Borough Council - Regular Meeting

My I can do it I can do it at Karms but it's $400 a month.

Yeah, it's I get first month of the year. I have so at the end of January.

I've never heard of that before. All right. Yeah. I make too much. My last make. Okay. Every month or two, you have to donate a pint. If

we could uh find our seats, let the record reflect that we have reconvened with all members present. Please note that Council President uh Forte and Councilwoman uh Kanahan are absent excused. For for those who are able, please rise for the pledge and remain standing after the pledge.

I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Let's take a moment to remember some longtime Madison residents. William McKinley Odell passed away on April 26. He was born in Newark in 1940. He lived life to the fullest with a warm sense of humor, generous spirit, and a deep love for family and friends. 62 years ago, he married the love of his life, Arlene, and together they built a wonderful life. He graduated from Satan Hall Prep in 1958, Satan Hall University in ' 62 with a bachelor of science uh degree in accounting. After college, he proudly served National Guard for five years during the Vietnam era. He had a distinguished career in accounting and CPA education. He launched the first CPA review course in New Jersey for Guten Becker and went on to manage the New Jersey operations serving as a primary instructor and uh contributing sign significantly to the company's national growth. He later established his own recounting practice which has become a lasting family legacy as it continues through Odell Critley and company in Chattam now led by his son Michael. Community and sports meant a great deal to Bill. He was a lifelong sports enthus enthusiast, a pitcher from Satan Hall Prep, Satan Hall University. He later played at teen softball leagues including the Madison men's softball league. remember playing against him erotically much better than I was. Uh he was a lifelong Yankees fan. His love of golf is uh he had a love of golf and especially proud of his hole-in-one. He treasured fishing and time spent with family and friends at Chadwick Beach. He served as a treasurer for Madison Golf Club for many years and was active member of Rotary twice receiving the

prestigious Paul Harris award for service above self. And many of you may know him but not recognize him because he was often wearing an outfit because one of his most proud things was to put on the Santa suit. For over 50 years he enjoyed playing Santa for friends and family including 35 years as Santa in the Madison Christmas parade. Quite quite a run. He survived by his uh beloved wife Arlene, his children William III, Patty, Michael, Suzanne, and Christopher. yet also eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. We also remember Edna Irely Burn who died on April 8th after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She'll be remembered by her family and friends as a kind, loving mother, wife, sister, and friend, and colleague and a consumate cat lover. Born in Morristown, she grew up in Floren Park. She survived by her husband Barry, daughters Robin and Meredith, and a granddaughter. She lived in Mendon Township for 35 years, attended a Brookside Community Church for many years, uh, where she chaired the deaconate and missions committee. She graduated in ' 68 from Arabian College in Bethlehem into the BA in English. She was a librarian at the m our very own Madison public library for 18 years, starting the children's section and later managing special programs and ex exhibitions. Her sense of design, color, and layout was reflected in numerous illustrated newsletters, bulletins, and posters. She developed her time at the library. In 2002, she became the director of Madison Senior Center where she developed senior health programs, managed facilities expansion, organized trips and lectures. She retired in 2017 between the library and the senior center. Edna was part of our burrow family for 34 years and she was also a commission calligrapher. She created and illum illuminated proclamations

dedications for both state and local municipalities. In 82 she co-wrote and produced the youngest daughter a biography of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. And we remember Robert James Roco at 89 passed away on the 13th after spending his final day watching the Masters tournament which was a tradition he shared with his family. On a Sunday afternoon, you could usually find Rob out in the putting green with his son Bob or driving his grandchildren around in the back seat of his Volvo. He was always sharing stories even though sometimes the details of the stories may not have passed the fact check. He was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania and later moved to Elizabeth where he graduate graduated from St. Patrick's High School. Spent the rest of his years in Garden State with his wife Christine. The two had a classic New Jersey love story. They met at the Jersey Shore. Married at St. Vincent Martyr Church, moved into a home in Madison with a lawn big enough for backyard baseball and a front porch shaded enough for reading mystery novels on a summer day. Today together they raised two children Mary and and Bob uh Roco who also served on DDC and many other roles in Madison. Robert took pride in his work. Spent 35 years at SBA rising up to director of purchasing but a good time was never lost on him. He could he was known to frequent Atlantic City casinos and Baskin Ridge Country Club. And his his family grew. He took care of his grandchildren by taking them sporting events, New York City or Costco. They were guaranteed to have a laugh and any flavor ice cream and whatever they wanted to buy with an MX card that was always at the ready. He survived by his wife Christine, his son Robert, and three grandchildren along with two great grandchildren. He was predescased by his daughter Mary. And we we remember Joseph Jiro, lifelong Madison resident, passed

away in April 24th, age of 60, born in ' 65, son of Robert and Ruth Jiro, raised in Madison, proud graduate of Madison High School. Um, he was a skilled electrician who began his career as a member of electricians union before branching out to start his own business. Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to help others, he built a respected career and was always ready to uh lend a hand to those in need. Younger years, he enjoyed playing football and wrestling in high school, love of outdoors and enjoy spending time at Lake George, listening to music, and being around animals. He was known for his lively personality, loud, charming, and full of humor, and for for being fully um deeply protective of people he loved. He leaves his daughter Brianna, two grandchildren, also survived by his wife Sue and stepson Joseph. So let us now remember the Lodell, Edna Irely Burn, Rob Roco, and Joe Giro. And let us pass our thoughts on to families and friends that they leave behind. Thank you. All right, we move on to minutes for approval. And we have a whole slew of minutes that were as we're catch catching up with uh last year's minutes. Uh we will um approve these on mass unless there's any that need to be uh corrected or pulled aside. So these are the minutes of May 28th, a June 25th, July 28th, August 11th, September 8th, September 24th, October 15th, October

27th, November 10th, November 24th, December 8th, and special meeting of December 22nd, all of 2025. Can I have a motion to approve those minutes? I'll move the move the approval of the minutes. Second. Any that need to be pulled to be corrected? See none. All in favor? I unanimous.

