Council - Regular Meeting

Exactly. I can't add anything else. That's all I'm asking. I'd be always happy because I mean some of us have Facebook pages. I do, but it's personal. I don't put any business any All right. the particular Facebook page that someone commented on and then I responded to that comment was deleted. And that's where I I I sort of drew the the line because I I didn't think that that was an appropriate, you know, way. I because I I have no problem with council members creating the Facebook page. It was the deletion of comments that

Okay. If that Facebook page is in any way official, quasi official, apparently official, deletions like that would be censorship. Okay. They would not be permitted. Along what what you asked, Councilman, I I just want to be clear. Um I did give you a heads up. Yes. Several days ago for you to think start thinking about this. So this is not obviously off the cuff, although you're brilliant that you know it's pretty off the cuff. This is this is not I I would tell you mayor, at least three people gave me a heads up. Okay.

And I always appreciate Yeah. Okay. Appreciate having you understand. So this was this while you may choose to comment at the next meeting or appointments down the road. This is not just hey I'm sitting here and it just came to my mind. I if I could just a second. You know, one of the first rules, probably the first thing I said to you each individually as you were elected, never use your personal emails for burrow business. Right? It's written in stone. And that's because of the Cororsine case. At the time, Cororsine used his personal emails for government business. Somebody made an Oprah request for his personal emails and the court held that if you transfer transmit transmute your personal media into burrow media or in his case state media, it then becomes operable. It becomes government. And so I'm not saying that as an an exact analogy, but I think it's pretty close. If you use your personal media, Facebook, whatever else, and then it is no longer shielded as personal you be. And similarly, same goes with Facebook.

Okay, understood. Um well that touch upon a couple of the things the notes that I wrote while you're speaking. If something is deemed a quasi government page so your applications your your whatever electronic devices that you're using to publish would be subject to Oprah. I don't know that because it's not it wasn't an anal it wasn't an Oprah question. I was trying to draw an analogy based on sort of burough government 101, which is something that you I left my phone. Something that you think of as extraordinarily private can become public if you use it in the public forum.

That was only analogy. It wasn't intended to be. I think we're at could could be, but I wouldn't even I wouldn't have a position on that. Right. And then and with regards to maintaining the history of the data that's up there, you'd be subject to the same responsibility that a municipality would be in maintaining their data. Correct. If your devices are used as government devices and they cross that line, you all law applies to you as if you were government, right? First amendment applies to you. I again I wasn't making an Oprah analysis, but I would suggest that it all in place. And in terms of indemnification, right, I think Br mentioned, did you mention that indemnification?

All right. Well, what's the role of the bureau to indemnify council members if they do handle their own personal uh sites and communicate uh government business on it? So, let's talk generally, right? If if and then the GIF and like So, if a government official is sued,

right? Um, if a government official is sued, the uh, first thing they do is they take that complaint that they've been served. They send it to Denise. Denise sends it to me. We all send it to the GIF, right? The joint insurance fund, which is who your insurance carrier is. Just like if one of you had a car accident, right? The first thing that you do if oh my god I got sued I got in a car accident you'd call your insurance agent you'd send that thing to State Farm

and then if you're smart you shut your mouth until State Farm told you what to do right so similarly if a council person or any elected official or in fact even in their capacity anybody who works in the office were sued that would all be done by the GIF. The GIF would make a determination as to whether they're going to cover that or not. They really have three options. They can decline coverage, they can agree to cover, or they can cover in some with a quote reservation of rights, which means we're going to cover you and we're going to provide a defense, but we we're going to reserve all rights just in case, which means they may not pay the claim is what that really means. And I think some of you were here when um his name escapes him was the former mayor uh Dave Fund. We had a couple of cases a few years ago. John, I think you were here.

What was the name? Dave Fund, the former mayor of Ridgewood. We had we had this is probably six, eight years ago. I'm drawing a He was here as the GIF attorney and we were responsible for the uh for the deductible. He came in as the GIF attorney for the 25,000

and he was a wonderful lawyer really first rate lawyer. So that would be the determination. You guys don't make the determination if someone is covered. the GIF does that. Having said that, if the GIF denies, then the elected official can come to you and say, "I know I've been denied by the GIF, but I would like you to indemnify me. I'd like you to cover my claim with taxpayer money." And of course, that would be a vote of the council as to whether you do that. The question would be is were the action it the question always comes back to the same is the action of the elected official did it cross the line into being an official statement or representation of the municipality and then in that capacity did they deprive a third party of their rights by censoring them or deleting them or deleting posts or

that stuff. I think we have a face we have a policy and as a borrow don't we have a the GIF has a Facebook policy and I remember several years ago we were very sensitive in adopting that policy and of course we adopted it but I don't think it contemplated um elected officials in quite this way but I I remember us having a lot of discussions about what the burrow Facebook page could do and and whoever runs the burrow Facebook page and what we could censor on the burrow Facebook page and the could we

would we allow comments to be made or just use it for outgoing information? Right. And again, I I Yeah, I don't it also stipulated what other um burrow employees could and couldn't do as far as creating their own pages, right? And of course, the reason you have a policy handbook mostly on policies like this, and there's dozens of them, right? Whether you've seen that handbook or not, I'm sure Denise has it somewhere. If you don't follow those policies, the GIF does not ensure you, right? You get those policies from the GIF and the MAL.

GIF joint insurance fund, MAL, Municipal Excess Liability Fund. That's who covers over and above the GIF. It's like the GIF's umbrella policy. And they create these policies. And we have a whole handbook of these policies that we have to comply with. And one of the questions a carrier makes when they find when they decide to defend you or not is did you comply with our policy? Right? Did you comply with the policy handbook? And of course, the one you probably know about the most is there's a really substantial police policy handbook, right? Over and above the employee policy handle. So that's the decision.

And Mark, obviously, if it just doesn't cover you and council denies it, you're on the hook for your cover yourself. Cover yourself. Just like if you had a car accident, you were uninsured. Okay. I I I don't mean to cut anybody else. Anybody else that hasn't been heard yet that wants to be heard from because I think we've kind of gone through this. at least the basis some stuff. We have a general basis. Is anybody else down here? Here. Okay. So, thank you very much. Why don't you come on back up and let's get on with the business of the business and we'll start with I'll wait till you come back. We're going to do a waiver 26118 a waiver of the reading of the budget in full at adoption. I know you guys really want to hear word for word the budget. Um can I get a motion to approve? Motion.

Second. Second. All those in favor? I I Is there anybody approved? Approved. Uh, is anybody opposed? No. Okay, we are waving that. Um, so we're going to have a public hearing on the 2026 municipal budget um as soon as possible there after as advertised. Okay. I'd like to get a motion to open the public hearing on the 2026 municipal budget. Motion to open. Second. Second. There we go. Okay, we have a second. All those in favor.

Okay. Anybody opposed? No. Okay. I'll now open the meeting to the public. If anyone desires to be heard regarding the 2026 municipal budget, please say your name and wait to be recognized. Once recognized, state your name and address for the record. Would anybody like to be heard on the 2026 budget? See nobody. Okay. Um, I would like to entertain a motion that the public hearing um be closed and that it resolved that a copy of the 2026 budget introduction was available to the general public at the Hillsdale Free Public Library, Burrow Hall, and online. Can I get a motion to close the hearing on the 2026 municipal budget? Motion to close. Second. Second.

All those in favor? I. Anybody opposed? Nobody. Okay. Municipal Budget Resolution 26119, the adoption of the 2026 Municipal Budget. Can I get a motion? Motion. Is there a second? Second. Second. Um, all those in favor? I. Anyone opposed?

