't that make that resolution invalid because you're not really saying what you were going to do with it? Frankly, the the I don't I can't say the burough attorney advises the bureau. The burough attorney does not does not take action or or initiate action. So again, I don't know what what the prior attorney said, but what I'm telling you is my advice would be that your role is not to police social media, of course, but it said it. And so

I I'm not him. Again, if you have an issue with what he said, I would take it up with him. I would love to, but honestly then I would just say honestly that when resolutions are brought in, they should be written correctly because if you don't have the power to do something, you shouldn't say you do. And I try to write every resolution that I draft or that that anyone else drafts correctly. Believe me. I mean, I'm not saying, you know, that he was incompetent. I'm just saying that the words in there had a certain um connotation that action would be taken. And it's disappointing that it's not true. So no no resolution would last beyond the the term. So maybe that was the intent at that point in time, but once January one of the next year,

well then that should have been stipulated because people us regular people don't know that honestly. And if you're going to say something, it's integrity. You should be standing up for what you said. And I know maybe the time is gone, but the idea and the premise of that was that we would have the safeguard for this lady here. I mean, this there was threats. It's menacing.

And I'm not condoning that, believe me. There's there's all sorts of other legal police matters and and whatnot, harassment, uh, which all are other avenues. But in terms of what this body can do, yes, you could pass a resolution that says you disagree with something, but frankly, that has the the weight of of the paper it's printed on. I would I would venture to say uh once again I don't know for sure but when you have something like that in the social media which to your point we we're not supposed to police that did not go unheard by our police department and once again I don't know this for sure but I'm sure that they did not take that lightly and that they're scrutinizing that. Once again, I don't know for sure, but knowing our police department and knowing the fact that we are elected officials, uh it just didn't get uh swept under the rug.

Well, you know, it's the environment today that we live in that you don't know how people are going to take something. That one person may act not act on it, but they may have incited someone else to do it. And what I'm always saying is that if this prior resolution um really has no merit anymore, we have to make sure that the public understands when another resolution comes up what it really means because that was not how was explained in the meeting and that's I'll leave it at that. But things need to be clearer and more transparent. Thank you.

Anyone else care to speak? Yes, sir. name, rank, and serial number.

Uh, Joseph Oswald, 34, Philip A. Um, I'm here as the president of the Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate you, Lorraine, for giving me the opportunity to give the report. Um, I just have a couple of things. It's all chamber related. Um, we did have a pizza party that we were going to try to schedule for the end of the month. Uh, hurting pizza makers together is like hurting cats. They all agree they want to donate something, but none of them are able to really make the pizza party happen. And so what we're going to try to do is work with Allesandre Cersio from AP Interactive to throw a fundraiser where we'll actually just bring in all the pizzas and just make it available to the public and do a fundraiser uh preferably for breast cancer awareness uh month. Uh if we can do it before the end of October, we will try. Um I wanted to also thank uh Councilwoman Peligine for helping us out with the uh v uh with the car show that we're going to be scheduling um well that we have scheduled for November 9th. the Ensera group had uh decided that they will be fully um uh accepting the grant request that we made to bring the food in for um so that the police don't have to go out and buy all the hamburgers and hot dogs that they're going to cook. So, uh really really thankful for that. A lot of people came together very quickly. Um for anybody that doesn't know, the 2025 Chris Willis charity car show uh is going to be held at 41 Slater Drive, the old bio reference lot. Um we've been taking sponsors. We've already uh exceeded our first goal, so we set our second goal, and we're really hoping that everybody comes out. This is a free event, November 9th. It has a rain date of the 16th. It's open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Um Mr. Gilmore, the firefighter who was here earlier, also has a inflatable amusement business, so he'll be providing um inflatable sports things for kids to play. Um we're trying to work with the Bergen County um Board of Health to get uh free cancer screening uh trucks uh there as well. Um, we have a number of sponsors that have made sure that we will have commemorative t-shirts. There's going to be plenty of food. There's going to be plenty of music and fun for everybody. We're really hoping to have about 4 or 500 people show up. Again, this is a