All right. Welcome all. We are here on a special Wednesday evening uh meeting. We uh shifted to Wednesday so everyone could attend the uh Taste of Madison on Monday night. Um, and since we're here on Wednesday, the 29th of April, a shout out to my wife, uh, Titi, who's home, uh, celebrating her birthday. So, uh, but, um, for the Taste of Madison, it was largest in many years in both attendees enjoying the great food and the restaurants showing off the amazing cuisine of Madison. So, uh, it was a great time and I know that everyone in this room were there. This Saturday, we'll be celebrating Arbor Day along with hosting our annual Green and Clean Day. So, please join us in front of uh Heartley Dodge at 9:00 a.m. for the Arbor Day ceremonies and then step up and volunteer to spruce up our great town. And on a couple other things going on last couple weeks on uh April 16th, I along with the Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon at the Forum Coffee, our newest cafe in town right at the corner of Maine and Waverly. Stop by and check it out. And on the 17th, I joined a webinar and transportation plan for the World Cup games at Metife Stadium, which will be called New York, New Jersey. And as always, we get second billing for our own stadium. Um, and you've I know you've been hearing a whole lot and your best for the commuters, your best thing is to uh check your check the website for NJ Transit when the time comes. But a couple of things that uh came out of the webinar. Uh it is recommended if you can to work from home the days of the matches. Four of the eight matches will fall on weekdays. The final is on a Sunday. Uh contrary to uh some of the early news, Penn Station will not be completely closed down on the days of the games, but there will be limitations. For the four hours before a game, trains will continue into Penn

Station, but Saucus Junction will only be open to ticket holders. Uh during the games, trains will continue into Penn Station and there'll be limited service for Saucus. And during the three hours after the games, Penn Station uh trains will terminate at Newark Broad where you'll have to switch to Hoboken train or if you were on originally a Hoboken train, that will follow the regular schedule. Uh trains will leave Penn Station as scheduled after the games, but they may be overcrowded as they pick up fans. It's the caucus. and also stated was the fact that the goal is not to burden commuters and taxpayers with the extra cost, basically $42 million to uh provide security in the trains. So that developed this $150 roundtrip ticket if you're going to the game. Um but if you are going to the to the match, it probably won't seem like a lot when you realize what you actually paid for the ticket itself. So uh to put in perspective, but all of the fairs will be at the usual rate and there will be some cross honoring options and some updates from uh the library. The they held the first program in conjunction with the health department uh with lead te uh testing consumer products and it was a great success. Monthly blood blood pressure readings screenings will start in May. The library had their third kindergarten visit school year. About 75 students from Kings Road School. The other two schools had visits back in the fall. So now every Madison kindergartener has a Madison library card. They also have a new seed library um featuring a variety of flour, herb, and vegetable seeds. No library card is needed, and patrons are welcome to take up to four different varieties to grow in their gardens. and they've lost launched a new collection for young children of Tony's and Tony boxes. And if you know what those are, you know more than I do. Uh these are

figurines which read a book or story out loud. They're proven to be very successful. And now I'm going to come down below or proclamation

one down there. Good. We've got a proclamation recognizing mental health awareness month. Whereas mental health is essential part of overall health and well-being at every stage of life. And whereas one in two people experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime remind us it is not someone else's issue. It touches all of us. And whereas all individuals experience stress and challenges and seeking help should be met with compassion, understanding and support. Whereas prevention, early identification, and early intervention significantly improve the outcomes for individuals and strengthen families and communities. Whereas there are proven tools and resources that empower people to care for their mental health, build resilience, and support one another. And whereas recovery is possible with the right support, individuals can lead full, meaningful, and productive lives. And whereas stigma and barriers to to care continue to prevent too many people from seeking the help they deserve. And whereas mental health is shared responsibility and communities thrive when schools, families, businesses, and healthc care providers and local leaders work together to support well-being. Now there for we the mayors of the communities of Berkeley Heights, Fanwood, Longill, Mountainside, New Providence, Scotch Plain, Summit, Westfield, Chattam, Flor Park, Madison, Mendboro, Mendum Township, and Livingston do hereby proclaim May 2026 as mental health awareness month. We proudly support the ongoing work of New Jersey Cross Town Mental Health

Coalition whose collaboration across our communities reflects the power of partnerships and promoting mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. And through Sheridan's initiatives such as Paint the Town Green campaign, we visibly demonstrate our collective commitment to reducing stigma and supporting those impacted with mental health challenges. So, Jen, thank you for coming here and wearing your green.

I just want to thank all of you for being so supportive of our little support network that keeps growing and now the multi-town coalition who will be painting so many 14 towns green um in collaboration with each other and all of the programming that everyone is doing. Um, and now we have, you know, a real visual sign to people who may be struggling that there is, you know, a community behind them. So, there will be signs for people to hang in their businesses. I'll be visiting all of the businesses on Main Street tomorrow, um, and getting those hung. We'll have ribbons going up tomorrow evening at 4 PM by the students in our community. Um, we want to really make this count. So, if you want to get involved, please reach out to us. Um, and thank you as always for always supporting all of us as we go through these struggles for ourselves and our families.