No. Okay. We have adopted the 2026 budget. Okay. It's a public hearing. Um, all right. We next move the public hearing on the 2026 Bergen County Open Space and Recreation Flood Plan Protection Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program. Is there a motion? Can I get a motion to open the hearing on the 2026 Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Flood Plane Protection, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund? Motion open. Is there a second? I'll second. Okay. All those in favor? Hi.

Okay. We are now open uh to open the meeting to the public if anyone desires to be heard regarding the 2026 Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Flood Plane Protection, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, Memorial Park improvements. Please rec. Nobody wants to be heard. Okay. Mayor. Yes. Could I speak a few words on that just to kind of explain what the project is? Go ahead. Sure.

So, the um the 26 Bergen County Open Space Program. We have a grant application and this this public hearing is a requirement for that grant application. Um the project that is being proposed is the construction of inclusive ADA compliant playground equipment at the new memorial field. So we have an area slated aside for for a playground and we're seeking funding from Bergen County Open Space Program to construct a playground at that location. that program is a is a 50% match. So it's 50% burough funds and 50% B county open space funds given that we would get the grant. Um so that that's that's just like the basic overview of what the project is. I just wanted to mention that. So

okay, the grant itself is 346,000 or is that the total cost? We don't we don't know what the grant amount will be. um you know, we apply for for the full project cost and then whatever we get is so 346,000 is what you anticipate it might cost. Um so that's the request amount which with a 50% match. So uh we're we're estimating uh 602,000 construction costs. Um and then there's a percentage for professional services baked in there which is what B County Open Space allows. It's not we're not saying it's going to cost that much but that's just there's a percentage that they allow. Um and then total project that we submitted for in the grant was $692,300.

And I just wanted to make sure I've been told that even though the deadline for this was April 24th, that you have gotten reasonable assurances that we're we're okay. We we spoke we spoke with Nancy Wakowski at the Bergen County Open Space Program and she granted us permission to have the hearing after after Okay. Anybody in the public wish to be heard? Thank you. By the way, just for the record, Nick Gelios, our our engineer from Collier. Thank you, Nick. You're welcome. Uh, can I get a motion to close the public hearing on the 2026 Bergen County Open Space, Recreation, Flood Plane Protection, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, Memorial Park Improvements Program? Can I get a motion? Motion to close. Second. Who has second?

Me. Me. Anthony has seconded. All those in favor? I. Anyone opposed? Well, okay, there we go. Um trust fund application municipal endorsing resolution memorial park improvement program 26120 the application. Can I get a motion? Motions. Second. Second. All those in favor? I.

Anyone opposed? Okay, it passes. Public hearing on the repurposing of the 2022 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Municipal Park Improvement Program. Motion to open the public hearing on the repurposing of the 2022 Bergen County Open Space Recreation Flood Plane Protection Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Municipal Park Improvement Program. Motion. Second. Second. All those in favor? Anyone opposed? I will now open the public uh the meeting to the public if anyone desires to be heard. We have somebody. I don't even have to read the repurposing of the 2022. You're on up. Come on up.

Please state your name. Rick Cino, 64 Westdale, please.

Rick Ceino, 64 Westdale Avenue. I'd just like to remind the council that as this is allocated from Beachwood over to Memorial. The Beachwood Trail has not been finished. The observation platform has not been done. that was contemplated to be a classroom area um for scouts, schools to to have an observation area. And there's a few spots that would be very good for that. Um and the trail has the DPW is doing a great job of patching it together, but the trail is still in great need of replacement.

Um and it's it's it's a lot of work for them every year to patch it. Um, so as as we're moving it away from Beachwood, we're opening up another pushing off another necessary repair. I think there is another grant um the second application that was being tracked for a while, but that was two years ago. I don't know. Hopefully, it's been extended, but um I we there hasn't been a report on the status of that Beachwood number two matching money. So, just keep in, you know, we we should go back and and finish what we started instead of taking away. I think this money originally I had heard that it was going to be used on the bandell to finish the bandell project. um which is another need, but we're putting off all these necessaries. Thank you.

Thank you very much for your comments. Okay. Um anybody else like to be heard on it? I'd like to entertain a motion for the public hearing um hearing to be closed I um for the 2022 Bergen County Open Space Recreation Floodline Protection, Fireman, Historic Trust Fund, Municipal Park Improvements. Um can we close that hearing? Can I get a motion? Motion to close. Second. Second. All those in favor? I I. It is clo. Discussion is closed. 26121. The trust fund application municipal endorsing resolution balance transfer application. Can I get a motion? Motion. Second. Second. Those in favor? I.

I. Anyone opposed? Okay, that's that's the end of that section. We're going on to correspondence. Uh we have seven emails. Um, I don't know how much we have to to read them. Everybody here can read them. They're in the packets. I' I've read enough at the moment. But, um, can I get a motion to receipt and file all seven? Motion. Second. Second. All those in favor to file? I. Anyone opposed? No. Okay, great. Thank you very much. Consider that done. We're going to move on to the professional monthly reports. The burrow engineer first. Nick, we're going to hear from you again. Call yours, please. Thank you very much. Sure.

Um, all right. So, updates for tonight. We have the, uh, NJOT fiscal year 2025 project for the resurfacing of Liberty and Arcadia Way. That project we're currently scheduling pre-construction meetings for. It's not formally awarded yet, but it should be at the next meeting. Um, so we're we're scheduling pre-construction meetings for that. We're anticipating construction to start either late May, early June most likely for that. Um, we have also the next year's DOT grant application that we're preparing currently. So the the roads that are being tabled for that is Dwight AB from Broadway to Kinder, Riverdale Street, from Ralph AB to Lincoln. Um, and that is that application is due July 1. So we're currently putting that application package together to the DOT for your reservicing program. Um, in addition to that, we just completed the burrow's t permitting, which is a requirement. Every year you have to do annual reporting uh to the D for your TA permit. Uh, so we just finished that. When we when we do that, we go through all the areas that the burrow is non-compliant, and we prepare a memo, which is kind of like an internal compliance audit to tell you any areas that you're not in compliance with the permit and how you fix it essentially. So, that's that's what we're working on now. That'll be issued in a couple weeks. uh the stormwater wershed improvement plan which is another piece of of tier 8 compliance for the D that uh is being wrapped up for phase one. So that's going to get submitted to the D over the next couple weeks. They'll review it probably suggest some changes and then we we finalize those changes from there. Um there's also phase two of that that's due at the end of this year. So we'll start that as soon as phase one is approved. Uh and then lastly, Memorial Field, which I know everyone likes to give updates about. Uh construction is progressing well. Uh they're they're wrapping up most of the

retaining wall work. There's still two smaller walls remaining to be built, but the one really big wall is getting finished up along Hopper Washington. Washington. Oh, okay. The one along Washington. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Along Washington. So that that's the wall that they're currently finishing, which is the biggest wall in the project. Once they have that, all the soil that they're currently stockpiling in the middle of the site, they use to back fill that wall. It frees up a ton of empty space in the middle, they can do a lot of the work in the middle of the field once that wall done. So, once we finish that, you're going to see stuff start to move really quickly. Um, I know that Clemente will ask me the the schedule, so I'll just get ahead of that and say it. Um, as of right now, it's it's tracking like most likely this will go into July.