free event, but we will take donations. If anybody has a really cool car at home, if you a cool car or just a car, uh $15, just register it. We will be happy. We'll just, you know, get it waxed up. It'll look great. If you have an old Corolla, it will be fine. This is all for charity. all goes every every dime proceed is going to the benefit of Chris Willis's family. Uh we all know him, we all loved him and he touched so many people uh for even a short period of time such as myself. I was only his neighbor for a couple of years. Um but he was a a good person and I'm really proud that we're putting this on. Uh, one of the ideas that the chief had brought up was that every charity event that we try to do rather than give it to some umbrella organization or a big charity that we make sure that the money stays in town so that everybody knows that what they're giving is really helping out their neighbors. Um, so we really do appreciate that and I encourage everybody to come share this on social media. I'll leave this up here if anybody wants to take a picture uh cuz it has a QR code where you can get more information. Um, we did have a wonderful Latino cultural event this past Saturday. Uh the Chamber of Commerce uh co-sponsored it with the Elma Park Latino Association. Uh so we're very proud to have the diversity we do have in this town. As uh Councilman Sheridan mentioned, there was amazing dancing, beautiful art, lots of vendors, free raffles. It was really well done, and we're very happy. Uh unfortunately, it did rain, so that was, you know, what what can you do about that,

Mr. Oswell? Yes, sir. Did they get Mr. Folo up to dance? Um I He was the photographer, so you'd be surprised, mayor. You'd be surprised about my Latin dancing, you know. Imagine it. Got that Latin blood in you. I don't have any Latin blood in. So, um, so that again, I just want to remind everybody the car show is in the whole center. I'm sorry. That's okay. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

Um, the car show is in honor of also it's men's health awareness month. So, that's why we all we paired it up with that. Um, I want to remind everybody that Halloween is coming up. So, if you do have kids, uh, please make sure you shop local when you buy your products. Of course, everybody knows you can go to CVS and all those other places, but there's a lot of localarmacies, local businesses that have candy, costumes, gifts, even costumes and things for your dogs, pets, whatever you want, you can find it here in Elmer Park. Um, the Chamber of Commerce does have its meeting on the 21st at 6 p.m. at the VFW. Um, I believe the chief will be one of our uh special guests as well to talk about the car show. Um, we have uh another announcement to make for the energy outreach program in New Jersey. So whether you're a residential homeowner or a business owner, if you're trying to get your electric costs under control, there's a new program that is sponsored by PSENG, go to energyoutreachenj.com/save and you can have your business um evaluated for free upgrades. It'll be paid for by PSENG or 0% interest installment loan. Um I do encourage everybody to also follow us on Facebook. You can join us as a supporter. You do not have to be a business owner to join the Chamber of Commerce. is $25 a year. And uh the two new businesses that we have that came to town recently, um the Cheeky Chicken on Route 46. Uh it's actually these that's his fourth establishment. The man opened them up himself. He runs the counter. The food is great. I recommend everybody give it a try. Uh we're going to be doing a ceremonial ribbon cutting for them in the near future. I hope to invite the mayor and council for that. Um but also down on Market Street, we have another place opening up called Meet Us Here, M A T. uh burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, fries, pretty much it. And it's going to be great. I'm salivating just thinking about it. I've met the owners a couple times. I believe they will be opening up this week. So, I encourage everybody while the weather is nice, if you're thinking about ordering food before you pick up your GrubHub or whatever, take a

stroll down Market Street, pop into Franchesca's Pizza, Vicarios, pop into any of these new places that are opening up. Patronize our local businesses because they give back. You can see it from this charity car show. You can see it from the the countless meetings where people come up here and are honored. Elmo Park is a community that gives back to each other and we want to make sure that we support our local businesses. So, please shop local. Small Business Awareness Month is November as well. Small Business Saturday is November 29th, so you'll be seeing a lot of stuff like that. Uh but just the chamber is here to stay. We are chugging along uh along with Councilwoman Peligine. So, we're very thankful for that. If anybody would like any more information, please just reach out info parkchamber.org. Thank you. Thank you. Good words, Mr. Oswell.

Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Okay. So, everything was moved to community day on the 25th. Uh the uh paw parade. So, if you want to dress your dog up, win a couple of prizes. It'll be at the band shell around 11:00 a.m. Uh so, just bring your dogs on top of all the other stuff that's going on. So, you know what? Just book the 25th to just walk around town, turn your phone off for a little bit, enjoy the fresh air, uh and have fun with everything on Park offers. So, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Oswell. And yeah, someone's phone. Good words. Uh, anyone else from the public care to speak? If not, I'll close the public portion. I don't believe we have any executive. Am I correct with that? Correct. We don't anything. Okay. So, then we we're good. Uh, Mr. Figgno, sorry. Yes, sir.

Then I guess I need we need a motion to adjurnn. So move. All in favor? I Wow, that was a loud I. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We shall see you soon.