Thank you, Jen, for all the work you do on behalf. Where'd this come from? Can Liz come on down for a second, please? Ah, we got you again, didn't we?

It's only April. It is only April but coming up next week starting May 3rd through May 9th is municipal clerk's week and here is our clerk. Whereas profession of municipal clerk is essential to effect effective functioning of local government ensuring transparency accountability and the smooth operation of municipal services. for example, she had to look up a easement for a a storm sewer line and tracked it down to 1904 uh just this week. Whereas the office of municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants. And whereas the office of municipal clerk provides professional link between the citizens, local governing bodies, and agencies of government and other levels. And whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality, impartiality, and rendering equal service to all. And whereas municipal clerk serves as the information center regarding functions of local government and community. And whereas municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of affairs, the office of municipal clerk through participation, educational programs, seminars, workshops, and annual meetings of their state, county, and international professional organizations. And whereas it's most appropriate, we recognize the accomplishments of the office of municipal clerk, most notably Elizabeth Osborne, Melissa Evers, and Rachel Cury. Now, therefore, I Robert H. Conley, the mayor of Burough Madison, on behalf of the government body, hereby recognize the week of May 3rd through May 9th as Municipal Clerk's Week and further extend our appreciation to our municipal clerk, Liz Osborne, and to all municipal clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to communities they represent. So, thank you for everything, Liz.

Well done. There we go.

Every year we get you All right, we move on to uh reports from committees. Let me just get my other sheet where I have all the uh backups marked out. Start with public safety, Mr. Landrian. Thank you, mayor. From the police department, on Friday, April 17th, the Madison Police Community Relations Bureau hosted students from the Cadam ECLC school for a fun-filled afternoon. The visit included a tour headquarters followed by lunch, games, and finished with ice cream. They truly enjoyed hosting and getting to know the students from ECLC. It was a great opportunity for them to learn more about our agency while we continue to strengthen our connection and build positive relationships with the students. Both Mayor Kyle and I were present. And I have to say those students, you could tell by the looks on their faces how much they enjoyed the day and how much they appreciated it. The counselors that with were with them were magnificent and I can't say enough about how generous and how helpful the police department was. A lot lot to be said there. Um, okay. On April 22nd, Chief Misher represented the Morris County Police Chiefs Association at the kickoff of the Morris County Crime Victim's Rights Week hosted by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. The morning was the meeting was held in honor and remembrance of all victims of crime, recognizing their strength and ensuring their voices will never be forgotten. The keynote speaker was Fred Gutenberg, whose daughter was tragically killed in the Stoneman

Douglas High School shooting. And finally, from the police department, the Madison Police and Project Pride will once again team up to host bagels and brainstorming on May 7th. This quarterly meeting brings together neighborhood policing agencies and Project Pride to collaborate on upcoming community events and discuss issues impacting our communities. And then finally, again, one more thing from the police department. Uh they want to update all on the 2026 Police Unity Tour. The sendoff is a bit different this year as it is on Saturday, May 9th. The tour is leaving from Double Tree Hotel in Fairfield, New Jersey at 10:30 a.m. and traveling through Madison at 11:30. They will have two officers taking part in the tour this year. Captain Longo will be driving a support truck and patrolman Deladro will be cycling again this year. As we get closer, I can get they will give more updates and details. Uh we will have patrols shut down the center of town during the ride through. Okay. From the fire department, the fire department has responded to an uptick in motor vehicle collisions. On April 10th, the fire department responded to a collision on Route 24. On April 11th, the fire department responded to a car versus ebike incident. On April 12th, the fire department responded to a collision at Green and Garfield. And finally, on April 18th, the department responded to a very serious accident at the intersection of Madison Avenue and South Oak Court. The department is pre-planning Madison business schools, Madison businesses, schools, churches, and other commercial buildings. These are not regular inspections. This is this pre-planning is for emergencies. Pre-planning involves

obtaining building layouts, emergency shut offs, hazardous material storage, construction type, and other important items. On April 20th, the department started its annual FI live fire training at the fire academy. And now from the joint municipal court, when comparing revenues, Madison's revenue had a decrease of approximately 10% in March 26 compared to March 25. The Madison Joint Court had a slight decrease in of revenue in March compared to last year. revenue decreased by $438, which represents approximately 1% 1% less in in revenue. As discussed at the last council meeting, case load decreased for both the bureau of Madison and the Madison joint municipal court in March 26, which can affect the overall revenue. Thank you, mayor.

Thank you. And finance bureau clerk and also utilities, Mr. Range.

Thank you, mayor. uh from the tax collector this evening. Uh residents are reminded that the second quarter property taxes are due in just two days and that's on May 1st. Residents can bring their payment to the tax collector's office on the second floor of Hartley Dodge Memorial or they can leave their payment in the dropbox located in the clerk's office on the first floor. Please call the tax collector's office if you have any questions or need additional information about your tax bill. On a separate finance topic this evening, tonight we'll have our budget hearing and final vote to adopt the 2026 municipal budget. Nothing has changed. Uh so the numbers in tonight's budget resolution 146-2026 are exactly what was introduced back on March 23rd. Believe it or not, the staff started working on the budget last summer and council's had six public presentations and discussions around the budget uh since December. All materials and information can be found on the annual budget process page on Rosenet. We present the budget in multiple formats, including a one sheet budget summary, the official 86page state budget document, and a newer document created by the state called the user-friendly budget. Later in the year, we'll mail out a flyer that includes charts, data, and even more an even more simplified budget. The council voted to introduce the budget, as I noted, on March 23rd, and by state law, we have to wait at least 28 days before having the budget hearing. The state establishes 28-day waiting period to make sure that the public has an opportunity to review and comment on the budget. In short, the 28-day waiting period is for transparency. We here at the council take the budget trans budget and that transparency very seriously. We do all of those discussions I mentioned. They're all