Um, I know it's not what everybody wants to hear, but that's the reality. Um, you know, it's it's possible it gets finished a little bit earlier than that, but that's kind of where it looks like it's the date. It's sometime in July. It's unclear. There's no He didn't put a pin in a certain day, but it's looking like July. Sometime Nick, is that is that July with playground and guardrails or is that July just field? Uh, that that would be July substantial completion. So, like to the point where you could play on the field, but there still would be some amenities and things that need to be installed after. landscaping would be installed. Yeah. Things like that, like the the finishing touches essentially, but you'd be able But we we'd be able to utilize it as as a field for activities by that point,

but the timeline for the playground would differ. Yeah, the playground timeline is is going to operate kind of independently to the project because it's being installed by different vendors. So, we don't really have that nailed down yet. We're working on on trying to progress it at the same time, but and even the the playground will be in phases just because we can't afford the whole thing at once. So we may have one section this year and we'll put some more money for next year to be added. The flooring is becoming very expensive. Uh so it's not going to be and then we have the donation a very generous donation but still we have to budget for next year to add two to it.

Does anybody else have any questions for the engineer that goes to offset cost? Correct. That's the intention. And and you're aware one at a time. All right. And Nick, you're aware of the work that's going to happen with the fieldhouse, right? Um which which work? The interior renovations. Yeah. Yeah. Anyone else? When and when do you anticipate completion? Total completion or um usually it's another couple weeks after Oh, that's not bad. Yeah, it's literally it's it's essentially just making it look pretty at the end. Getting some of the amenities in, you know, some leisures, things like that that may not be there right away. Yeah.

But but you're that date in July is for when we will hear lots of kids playing on that field. That's that's that's what it is tracking as right now. And adults playing softball probably. But no dogs. No dogs. No dogs on the tracks. No dogs. Okay. We just lost Bobby. I think we did. Okay. Well, we have him in spirit. Um, thank you, Nick. Chief Woods. Hello, sir. See if this works. Good. Thank you. How you guys doing? He's back.

All right. So, uh the monthly report for April 2026, I'll start community policing. Uh we did a coffee with a cop event. Um we had a child uh the schools they participate in a drive your child to school day. They they auction it off. We had uh not auction it off, they it's like a raffle part of one of their uh programs in the school. We drove one of the children to school. And then we also just stick ahead of it too is May but I'll talk about it now as it was already mentioned. We did a ebike or a bicycle in general assembly at Georgia Middle School uh concentrated towards ebikes. We also touched on e- scooters and uh general bicycle safety for a standardized bike um which went over pretty well. We thank uh superintendent Lombardi you know for all the uh participation with that. Uh, as far as the PD goes, we had 718 calls for service, 110 motor vehicle stops, 21 motor vehicle accidents. Uh, we conducted nine selective enforcement details, and 26 parking enforcement details. Uh, we responded to 49 medical calls. We had 46 written warnings issued, 22 summones issued, two adult arrests, and 144 school and business property checks completed. Our detective bureau investigated 53 cases, closed 37 uh which resulted in four charges. Uh one indictable out of those four and our firearms unit who was a slow month two investigations for firearms IDs and permits.

Any questions of the chief? Maybe chief do you want to touch on hopper since we talked about memorial? There was a request to put no parking on permit for for right. And then the recommendation is to only do one side on that. Yeah. Which I believe is already there. Um after doing some research on I believe we have one side parking um already. I got to double check, but I'm 99% sure it's already there. Um doing no parking there in general just be tough with the field going in. You know, it's going to be bigger than it was prior and we already had overflow parking there for the events. So if we were to close that off, it's just going to push that problem to a different area.

They're going to they're going to park somewhere else. But we'll make sure one side is no parking. Correct.

Okay. And then as far as uh the only other thing I continue to ask is that overnight parking, we we get complaints on it. Um some good, some bad, some calls about it, you know, thank thankful, some the opposite. um just ask that everyone realizes that we do have a overnight parking ordinance and we also have an overnight parking uh module on our website that a lot of people are using. So the general public drives around and sees vehicles parked the assumption is that they're they're parking in violation which is not true. Um as long as they are registered on that overnight parking module we could see that they registered properly they are allowed to park. I know it's a assumption driving around from a resident that they see all these cars parked. It doesn't mean that they're illegally parked.

Did we ever address the idea that that module was less than optimized for user friendliness, for lack of a better term? I think we looked at prefilling the field. So if you fill out once, the next time you go be pre-filled. I don't think they were able to do anything. No, the what we do what we and it's we can modify it however we want. The autofill part of it doesn't exist in the system. Uh we talked to the actual company that does it. They would have to rewrite the program. But what we ended up doing was instead of every three nights having to reenter your information, we extended it to one month. Oh, okay. So, if somebody does it, that's a great if somebody wants it, you know, if it's a long-term thing for that house,

uh the idea behind that was they're only doing it once a month. you know, 12 time 12 times a year is a lot better than every three days, right? Yeah. But the other side of that coin is there's long-term parking and it also opens it up to everybody else to do that too. Okay. So, is there a limit to how many? We can limit it. We don't have anything in place. There isn't one. Yeah. But so, because I know you said three days, that was the initial concept. You moved away from that. So, now anybody who puts in is going to put in for one month. They can they can put in for a day, but they can also if it's a long-term thing for that household, they can put it in for a month. And how many times can they renew? Just like, you know, Yeah, it's unlimited right now. Unlimited? Yep. You don't see that as an issue?

Uh, it's up to you all. If it it doesn't affect us, it's always, you know, it's no different than someone calling us every night, which they used to do. Um, if you'd like to limit it and put a put a cap on it, there's some towns that allow three requests a year, you know, four requests a year and then it's an automatic denial. We don't have anything uh in that system right now to deny. Yeah. And I think that there's some residents with ongoing issues that don't get resolved in a day or month. That's one of the the reasons behind allowing it to go if there's construction or something. I mean, that's clearly understandable. And if he ever got a request such as that, I'm sure the mayor and council would be, you know,

would listen and say it's not an issue with the BA actually would probably get the the observation from you first that person A just keeps putting in. Yep. If there's a good reason. I don't have a problem with it, but I I I get a little worried about the person who's just going to wipe it month after month after month after month and it never, you know. Yeah, that's the reality of Ken. Yeah, I'm sure it's going to happen. Yeah, the question is what do we do? Well, well, the question is it becomes if it becomes pervasive, then it's something then we'll deal with it. Then we'll have to deal with it. But right now, that doesn't seem to be the case. Can and can we rely on you, Chief, to let us know when that pervasiveness starts to show up on your radar screen? Yes. Yeah.

Can you pull a report from that platform? Yeah, we can pull and see who's, you know, generally it's the same households that are requesting long-term. are not seeing the general public just putting in months, you know, at a shot. But okay. Yeah, there's there is no that's the the only misconception is we do have no overnight parking. However, if you request it, you are approved outside of a storm or a parade or something like that. You are going to get approved. Yeah. Okay. Just curious like does dispatch see that list or does a officer need to go? It's the officers. It does. Yeah. They all have it on their on their computers and the vehicles. Yep. Okay. Anyone else? Thank you, Chief. Thank you.

I assume the BA will be giving the DPW report for the superintendent.

Yeah. Uh it's mostly about the fields. They've been busy uh with the drainage on the fields. There were some broken lines that they repaired being repaired. Uh we do have it's not on here but we do have issues with coaches and uh sports uh coaches uh playing with uh the sprinkler system shutting it off or changing the timing or uh you know pulling uh the plug. So we're addressing that with the with the president. Uh we had people actually going in and telling uh the workers the crew the DPW on how to operate the machinery. So we took care of that. they can't talk to the employees. Uh so uh the the president and uh the associations are being very responsive with that. Uh we're doing the grass cutting. We're preparing for Memorial Day uh parade. Uh pothole repairs. Uh we're doing the storm water basin repairs. We're working on signs. We do have many old signs uh faded. So we're taking an inventory and we'll be changing them uh gradually. Um we have a special event stop the soot grant is underway. That is where we are giving up one diesel truck and we will be getting a electric sweeper. U so that's in progress. Respectfully submitted bar.

We're going to be submitting we're going to be purchasing Yes. With a grant electric. Yes. Electric sweeper. Is it a ma matching grant or we're just getting? No. No. The whole thing that's not that's not shared. That's ours. It it's ours. We can't share it or right made revenue generating with as is as it's been the case. Weren't we contracting with the municipality of Pamis Pamis and Westwood at one time to do it. So we would have our own then we can right and and that also will afford us the ability to do it more often and make it the possibility of Okay. Okay. Any questions for the acting head of the DPW? No.

Thank you. It is time for committee reports. Let's start at this end with Councilman Camp. Committee report, please. Thank you, Mayor. Uh just real real short tonight uh for the pool. The registration for the season is still open. I uh registered myself. Very excited to get out there and the open house. Uh the Stonyie Brook Pool Committee invites all the council members to check out the open house next Saturday on May 16th. And that's the my entire report. Wow. Okay. Didn't even get my water in there. Um Council Kleta, you're next. Are you in a position that you'd like to give a report on the phones? No, given I'm on the phone, I'll keep my updates in the next meeting.

Okay. Okay. Councilman D. Rosa. Uh so the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service, U Bie Sally, Council President Oso and I met with four representatives of the Ambulance Corps um to discuss options for acquiring a second ambulance as I mentioned previously um that would enable us to build insurance companies um and and bring revenue in to help um continue the process, right?

Purchase new ambulances. Um, so it it looks pretty promising. The BA has some homework to do, but uh that's where he left off there. The regional board of education, uh, they approved their budget. Uh, and there was also a pretty decent amount of discussion as to outsourcing the custodians. Um, students, custodians themselves and parents expressed that uh, they feel the current in-house custodians are al also like a second layer of security. Um, and they would they have urged to find other ways to cut the budget, but as we know that's difficult sometimes. Um the uh yeah, the local board of education approved their uh their budget as well. That's going to be a $1,11 average home increase in taxes. Um

could you repeat that number again? Yeah. One zero z one1. That's the the local school board. Yeah. Yeah. So that's the that's the tax increase plus the bond the last part of the bond. So it's everything. Yeah. We knew it was coming. And uh it's also teacher appreciation week. Not to take anything away from our world clerk, but uh all the teachers are thank all the teachers for all the work they do. Uh that's all I have right now. I I I'd like to ask a question first with it. with respect to the ambulance and the um discussion about a second rig which would allow us for balance billing and to set that program up. Y um

was the discussion had because I know Rivervale is doing that. They're buying a second rig. Um, and since they are under our umbrella, wouldn't we then wouldn't that negate the need for us to buy our own second rig, which is obviously very expensive, and do that balance billing because I think that the rig that they currently have in Rivervale, they're going to give to the volunteers and buy a new rig. Yeah, that that's one of the options that's being explored, but they're already doing it, right? Uh, I was under the impression of So, they're buying this. So they're buying a rig and they will give the title to the bor of Riverale for the old rig and then they give it to us and

so so I I I guess I'm kind of confused about what the need is to to continue a discussion about us purchasing one if we're going to get one into the system for no cost. What's the where's the push back? It was a possibility. I think where everybody's kind of gravitating towards is if the insurance model works in two years that would generate enough income to buy a new ambulance and and the Riverbell one, which is has a little miles on it, we wouldn't need anymore. It depends also on what will be in the old rig that we get back from Rivervale. If it has the structure alone is $120,000.

Well, yeah. No, I get it. I mean, I I've s I've seen some models where some towns are wrapping a second rig that really isn't even kind of operable in order to be able to put the balance building and be able to use that one rig. Not anymore, mayor. This has to pass inspection by the state and they do uh first inspection and then they do annual inspections. Okay. So, it it it has to operate. It has to be on the road. It has to be fully uh complete with all equipment. As as far as what we're using now, are we utilizing how often do do we know how often we're utilizing a second rig during the course of a of a of a day? I know the am service has that. I they have the capacity to do it. I know. But I mean, is it

I think they actually they gave us numbers last night. I don't have it with me, but they have pretty extensive response. Uh I know they're excellent. I don't I don't doubt that at all. I just wanted to know if if there was Okay, we have some work to do on on the financing and uh should they buy one? Should we lease one? Should we not buy one? And then the optics of raising taxes to buy one and then build the residents back. Well, we wouldn't. We first of all, balance billing wouldn't require that. Well, you have to build insurance, right? Yes, it's not. But it's not. The residents aren't making a co-ay. So there's so okay look we'll get into the details of it later I I

there's still work to do okay I think I was involved in that conversation I think with regards to the rigs it was useful nice usefulness of and useful life of the rigs by which we have seven and 11 years right which we're extended beyond that so okay thank you and I know that you had had a question did you want to comment on it comment that you No that was that was actually oh that's what you wanted to Please, please call us. You have a certain life in the Sure. Okay. Um, I'm up. You're up. I'll take uh Mr. Camp's time and Klet's time. Well, Kleti is is already passed on, right?

So, I just announced some uh library happenings. Uh, the Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission will be conducting a blood pressure screening test at the Hillsdale Free Public Library from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the following days, May 6th, September 2nd, October 7th, and November 7th. Uh, the screening includes a health history evaluation, blood pressure measurement, individualized counseling and education, referral, and confidential consultation with a public health nurse. Uh some of us up here may be able to uh take advantage of that, right? Um uh the Hillsdale Public Library is also celebrating its 90th anniversary with the Get to Know Your Shelf Bingo Challenge. Uh this yearong event is open to all residents, uh featuring specific bingo boards for adults, teens, and children. Uh the event ends on December 31st, 2026. Participants will be able to complete reading goals and library activities to earn prizes for single lines and full board completions. A wonderful way for our families to engage with our local history and foster a communitywide love for reading. I encourage everyone to visit the library, pick up a card, and join in celebrating this historic milestone for our burough. Um, with regards to the environmental commission, uh, the environmental commission assisted with an Earth Day tree planting celebration by Daisy Girl Scout Troop 99133 on April 23rd. A substantial oak tree was donated by a local landscaper was planted on a vacant blue uh, acres lot on Hazlewood Avenue behind the library. Uh, Mayor Shyfield, uh, myself and Councilman Marco along with Fred uh, Rubel uh, participated.