recorded and available to view. Some towns introduce their budget, they have one conversation, and then the next time they talk about it is when they adopt it. So Madison is different in in that regard. Um all the reports and schedules have been presented to council are available on Rosenet as well. During our budget presentations, we discuss some significant budgetary challenges that we expect in the coming years, including the new statemandated filtering requirements on our water system to address PAS and the need to raise capital dollars in future years. However, there are two items on the horizon that certainly help the budget. First is that in 2028, we'll be making our final payment on the bond and the $1.5 million in debt service will be available to support capital projects. Second is the additional income we expect from new ratables at Gerala Farms and uh the upcoming Drew redevelopment. I believe uh in short that this is an excellent budget and I want to thank all the members of council and the governing body and the public for being engaged throughout uh what is pretty long process um and for also offering great insights and comments and uh what's not written here for me is of course thanking our CFO Jim Bernett and his team for putting together this budget and making sure um that the eyes are dotted and the tees are crossed. It's it's no small feat. So, thank you, Jim, to you and the team. Next up this evening, I have an update on the Madison Community Pool on behalf of Councilman Forte. Uh the pool committee and uh burough staff have been tremendously busy at the pool over the last few weeks. Uh Memorial Day is not that far away. Uh the pool has been drained and cleaned and masonary work is nearing completion. We had an outside company do pressure testing on the

system and we hope to start filling the pool by the end of the week. Repairs are being made to the slides and we are working with the state inspectors to ensure they are ready to go for opening day. Employees of the month Chris McDougall, Michael Pissier, Jen Daly, and Rachel Cury have been working on pool projects uh nearly every day. Jen, Rachel, and Michael have spent hours uh down there cleaning up the office, storage room, and other spaces in addition to uh administrative work around the pool. DPW has been painting. Electricians have made upgrades, and our construction official, Russ Brown, has been down there with the plumbing inspector, Al Fish, uh working on some repairs in the bathrooms. New security cameras have been installed, which will allow us to better monitor and protect the facility going forward. card access system is now in place uh which will allow us to better control the opening and closing of the facility as well as the office chemical room and pump rooms. Tonight we have a number of small but important actions on the agenda to support the pool. The first is an introduction of ordinance 25-2026 which amends chapter 137 of the burough code require uh regarding recreation facilities which establishes certain pool regulations. Resolution R152-2026 is awarding the concessions contract to the Firehouse restaurant on Central A who will run the pool snack cut this season. And we have a resolution to hire the Central Avenue librarian Chris Pidio to be our director of membership and activities. As you may recall, the burrow hired an outside company to hire the lifeguards, frontgate staff, and pool manager. Chris will work directly for the burrow, supporting the membership, helping run the activities, and coordinating swim lessons. Discounted membership rates at the pool are set to expire in just two weeks. So, if you haven't uh gotten your membership

yet, please visit madisonpool.org to sign up. And you should also visit the pool website to find out the latest information and check out our calendar of events for the season. Memorial Day weekend events include uh flag raising and opening uh celebration on Saturday, free root beer floats on Sunday while supplies last, and uh splash contest led by Mayor Connley on Monday. Uh the pool is an anchoring institution and a beloved place for family and friends to gather. Uh becoming a member is the best way to ensure that the pool is here for years to come. And next, utilities. I'm gonna need a loon if I keep talking here. Uh from the water department this evening, uh hydrant has been repaired on Madison Avenue due to a motor vehicle accident and replace the lower flange. Uh the water department also dug and repaired four curb boxes and shut off valves to enable enable meter changes for construction water at 8 Line Road. Both D and B wells have been operated manually during the communication issues and will continue until SCADA updates are completed. The chlorine sensor has been replaced and repairs made to reconnect all sensor alarms to SCADA. Uh that work has been completed and working with the contractor. One drawer has been shut off. uh the water lines disconnected and fire hydrants have been installed at the entrance of the site for fire protection and water for for construction use uh as the redevelopment at draw the one begins and two 6-in valves were excavated and repaired for hydrant flushing throughout the burrow. fiber is being run to wells for communication and transfer to a new system is being scheduled and as noted the chlorine sensors have been ordered

and scheduled for replacement uh in the other wells during the coming weeks. And finally this evening from the electric utility uh on the 14th of April standby was called out for a report of a wired down at 17 Madison Avenue behind apartment 49. uh while while still there, they responded to 34 Lanthrop for a report of wires down on a driveway. And later that evening, uh standby was called out again uh to 10 Rose Avenue for a report of downed wires. On the 15th, standby was called out to 7 Belmont for an emergency markout. The next day, they were called out to Wilmer for residents without power. On the 22nd, standby was called for an emergency markout on Woodland Road. And on the 23rd, they set a new pole on Garfield Avenue and transferred uh energy to the new pole. The electric department has begun their spring tree line clearance project, uh, which includes making sure that trees and other vegetation are clear of our utility lines. um of note that this is work that used to be contracted out to a third party um and was quite costly um and leadership at the uh util electric utility has brought much of that work inhouse where um we know the systems, we know where our problem areas are um and ultimately uh reduced costs for everyone in the burough. So, we thank the electric department for doing that. And as always, the electric department continues daily to respond to calls, complete markouts, repair street lights, and daily substation inspections and readings. And that, mayor, is all for me tonight. Thank you.

Move on to public works and engineering, Mr. Hen Pis. See if I can top that.

I got a lot of reports here. It's a lot of zeros. Okay. from the Department of Public Health. Well, thank you, Mayor. Welcome everybody from the community. From the Department of Public Works, the DPW has been working at the pool as Councilman Range already uh advised us. There's a lot of work going on there. They're doing some repairs and maintenance for the grand opening Memorial Day weekend around the burrow. Coming off of a rough winter, roads are being patched, potholes all around town. So, please drive cautiously, but hopefully those potholes will be filled soon. installing traffic mirrors on Danforth Road off of Madison Avenue. The parks department continues prepping fields for the spring sports that are already in play. Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and girls softball, cutting grass, lining the fields, picking up trash around the facilities. Their sewer jetting will be taking place this and next week. Check the roset for the streets that will be jetted. I'm not sure what you're checking for, but I guess it's good to know they're doing your street. The sewer department repaired a broken storm water pipe on Fairwood Road. There's a reminder that yard waste bags are available at DPW garbage and in the clerk's office. Yard waste is being picked up every week now at the curb. Check the Rose for your schedule. And there's a reminder that twice a week garbage pickup will start next week, May 4th. Check the recycle coach or recycling newsletter for your schedule from the uh engineering and land use department. James Savage is our director there. He wrote really small Madison Road projects. The notice to proceed issued to Shayon Drive Meer in starting work June 8th. The notice of award was issued to Selli and

Sons. Uh Hardwood and Dogwood are awaiting required insurance coverage for pre-construction meetings. They will be done to completed this summer. NGO NJ DOT anticipating $450,000 to replenish to repair replenish general capital fund. There's a lot of detail here. New Jersey DOT 28th grant award $22,000 for Spring Garden Drive and Ashton Road. Uh 15% complete. Capital projects moving ahead. The Heler Center restoration. The fourth bid results were not successful. So the B will reject them and go back again out to work with contractors. Uh HDMEW progress continues. That's the Heartley Dodge Memorial East Wing project. Framing in the second floor. Demolition is complete. The mechanical coordination and abatement is mostly complete. DPW windows replacement bids were received and are being reviewed tonight by council. Uh Madison early tra the museum of early trades and crafts air conditioning replacement design is in progress. Parks and land park trail phase three commenced. 3500 feet surface trail is nearly complete. Uh 370 boardwalk will commence shortly. Sunny Battali field permits are approved. Coordinating parking lot striping for final completion at the MRC complex. The rain garden restoration are being evaluated for the restoration and renovation. Rosedale soccerfield soil erosion and construction plans inspect still in progress. Anticipating completion two to three weeks for soil conservation permit

to redo the field there with dirt a grass field. Um oh this is a good one. We have a notice to proceed that's an NTP issued for the wayfinding signs. The gateway phase one has been issued as of today. Notion to proceed issued for Shady Lawn pre-construction and notice to proceed eminent for East Harwood Dogwood Street wayfinding signs. Phase two plan specs are being prepared for an accelerated public bid to install more signs in the burrow. Uh the Madison PAS study proposals are received. We'll be discussing that tonight. The burrow interviewing three consultants to present a study concept plan prior to awarding their contract. uh land use had 172 zoning applications, two planning board applications year to date. There's a coordination with PSENG gas construction lines and milling and paving throughout the burrow including roads under construction, Garfield Avenue, Olden Lane, and Wen Road, which will start after school lets out in June. Danforth and Prospect Road will be repaved in August. Uh, we have an NJ DOT municipal A 2027 grant application due June 30th preparing Waverly Place pedestrian safety reconstruction project. Okay. Uh, NJ annual stormwater report being submitted this month. Coordinating GIS development for required watershed improvement report is required. uh milling and paving, crack sealing, curbs and sidewalk repair burwide from the Shade Treat Management Board. Very quick. Madison's Arbor Day celebration May 5th, Saturday in front of Hartley Dodge building 9:00 a.m. celebrating 41st year of Madison being

designated in Arbor Day Tree City and the 19th year of also being awarded the Tree City Growth Award. In celebration of trees, Madison school children will be performing music, poetry, and dance. That's in front of the Heartley Dodge building this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. They'll be giving away red oak seedlings for planting in your yards. 10 a.m. in Cole Park, the Cub Scouts will be celebrating Arbor Day, as well as the 250th anniversary of the nation by assisting in planting a seedling of the famous 500year-old Salem Oak. There's a seedling that was salvaged. was re from the tree that was recently lost. Oh, everybody's invited to both events. Spring Spring Street tree planting. Residents at 90 sites have been notified and the planting sites have been marked. The delivery of the trees will be next Tuesday and the DPW will start planting. Uh they've ordered us a number of smaller sized trees with arborists that tell us we'll adapt easier and grow faster. uh Floren Park MRC tree removal remediation. We had an issue at the U north side of the MRC, north side of the MRC with some trees that were errantly cut on our property by Floren Park when they were working on the construction of that beautiful new display sign. Unfortunately, they only cut the trees and not the base of the sign. 20 trees have been planted near the top of the MRC meadow. Our arburist is assessing arborist is assessing the plantings to see if they meet our standards. From the MEC last name mayor, sorry. April 20th, the MEC held a hugely popular author talk with Elise Howard. Her book is plant this, not that. She sold out at the nature of reading bookshop. One of the MEC's favorite quotes from the evening was about how native plants love