You just buried the lead. You didn't talk about the song. Oh, the song. And and Yeah. Right. The tree song. And John Rugo belted out a song. Uh trees. Oh god. Um you want to share some of that with us? I'll pass. Okay. It's painful. Thank you. Okay. With support of the Hillsdale Board of Education,

the environmental commission participated in Arbor Arbor Day tree planting on April 24th at the Metobrooks Middle School that included burrow officials. A river birch tree donated by Victoria's Nursery on behalf of Raymond Brothers Landscaping at the request of EC member uh vice chair Scott Raymond was obtained and planted by the burough's public works department. tree seedlings uh distribution event which uh Rick Savino was uh in attendance. Um led by commission member Owen Peacock. Um the environmental commission distributed 100 red oak and 50 eastern red bud tree seedlings to residents on May 2nd for planting. The seedlings were obtained from the state's forestry service farm using funds from the burrow's shade tree donation account. Uh and then uh this uh Saturday, May 16th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the West parking lot, uh with the help from Boy Scout Troop 108 and the DPW, the Environmental Commission will conduct the first styrofoam collection drive for residents under a shared service agreement with Bridgewick. Okay. Then uh just a quick update for the Office of Emergency Management. Uh, representatives Matt Yuser and John Ajarian recently attended the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Conference in Atlantic City. The team participated in several specialized training sessions and established valuable connections with state officials and neighboring emergency management professionals to enhance our local preparedness. The OEM continues to work closely with our local schools and critical infrastructure facilities to refine evacuation emergency response protocols. Our primary focus remains on Pasc Valley High School, ensuring that our most populated facilities have robust, up-to-date safety plans in place. And uh just to announce an upcoming event on June 8th at approximately 9:15 a.m.,

Pascal Valley High School will host Project Crash. The purpose of this is it's a high impact simulated motor vehicle accident involving students. It is designed to demonstrate the sobering realities and dangers of driving under the influence, particularly as we approach prom and graduation season. The massive training and educational exercise will feature a full-scale response from all Hillsdale Emergency Services in coordination with Riverville units and Hackinack paramedics. Our residents should be aware that a medevac helicopter is scheduled to participate in the simulation to provide the most realistic training environment possible for our first responders and students. And then uh next week I'll provide an update on the police police committee meeting that we had last month and just an update on the officer on loan program.

Okay. Um could you just give me the time again for project crash at 9:15? Approximately 9:15 a.m. on June 8th. June 8th. Yep. It's a great program. It really is. Um I recommend it. But it's chance to do it, Congress. Oh, Congress. Councilwoman, okay, I'll take it. Um, okay. We'll start with No.

Okay. We'll start with Revolution 250. So, on April 16th, I met with the 250th committee and shared with them that Hillsdale will be incorporating the 250th anniversary celebration into this year's Memorial Day parade. Uh, we've purchased commemorative flags to help highlight the occasion. has a big 250 on it and we're trying to see if we could pull in some other elements as well. We're also uh going to tie in the 250th into our summer concert series. Um working on securing an Americana band for uh Veterans Park and uh some country music. So, we'll see uh those things and dates will be posted soon. Um and more information and announcements will be shared by the bureau soon. Um let's move on to economic development. We hosted a breakfast on April 17th at 8 a.m. super early meeting with the new members of the economic development advisory committee. The goal was to walk through our mission, outline how they can contribute and set expectations around time commitment and involvement. It was really great. It was a productive meeting. Uh the new members include Doug Bagwell, Stacy Eliov, Ashoke Ginde, Je uh Jeff Hansen, Nicole Class, Alan Met Metsler, uh Alan Snotnik, and Wayne Silverman. Uh we were super impressed with the group. Everyone brings a strong background and willingness to contribute. uh and a little bit more information about it is this newly formed development uh economic development advisory committee will serve as a collective body focused on promoting sustainable economic growth, supporting local businesses and enhancing the overall vitality of the community. This committee works will work closely with municipal leadership, the residents business community to identify opportunities, address challenges and recommend initiatives that will again strengthen the local economy while preserving Hillsdale's character. Um in the meeting we also discussed initial objectives and action items for our next meeting. This committee will be meeting on a monthly basis uh moving forward. So very excited for this uh group.

Uh let's move on to recreation. We met last night on uh May 4th. We already got some updates from Nick on Memorial Field, but uh anticipated early early July opening. Um and uh Clemens already updated us on HBSA and the some fieldhouse upgrades including maybe a functional kitchen.

Yep. Great. And then coordinating also with HBSA to upgrade the batting cages. Um as far as Beachwood event, there is a proposed event. Uh we're exploring the opportunity again to tie it in with the 250 of uh hosting a World Cup watching event on the 19th with the Hillsdale Soccer Association. and Luc Cassell is working closely with Dan Ki trying to currently get a projector screen and working through logistics and securing vendors. So, crossing fingers that could happen. It would be a really great last day of school celebration as well as 250 and celebrating our our country in a great sport. Uh community center ribbon cutting was last week. It was a really great turnout for all the residents. Um you know, big shout out to Dan and Jill. They did a phenomenal job and and Patty, I mean, they really got that um in a really great place. there was uh tours that were provided by Piermont which were well attended um and now there are currently programs running consistently Monday through Thursday uh without any issues so it's been great uh sports season's been underway approximately halfway through um programs are all running smoothly including track and volleyball uh summer programming there's a brochure that will be released on the 15th of May so be on the lookout for that and that will also include the concerts in the brochure Uh I think we've touched on the Memorial Day parade already, but it's on May 25th. The ceremony is at 9:30 and the parade will begin at 10:30. They are looking for um any groups or volunteers that would like to walk in the parade. So just reach out to Dan. Also, he's been coordinating with the American Legion, Fire, Police, and DPW.

Don't forget our pancakes.

Don't forget the pancakes. That's true. Uh last night, we also had a resident uh two residents actually, a son and father. They showed up from um Everyone Wins Baseball. So, we heard from a Pasak Valley High School senior, his name is Ian Weinstein, who founded Everyone Wins Baseball along with his father, Jay Weinstein, who serves as his adviser. Uh Ian piloted the program last year with the help of other PV students. And the program is designed for children with special needs in grades six through 12. Uh focuses on skill building and drills in a supportive environment. Ian is working with PV counselors to make this an official club where high school juniors and seniors can sign up to serve as mentors. Uh there is also interest in expanding this program to include Pasak Hills High School. They came before the rec commission last night to ask for support and the commission was very receptive and voted in favor of moving forward. The next step is for our rec director Dan Conte to review insurance requirements and associated costs after which this will come to the governing body for further consideration. And that's it. Anyone have any questions?

Is it true that there's going to be a Queen cover band? There's going to be Queen. I didn't want to say it, but there might have Queen. Okay, you ruined the surprise. And we should also thank um the Insera Shopight once again. Yes. Been the gold platinum whatever it is standard. They are they are just so generous to our town. They really are.

They've done such a great job. So, thank you to them. Um can't thank you enough. Thank you, mayor. Um, the access for all committee met on April 27th. Uh, they reported on the art show of progress that's going to take place this Thursday at 6:30 at the library. Uh, there'll be a reception. Uh, and they asked me to reiterate that you're all invited to attend. Um, they talked about their zoo program uh, which was completed, but the attendance was disappointing. I think they'll be re-examining how to correct that if they are going to have it again uh next year at Vansorn Zoo because that's where they held it. Um the presentation that Melissa uh alluded to by Jay Weinstein was also made at the access for all committee uh where it was received very favorably. I won't describe the program. You've already done a good job of that. Um and um their next meeting is May 18th for the access for all board of health met on April 22nd. Uh they talked about their preparations for the fall festival. Uh apparently there is they've sent out invitations to emergency personnel uh to attend their meeting of June 16th, but I'm not sure that that's going to take place. Either they haven't heard or I'm not sure exactly what that status is. I don't think they're sure either. Um and finally, they discussed a an issue of a house that was is a a definite hoarding situation on the um east side of town. Um, seniors, there was a senior lunch at the Hiltdale Community Center on April 15th. Uh, it's clear, and I think BA's well aware of this, there's a demonstrated clear need for sound reduction techniques to be employed in that location. Um, they've voiced that many times to me,

but no one can hear you. I'm sorry. No one can hear you. No one can hear me. Yes. Uh, not at that. Not in that building. That's what I meant. Nobody can hear you. uh um you know when when people on a table have a hard time talking to each other above the echoes, it's clear that there's a need for some sort of acoustic carpeting or tile ceiling tiles.