living in a community as they seed and grow. Native plant gardeners create community by sharing extra plants throughout groups like Madison, New Jersey plant sharing and gardening. Coming up is a townwide yard sale also on May 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's expected to have roughly 100 host homes in Madison and Chattam. Those who want to hold should register before the deadline so there they are acknowledged and people will know to drive around to their homes. They can go to the great swamp.org or and click on the events tab. They have to make a $10. They suggested to make a $10 taxdeductible donation to the Great Swamp Borershed. Your sale will be listed on the digital map. Uh that's it. That's all. Mayor,

thank you. All right, sir. A lot of reports and and just uh so busy people to understand the importance of checking about the sewer jetting. It's a rare occurrence, but um if the sewer jetting hits obstruction, there could be blowback and gurgling of your toilet. So when your street is being scheduled, keep the toilet seat down actually is a good advice. So uh there are certain neighborhoods that happens more often, but as I said, it's pretty rare. Okay. And now we'll move on that note, we'll move on to health and community affairs. Miss Cohen,

thank you. Mayor from the health department. The health department will be conducting a vaccine for adults clinic on May 30th. This is a free clinic for adults 19 and older who are noninsured or whom have insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines. Appointments can be booked through the department website. On April 22nd, a rabid raccoon was captured in the area of North Street. While the raccoon was safely captured, the health department would like to remind residents to report any sick animals to animal control. Report any aggressive animals or raccoons acting sick to the police department. Observing a raccoon out during the day is not cause for alarm, but seeing a wild animal that looks sick, has trouble walking, or is aggressive should be reported immediately to the police. Residents should ensure all pets are up to date with rabies vaccine and licensed with the burrow. Licensing information can be found at rosnet.org. Any resident who had contact with a sick or aggressive animal should inform the health department from uh the business director of business development, sorry. Um, the next meeting of the DDC will be held on May 21st at 7:15. The public is invited to t to attend. The 2026 season of the Madison Farm and Artisan Market opens on Saturday, May 23rd. New vendors can request information by emailing Lisa Ellis at ddcrossnet.org. The 2026 Taste of Madison committee wants to thank all of the event sponsors, participants, volunteers, and attendees who made this year's event one of the best ever. The venue was packed and a good time was had by all from the Chamber of Commerce. Superhero Day is May 2nd. Included in that for those that are interested, free comic book day is also May 2nd. So take it down, take a visit down to uh Dewies. My kids used to love it. Ladies night is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th from 5:30 to 8. At the Community Arts Center, every Tuesday from 1 to 4, seniors play Maang and Canasta. This Friday, Film Society of Summit is showing Steal This Story, Please. Sunday at 3 o'clock, Jersey

Live, Jersey Jazz Live concert is happening. Monday, May 4th through the 14th, in conjunction with the schools, the Madison High School Honors Art Students will exhibit their art in the gallery for 10 days. The reception itself is May 4th from 4:30 to 6:30. On May 5th at 8:30 in the morning, Chamber of Commerce Education Series continues with a free workshop about how AI can support your business. May 6th at 7 pm, the platform, which is a literary open mic and writing workshop is occurs every first Wednesday. Finally, the Saturday, May 9th at 8 p.m., Vivid Stage presents The Flip Slide, which is an improv comedy show. And that's all I've got.

Thank you very much. We will now move on to the budget. And just so everyone understands the process here, our CFO, Jim Bernett, will come up and do a kind of a final wrap-up, couple of slides. There'll be time for questions from the council at that right after that presentation. This will be questions only. Comments will happen after the hearing after we actually move the uh the resolution. Um so after the presentation, after questions by the council, we'll open the hearing when the public can ask questions or make comments on the budget and then we'll close the hearing and go through the process of adopting.

Uh thank you, mayor. This will be very quick. Um next slide, Michael. The proposed hearing schedule, we're done with it. This is last night. So, thank you for all for uh your uh patience and your uh input as we did through this process. Next slide. Um all this information, as Councilman Range mentioned, is available on the annual budget process page. You can go back years and years if you want to. Um next slide. Um, as mentioned in prior meetings and uh this evening, um, there are some near-term concerns and issues we need to deal with. The purchase of the Drew Forest, future electric utility energy cost, the water PFA regulations, revaluation order, and commercial tenant tax appeals. Um, the PFA treatment at our water utilities being the biggest issue. Next slide. This is a summary of our electric utility um revenue performance and fund balance. This is summarized in the 86page document, 87page document that Councilman Ranch referenced um as well. Uh this is a summary of what's in there, more detail in that um statemandated um document which you actually vote and approve on tonight. Next slide. Same with the water utility. Um uh this is a summary of what's in that 86 page document. Um, next page is our fund balance. Is always good to monitor this. This is uh the best way to look at the long-term health of the bureaus's finances. It's strong, but we need to continue to monitor. Next slide is the municipal budget document. Budget. This is a one sheet budget summary. The budget in brief. Um, we publish this and and circulate this all the time. This is a summary of the 86page document. Um and uh you'll be voting on the resolution 14620 26. It's sheet 41, but in typical state fashion, that's the 81st page on the document because there's multiple

pages um in between. Um next slide. We presented this at the last council meeting, the municipal tax comparison percentage increases of some of our peer communities. Um so I'm not going to go over that again except that Madison is best. Um and then finally, this is a new slide that um I was able to pull together. Um municipal managers from across the state were pulled and this is everyone's response that came um that responded to it in terms of the percentage increase of their municipal budget. So you can see 6% 4% 3% 2% only a few towns that are uh 2% or less, some as high as 10%. Um, Chadam Township, I believe, introduced a 10% um, tax increase last night. Um, the towns that are increasing significantly are increasing significantly because they don't do what you guys do, which is have small incremental increases annually, or they don't have growing um, ratable bases, which we have in the past. Um, and or they have significant health insurance costs, we've been able to control that. So um uh the next slide is a slide we show often that shows all the services we provide and just a reminder we're offering two new services. Um for the last year and a half we've been doing EMT ambulance services and we are now this year running the community pool which is a pleasure and anyone interested in joining please go to madisonpool.org. Um and with that um I'll u entertain questions if anybody has any. Any questions from from the council? Again, we'll hold off on comments. All right. Seeing none, I will uh now open the um the budget uh hearing to the public. This is when you may come up and comment on the budget or ask any questions on the budget. As with all our comment periods, uh we give you three