Uh and that was the only complaint. They love the uh the community center. Um their next meeting of the Forever Young program is May 14th at 11:30 in the community center and they also have a senior lunch planned for May 20th at 11:30 at the center. Uh finally, the finance committee, although it did not meet, uh we have the pleasure of uh showing you. I think you all got copies of the perspectus of our of our bond, 12-year bond. Um so it was issued, I guess it was May 1st, Dave. Um our long-term bond rating is double A+. uh it has been reaffirmed uh by the rating agencies and it will assist us when we go to market uh in the future if we have to go to market again.

Are we able to I thought we were able to piggyback also on the counties through the BCIA they are triple rated if we chose to there's not an advantage to us to do that. Okay. Yeah. Just wanted to put it out there.

Yeah. the the bond is what $9.5 million is that roughly um it's very favorable rating in comparison to municipalities around the nation and even in in New Jersey. Um and we would have been considered for a AAA rating uh had it not been for what they said was a modest level of decline in our reserves something which the members of the finance committee have discussed uh are aware of and uh and have plans to address going forward. Um that's all borrow administrator Gasali.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh just quickly on the budget we passed with the with the uh the adoption. We have some more work to do. I think we did backwards but we'll fix that. Uh the 2026 budget though it looks nicely packaged um and uh all uh in front of you is a responsible and balanced budget. It was the most challenging budget I've worked with. uh because of the health insurance and uh some of the cost there. We did pursue several shared service opportunities to generate to generate revenue and reduce cost. Although we were forced to make very difficult decisions uh relating to staff uh the depart the department heads uh and the staff worked together throughout the process. uh as a result we were able to produce an operating budget that is lower than last year's and uh and to present you with the current plan which actually puts us in a good position uh for next year. Also, I want to thank our CFO David Young, he's here with us today and his staff as well as all the members of the finance committee for their diligence, their time, their guidance, uh their talent throughout throughout the process. Uh there are two resolutions for your approval tonight uh for additional shared services. Uh 26122 is a shared uh fire inspector with Westwood. Uh our fire inspector resigned about 6 months ago. Uh and then we will just be using Westwood uh to supply us with an inspector. And then uh uh 26127 also shared service with Westwood to provide them with mechanic services for their police cars only. Um for the community center uh in addition to thanking Dan County, Jill, and Patty, I also want to thank Sarah

Armstrong for securing us a brand new baby grand piano. It's a long-term loan. We didn't notice you playing it. I was messing around with it. Yeah. Okay. I don't know if that's playing, but uh it's a beautiful, you know, uh mahogany. Uh also, uh the community center ribbon cutting uh committee which includes Jerry Bey, Sarah, and members, uh of the staff. We do have to do some sound treatment. We're looking into a few options. Uh we do have to do it and uh I think we have someone a professional coming in to take a look at how to resolve it. It it does. The sound was bouncing up and down um between carpets.

Even in the small rooms, the meeting rooms were doing the same even with the carpet. Yes. Yes. Do you know what a challenge it is to be in a room full of a hundred seniors screaming at each other? Yeah. No, that's Congress. That's what That's Congress. No, Congress is a bunch of juniors. That's why I have somewhere. Okay, great. Thanks. Any questions? I hope everybody's Anybody have any questions of the BA? I have a quick question about the the health insurance costs which was the primary driver of the expense, right? Uh we had talked about taking some steps. Yes. Uh can can you just uh discuss that real quick where we are with that? So we actually we did what what do they anticipate this year for health insurance increase for next year?

Okay. So we did hire a consultant that's going to take us through the high deductible uh insurance plans and they're collecting data right now. they they'll they'll come and make a presentation to the staff and then sit oneon-one and talk through the process. Uh same plans, same doctors. U you the plan has to be better same or or or better for us to take it. Uh and then we would supply the employees with uh health card that we would uh put HSA something

something like that that they can use toward the deductible toward the co-pays. All in all, they uh the employees will save money and the town will save money. Uh we're looking in the order of 200 to 300,000 200 to $300,000 in savings if everyone takes it, including the police, DPW, the unions. And that's the plan for next year. As of for this year, nothing will happen. It is expected an additional 20% increase for next year if we don't do anything. the state insurance plan and no one else will take us because we're on on the high side. Uh so that means our cost to ratio the premium ratio is above one.

Yeah. Our loss ratio is 136%. Right. That's way over I think they only want to do like 95%. They need to do below 100% so they can make Yeah, that's that's a big loser for them. Okay. Okay. Any other questions for the BA? Okay. Okay, everybody get used to my voice because we're going to ordinance time. Okay.

Ordinance 2614 for adoption. Ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit and to establish a cap bank. Be it resolved that ordinance 2614 entitled Ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit and to establish a cap bank having hereby been read by title shall have a hearing held on this day. Can I get a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 2614? Second. All those in favor I

be resolved that this ordinance known as 2614 be passed on the final reading um and notice of the adoption of set ordinance be published on the official website according to law. Anybody want to be heard? Seeing nobody, can I get a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance 2614? Motion. That was quick. Second. Second. Okay. All those in favor? I I It is closed. Motion to adopt 2614. Motion to adopt. Second. Second. All those in favor? I council Mlety also mumbled it. He wants to get on. He's in on it. Yeah. Adopted. 265. Yeah, we got you. Don't worry.

We heard you. We don't want to We don't want to miss you out. 2615. An ordinance to provide and determine the maximum rate, amount, and method of payment of the compensation to persons holding certain office and positions of employment in the borrow of Hillsdale, county of Bergen, state of New York. New York, New Jersey. Yeah. Well, we almost moved. Be it resolved that ordinance 2615 entitled an ordinance to provide and determine the maximum rate, amount, and method of payment of compensation to persons holding certain office and positions of employment in the Bor of Hills County of Bergen, state of New Jersey. Having hereby been read by title, shall have a hearing held on this date. Motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 2615. Motion open. Second. Second. Those in favor? I.

Would anybody like to be heard on 26:15? Having seeing that nobody would like to be heard on it? Uh, be it resolved that the ordinance notice 26:15 be passed on final reading and that a notice of adoption of said ordinance be published on the official burough website according to law. Can I get a motion to close the public hearing on ordinance 2615? Motion to close. Second. Second. Those in favor? I. Great. Um, okay. Motion to adopt 2615. Motion. Second. Second. Those in favor? I I.

Anyone opposed? 2615 is adopted. 2616 for adoption. the capital ordinance to appropriate the sum of $300,000 for the improvement of Liberty Avenue and Arcadia Way in, by and for the Burrow of Hillsdale in the county of Bergen State of New Jersey and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from a state grant and from the capital improvement fund of the burrow. Can I get a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance 2616? Motion. Second. Second. Those in favor? I I

uh we're open to the public. Would anybody like to be heard? Seeing no one, be it resolved that ordinance 20 known as 2616 be passed on final reading and that a notice of adoption of said ordinance be published on the official borrow website according to law. Can I get a motion to close the public hearing on 2016? There's a motion. Can I get a second? Second. All those in favor? I. Anyone's opposed? There's nobody opposed. All right. Now we're going to move to adopt 2616. Can I get a motion to adopt? Motion. Second. Second. All those in favor? I. Anyone opposed?