minutes, but ask we will give you a one minute grace and stop you at four. If you have questions, um, as we always do, we'll capture those questions and then answer them after the, uh, hearing. So, any anyone in the public wishing to comment on or ask questions on the budget, please step forward. Seeing none, I close the hearing. I now uh ask uh introduce resolution 146, 2026, resolution of the bureau of Madison, finally adopting the 2026 budget tax resolution. Ask the clerk to read the statement. Yes. Um, be it resolved by the council members of the bureau of Madison, County of Mars, that the budget herein before set forth is hereby adopted and shall constitute an appropriation for the purposes list uh stated of the sums herein set forth as appropriations and authorization of the amount of $15,275,411 for municipal purposes, $733,81 for open space, recreation, farmland, Historic Preservation Trust Fund levy and $2,37,936.85 the minimum library tax.

Mayor, I move uh resolution 146-2026. Mayor, I second the resolution.

Council discussion. And just um you know one comment not to belabor the point but um just a reminder that this budget represents a increase in our operating expenses of 8.8%. and non-operating expenses of almost 12%. And yet we've uh put together a budget and when I say we've his team have put together a budget that represents um just a 2% tax increase on uh across here. Nobody likes raising taxes, but when you lay it out like that, there's a lot of value um being presented in uh in that 2% and we're able to really absorb quite a bit of expenses that we have very little control over things like healthcare costs and insurance costs um that are well outside uh anything that the council can control. So, I'm firmly in favor of uh adopting this budget this year.

And that just super quick, a huge thank you to Jim and his team. Um working in a town that for the fourth or fifth year in a row, um hasn't started their budget process yet. Um so, um I appreciate how we go through it so we're ready to go on time, um and everybody understands everything. Like Eric said, I think the biggest thing for a lot of people this year was health insurance public sector anywhere from 18 to 30% depending on the plan increase. Um but it's very much appreciated and the transparency um is appreciated all the hard work. Thanks

Tom. Yeah, again like I was going to say before kudos to Jim and his team. all of us collaborating with Jim and being pretty supportive though we question things once in a while just to make sure that we understand it it's clear and that this is the municipal the town's budget tax increase there's going to be a school tax increase too I don't know if they've uh agreed on what it's going to be yet uh Jim do you know I think they introduced it's up no I know it's going to be up but I don't know if it's completed 6% 6 to 7% is what%

for the schools portion of the town's taxes. So, we're going to average out a little more than 2%, but still overall we're probably performing much better than most of the towns in Morris County. So, let's hope we can keep that up. It won't be easy because of all the expenses that are coming, but uh we're pretty good job. And we have our electric utility which is generating some revenues managed very well by the burrow. So, thanks again everybody. Hopefully the community appreciates it. Rob,

yeah. Um, I'll echo a lot of what has already been said, but two things really stand out to me or three things. One is, as Deb mentioned, the expenses that we incurred that we have no control over, yet the residents are only going to get hit with a 2% tax increase, which is phenomenal given the fact that all our services and new services are still going to be maintained. That is I don't want to overstate this but almost like a stroke of genius when you think about how you can put a budget together to manage those expenses. Residents only get a 2% increase. And by the way, all our services are intact. So Jim and and crew, thank you so much for what you've done. That's it. Thank you. I I don't have much to add. I just want to uh on behalf of uh John Forte, Mossa Hanahan, the the shift of our meeting this week um took them out because of business commitments they have and so it doesn't that's not a sign of any less commitment to the budget process as already been brought out is Madison is so thorough with this process starting in the prior year. They have been involved all along and regretfully won't be here tonight to to vote on it, but um certainly we understand that their commitment to making sure Madison has services and uh and reasonable uh tax increases. So with that, I'll um ask for a roll call vote, please.

Yes. Mr. Landrean, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harold Pudis, yes. M Cohen, yes. Thank you. And thank you again for all the work. All right, we now move on to communications and petitions. Uh, yes, Mayor. Mayor and council received an email dated April the 16th from resident Bonnie Monty of Page Street um regarding um an ordinance banning the gas powered leaf blowers. Thank you.

Now we move on to our first of two invitation for public comment. This one is limited to our agenda discussions and our resolutions on the consent agenda. if you want to comment on any other topic that will be coming up a little bit later in the meeting. Uh we have no agenda discussions tonight in a way we just had our one agenda discussion. Uh so these are the resolutions you may comment on. These will also be part of the consent agenda later in the meeting. Resolution 147 authorizing award of agreement with Dubbury Engineering for design and permitting services for Glenn Wild and Green Village Road sanitary sewer replacement. Resolution 148 is authorized in participation in the 2026 2027 employee wellness program through the Madison area YMCA. Uh the federal contributions would not exceed 500 per employee and uh not more than a total of $25,000. Resolution 149 is awarding contract to Dville Line Striping for striping work under Mars County Co-op not to exceed $30,000 funded through ordinance 6-205. Uh resolution 150 uh crack ceiling uh also through Mars County Co-op not to exceed 30,000 funded through the same ordinance. 151 is establishing EV fast charger user rates. This is the fast chargers that are in the Kings Road parking lot just become became operational. Resolution 152 is awarding a contract to Central 15 Chef LLC aka Firehouse Pizza for the community pool concession stand. They will be paying a concess concession fee of $9,000 for the season. Resolution 153 is authorizing a change fund for the Madison community pool. It's just a petty cash. Resolution 154 is a um change order uh request of $10,0007