We are adopted. 2617 for introduction. Capital ordinance of the Burrow of Hillsdale in the county of Bergen, New Jersey, authorizing the undertaking of various improvements to Stony Brook Swim Club in, by, and for the swim pool utility of the burrow. Appropriating therefore the sum of $62,500 and providing that such sum so appropriate shall be raised from the swim pool utility capital improvement fund. Be it resolved that ordinance 2617 entitled capital ordinance of the burrow of Hillsdale in the county of Bergen, New Jersey, authorizing the undertaking of various improvements to Stony Brook Swim Club in, by, and for the swim pool utility of the burrow. appropriating therefore the sum of $62,500 and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from the swim pool utility capital improvement fund is hereby introduced by title. Be it further resolved that the burough clerk is hereby directed to advertise set ordinance with a hearing date of June 9th, 2026 of the official burrow website under public notices on the website. Can I get a motion for introduction?

Motion. Second. Second. All those in favor to introduce I I. Anyone opposed? It's introduced. We are now moving on to the consent agenda. Resolutions 26122 through 26130. Would anybody like to remove something from the consent agenda? Okay. I don't see anybody. Can I get a motion to pass the consent agenda? Motion. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor? I. Anyone opposed? The consent agenda is passed. Public comment. It is now time on Oh, hand is up again. Jerry, we're going to see you again. Okay, come on up.

Hi again. Uh Jerry Bey, 64 Westell Avenue, Hillsdale. Um I just wanted to uh address the comment some some things that uh Councilman Ruko had said at the beginning of the meeting. um in his comment. Uh I I read that Facebook thing that was taken down and I just wanted to say that I actually thought it had been posted in error maybe because um he had mentioned to me that he seldom posts on he just reads Facebook and I thought maybe it was addressed to who it was posted to. Um, so I was kind of surprised tonight that it actually was an intentional post to be made public as a mom of u that was an Eagle Scout uh post comment um about an Eagle Scout project in town. As the mom of three Eagle Scouts, I was um kind of surprised that uh comments that would make that more of a political um statement uh it seemed very inappropriate. uh maybe uh start your own thread of a comment, but to post it where um something about an Eagle Scout project seemed personally to me to be offensive. Um I'd like to let the C remind the council there's a lot of new people here, but previously we did have a council member who had three Facebook pages um and maintain them and there never seemed to be a comment or a concern about that historically from the council. Um, lastly, I'd like to address Councilman Rico's comment about not knowing why the Hillsdale 125th anniversary page still exists. I'm glad I'm here tonight because I am the administrator of that page, and maybe I can help enlighten him. Um, uh, I I do continue to post information about Hillsdale's history and current events, and I share items from multiple sources. If anybody here on the council has a Facebook page and writes something about Hillsdale and its history, I would be glad to share that. Um, I wanted to

actually ask uh Councilman D. Rosa if it's okay to share his photos that he does. Uh, because we have a growing number of followers now and um, uh, people with long history of Hillsdale seem to follow and they would love to know about what's going on. Um, the Hillsdale 125th Anniversary Committee is a private nonprofit, not townrun organization. We received zero funds from the town. We are a group of volunteers who donated our time to celebrate his Hillsdale's 125th anniversary with activities throughout the year 2023. We actually began working on this committee in 2021 and we laid the last two bricks in 2025. We do plan to donate funds that are remaining towards the community center um possibly for a display case and also we've talked about the mitigating of the sound problem. Um uh hopefully we will continue to be a group with God's help um that will continue to be involved in the life of Hillsdale until we pass the torch to the 150th anniversary committee for their programs in 2048. Thank you.

Wow. Thank you. Would anybody else like to be heard from the public on any item of their We're We're very big on 64 Westdale Avenue today.

Very on a different subject. Um I just want to remind the council not to let the cell tower problem get pushed into the background. A lot of people seem happy. the correspondence tonight. People were pleased with the result. But on our street, a toddler fell just within the past week. Severe PE bleed. Mom could not call out to 911. She had to leave the house, leave the child inside to get help. It's unacceptable that 911 does not work on the east side of town. It's It works, but it's not reliable. I know I have to go in and get on my Wi-Fi connection um when I get home. So, um please do, you know, do our due diligence. When this all started at when the bell made their that initial bid, I had commented that night and my comment was that it was the best it was the least worst alternative to put it there in Stonybrook. And having listened to all the experts, I still don't I'm I'm not convinced small cells have are not a solution. Um other locations are aren't going to have the coverage that you know that site seemed to work, but hopefully you know can do some more research and we've got to solve the problem. There will be an emergency. Great. The good news is the toddler's fine. He got ambulance took him to the hospital. He got his stitches and that one ended okay well but the next one may not and people are have can't are having a real difficult time calling out.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Anybody else? There's only one person left. You don't want to be heard. You're okay. Silent in the in the in the corner. Okay. Great. Um we're going to go on to council comments and mayor. Excuse me. uh for the next meeting. Can we put the subwoofer on for discussion? We can talk about it for next steps and Well, I I'm actually going to address some of it. It's it's commentary stuff. So, I'm going to okay

go into some of that stuff. Um I go first. So, it will seem like at some point that you and I discussed this, but we did not. So, that's later on. But once again, ad nauseium, I'm going to talk first about the new community center, which was a phenomenal launch. Um, Congressman Godheimer and County Executive Tedesco um, acknowledged the openings um, and sent representatives in their absence. The congressman was in Washington and the county executive was introducing the company's annual budget to the board of commissioners, which is why the commissioners sent their regrets and were not able to attend as well. However, state senator Holly Shapzy was able to attend and she came with a frame certificate from the state senate in Trenton and that was just really wonderful of her to do. Um, it was old home week. Former Councilman Frank Pisella was in attendance. He was on the council when the idea of redeveloping the industrial park took hold and he was an early champion of the concept. It was wonderful to see our former colleague Janetta Dimmuk, yes pronounced correctly, in attendance as well. It was her first public appearance since getting out of the hospital

and I was so moved to have her there that I asked her to help me cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony. Thumbs up, Janetta. Good things. Former mayor Timmy O'Reilly was there. Right now, Timmy's busy coordinating schedules at the fire department's annual carnival held in the west lot, easily in walking distance from Burrow Hall. The carnival is there all week and I encourage everyone to attend. It's great fun. please come out and support the fire department and probably eat too many chicken fingers, hamburgers, French fries, and all the other stuff that goes with it. Um, in addition, all six members of the council were present for the opening. It was great. And I w wish to extend uh a special thank you to Mayor Peter Kalamari from the township of Washington also for his attendance. I posted all this information on my Facebook page. I want to recognize the great camera work of Anthony D. Rosa who was there at most who's there at most burrow events with his camera in hand. Thank you sir.

Uh it's his photography skills that I seem to be posting and promoting regularly. Great work councilman. I believe the only member of the council not displayed in the array of photos was you because you were taking the pictures probably. Yeah.

Um I can't wait for the entire Hillsdale community to make use of this wonderful new facility. Any inquiries regarding the schedule for the center should be directed to our recck department who is managing the facility. I also want the residents to know that even though the cell tower proposal was voted down, I haven't stopped searching for solutions to the lack of cell service on the east side of town. I'll continue to search for solutions and you'll hear more from me as realistic solutions materialize. I do want to take note um that for the past since I it failed the vote last month, I guess it failed in Yeah. Um, I have been trying to figure out whether or not it was actually possible to put it behind Pascak Valley High School. It is not. Green Acres has basically if it if it's not for recreational or conservation pro uh possibility, there is no chance to do it there. And we explored it and we searched it. We have not given up our options. There are still some things we're looking at, but that one for for everybody that came in and said, "Hey, put it behind the high schools." it can't be done. So, I'm sorry for that. That's uh what's happening. Um, finally, this past Sunday, I was honored to participate in the 100th 50th year celebration of the United Methodist Church in Hillsdale. During the renovation of our middle school, the church has been hosting our students at lunchtime. They also host the a boy scout troop in town. This past winter, they made their community center available to the town for a crescent lighting ceremony in celebration of Ramadan. any town, anytime the town or organization reaches out to them, they do their best to be welcoming hosts. I believe that Pastor Julie will be here at our next meeting so the governing body can recognize the church and thank them for their service to the community. That is my council commentary. And this time, let's begin this way. Councilman Rico.

Thank you, Mayor. Uh I want to again publicly acknowledge all the work that Denise, our clerk, does for the burrow. the comments that were made by variety of of uh people here in the deis are uh so so true. Uh she's the person that keeps the place humming and working uh keeps us to some extent out of trouble when she can uh and when we listen to her. So thank you Denise. Um I want to also thank the Hillsdale Police Department for their uh having the uh session with the school on ebikes. I think it I I really uh think it was necessary and you've reacted very uh swiftly to the need that the council uh expressed to you a couple weeks ago. I guess it was um I thought too that given that tonight we've passed a budget which has somewhat larger increase than we've experienced in the past um I thought I would mention a recent study issued by the tax foundation. It's the it's the nation's leading independent uh tax policy research organization. They've been around since 1937. That study placed New Jersey among the 10 lowest states for tax competitiveness. In fact, we are 49th and our neighbor across the river is the 50th. Um, a state can um levy all forms of taxes and still rank well in the top 10, but uh a state really has to work hard at being at the bottom 10. And apparently New Jersey has done that. Um, we have been ranked 50th or 49th for the last seven years. It's not not a good thing. Um, I suggest residents keep a sharp eye out in the future when elected officials at all levels want to provide additional services without adequately confronting how those services will be financed and what effect it will have on our on our tax situation. That's

it. Councilwoman. Okay. I just want to thank the Hillso Fire Department for the carnival. This is the first year in a many years that I'm not there with my boys, but they refused to hold my hand anyway, so I'm fine with it. Uh, and also yourself that. Yeah, I know. Um, and happy Cinco de Mayo. I'm wearing my my Cinco deayo shirt. And I just hope everyone had tacos and spicy margaritas today. Um, and then obviously a special thank you to Denise for holding the fort down always. So, thank you, Council President. Uh, just a big thank you to Denise and, uh, Ken McCar. Yeah. official photographer. That's it. That's it.

Uh, I want to thank Denise as well. Um, we have a mayor, we have a bur administrator, but I think we all know Denise pretty much runs the town. Don't tell everyone.

Uh, just indulge me for a couple minutes. Uh, now that the Piermont is accepting rentals and the new community center has opened, I just wanted to take a minute to reflect on the Pattern Street redevelopment project. Uh, if you're newer to Hillsdale, the site of the development was once a garbage transfer station. uh daily garbage trucks would go up and down Hillsdale Avenue to dump their tra their trash there and then to get a hold to larger facilities. All year round there was the banging and rattling of full and empty trucks barreling down Hillsdale Avenue. And in the summertime, well, you can imagine the smells of decomposing trash and sour milk sometimes wafting towards the side streets around the facility. Credit where credit is due. Former council, former council member Frank Pisella had a background in development and suggested the benefits to the burrow that we would um achieve if we were to designate that area in need of redevelopment. But the burough didn't own the land. So we first had to work with waste management, the owners at the time to convince them to sell the property to a developer. Burough attorney Mark Mado was pretty instrumental in doing that. uh the mayor and council back then which included myself, John Rico, Abby Lundy, John Escobar, Janetta Tromuk, I think I actually said that right for the first time and Justin Fox worked hard to see what happened there was the best for Hillsdale. We spec the architectural detail so that it blended into the downtown mimicking the detail in uh in the historic railroad station. We also spec the construction so that it wasn't five stories 10 feet from the road. uh it stepped back gradually getting taller as it went towards the back and we also got lucky with a developer Claremont Marsh who purchased the property and really work with us to honor our vision. I was really pleasantly surprised at how genuine those guys are. Um so thanks to them. Um and as the council changed members current members like Mayor Shinfeld and council members Oso and Maza Chong stepped in to help with the final details along with the rec

commission. The project has brought money into the burrow, helping to offset taxes, and gave us a park and a beautiful community center and no charge to the burrow. Frankly, for free, I thought we were going to get a plain vanilla box with just four walls. And if you haven't seen it, it's it the community center is amazing. It's a large open area, bright with all windows, two meeting rooms, an office, and a working kitchen. It's a space that our seniors so so they no longer have to shle equipment to other locations in town. Although are we are very thankful to St. John's for hosting them for such a long time. Uh and a space that all residents of all ages can use and enjoy. I haven't been part of such a large-scale project for Hillsdale and the wheels of government grind very very slowly. But at the grand opening, it really hit me how great an accomplishment this project was. I'm proud of what we've done what we've all done there and this project is a great example of when municipal government does its job well. That's

all I have. I don't know if you can say schle and St. John's in the same sentence. Before I get to to Councilman Camp, I forgot I walked right by this box. Um, Councilman Kleti, did you want to make a commentary? Yeah, just not sure if anyone could hear me. We hear you. Okay, wonderful. I want to thank Denise for all that she does. Um, she should be recognized. Thank you. And I also just want to thank the mayor and council tonight, especially DA Casali for really facilitating me participating in the meeting. Thank you. Okay, great. Thank you. And we'll finish up with Councilman Cam.

Oh, thank you, Mayor. Um, I really enjoyed that that little history lesson about the Patterson Street uh from Councilman D. Rosa. Uh, I just remember before being on council and moving to town and jogging, doing my runs in that area and seeing what it was and then seeing now what it's become. It's really incredible story and I was very proud of Hillsdale in that moment to be at the community center is a great honor to be there and I'm just so happy for the residents that they get to um, experience that space. It was really great. Um, something I you you might have missed it, but something for the people that are living on the east side of town that I think really should get highlighted is this uh the adoption of this 2616 ordinance for the improvement of Liberty Avenue is probably one of the mo things I've most heard most about uh about living out there. I've heard at least from five or six residents very concerned about that road and uh it's great that we were able to adopt that tonight and uh start moving that project forward. So, great news there. Um and also I I've been hearing a lot from uh our local local boy scout troops, specifically Troop 108. I've been they've been sharing with me a lot about their Eagle Scout projects, which has been fantastic. I've been I've been loving to learn about their their various projects. So, I want to um I want to uh draw attention that they are having a fundraiser, which is a great a great thing that I've done in previous years where if you uh donate to their troop, they uh they bring you flags throughout the year, American flags, and it's just a it's always a nice surprise. You you always forget you almost forget that they're going to come back. So you'll get one at Memorial Day. I think you get some for Labor Day, some other times during the year. So it's a great

way to support our local Boy Scouts. So that's it. Thank you. We did not go into close. We have no more business. Doesn't seem anybody's got any more business. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? Motion. Second. Second. Anyone in favor of that one? Sure. Okay. Anybody opposed? We're adjourned. We'll be back here one week from tonight, 7 o'clock, Tuesday, May 12th.