$10,715 bringing the total contract to146 $245 for the wayfinding signage program funded through ordinance 2525 um 2025. Uh resolution 155 is raffle license for BPOE, the Alps Club Lodge for a 50/50 on May 30th. Resolution 156 has authorized the execution of agreement with Verizon um New Jersey for uh use of our polls. Most towns uh the poles are owned by Verizon in Madison. Most the polls utility poles are owned by us so they pay us. Resolution 157 is awarding contract to Nomadics uh Marstown for professional engineering GIS data set development. Resolution 158 is awarding a contract to A+ Glass and Metal for window replacement project DPW Garage uh based on a um bid of $133,000 funded through uh ordinances 20202 2020 2022 42 20223 and 53 20223 resolution 159 is authorizing appointment Luigi Montineri for position mechanic and public works department annual salary of $73,679. Resolution 160 is appointing Stanley Jackson to position a part-time senior citizen van driver a salary of $25 an hour. Resolution 161 is a appointing Kieran Regan to a position of apprentice lineman at annual salary of $22,993. And resolution 162 is a ratifying appointment of Christopher Hariso to the position of director of membership and activities for the the pool. And this is at a rate of $30 an hour with no benefits. So you can comment on any of those resolutions. If you wish to

comment on those, step up to lectern, state your name and town, write your name and address on the clipboard, and then state the resolution you're commenting on and try to keep your comments to three minutes, but we give you the one minute. Anyone wishing to comment on those resolutions, please step forward. Seeing none, I close this part of the meeting and we move on right past agenda discussions because there are none as stated and we move on to ordinances for hearing. Will the clerk please read the statement? The ordinance scheduled for hearing was introduced by title and passed on first reading at the regular meeting of the council held on April the 13th, 2026. was posted and filed according to law and copies were made available to the general public requesting same.

I call up ordinance 21-2026 for second reading and ask the clerk to read said ordinance by title. Ordinance 212026, Ordinance of the Bureau of Madison adopting a second amended redevelopment plan for certain properties known as one Deralda Farms located at lot 3303 lot 2 as shown on the official tax map of the burrow of Madison pursuant to the local redevelopment and housing law NJSA4A12A-1 to 89. I open the hearing for ordinance 21. Anyone wishing to comment on this ordinance, please step forward. Seeing none, I close the hearing. Mayor, I move ordinance 21-2026. Second.

Sorry. Second.

And council discussion. Just a note that this is a uh a revised redevelopment plan for draw the one uh which was before the planning board at our last meeting uh and passed for uh master cam master plan compliance. Um this is actually for the approved project that is already been approved by the planning board. Um but they need to come back based on some changes in funding. So the second building uh will that was previously 100% uh supportive housing um will take some changes. So this will once we pass this ordinance they will come back to the planning board at a future meeting. I don't think it's going to be the next planning board meeting. So keep an eye on Rosenet on on when that hearing will happen before the planning board. Um but this is just really a pretty minor change. Any further discussion?

Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrean, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harold Pudis, yes. Miss Cohen, yes.

My memory, I declare ordinance 21-2026 adopted and finally passed and ask the clerk to publish notice thereof at the newspaper and post on the web and according to the law. There we thank you. Now move on to invitation for public comment. This is when you may comment on any topic. Again, the same rules apply. you wish to comment, step up, step up to lect turn, state your name and town, write your name and address on the clipboard, and then uh we ask you to try to keep your comments to three minutes, but we give you that one minute grace period. Anyone wished to comment, please step forward. All right. Uh, hi, my name is Luke Ruckle. Um I live on Madison Burrow um on Spring Garden Drive, 11 Spring Garden Drive. Um I'm here representing our neighborhood. Um probably 10 to 12 houses along that we all live on the side of Spring Garden Drive that is backs up to the brook. Um I'm sure you all are familiar with that, right? Major storm drainage area. Um we believe that the brook needs to be rebuilt in some way. Um it's eroded over several years. We had James Savage out um with us last week to kind of walk down with several of the neighborhood folks um starting from five Spring Garden Drive all the way down to I think 20 what are you 20 22

23 and down past Indian Trail and things. Um there's kind of two major issues that we see at least from our side and I think James also believes the same. um where it's built up with cement around five spring garden. Those walls I think were built in the 50s. They're not nearly high enough anymore to accommodate the amount of water that's going through. And then when you get past that and there's no concrete anymore, it's just kind of creek bed that's behind my house and continuing on down, those have eroded significantly. You know, the stones that used to line the side and kind of provided a barrier for high storm. Um it doesn't exist as much anymore and it's just a problem. And I think that uh rain is only increasing over time and I think we've seen that and I've looked at some of the FEMA maps for flooding and things and we are in a major area where it looks like that standard is kind of increasing continually. So, um I'd like to put that on the council's agenda of in some fashion or form that I know there was a phase 4 at some point of building that years ago that was never completed. I don't know exactly the details of it or anything, but um I'd like to put that as something to not be put on the back burner to at least start looking into, get fully assessed. I know there's D issues and things that need to be um figured out and whatnot, but um we'd like it to be something that is taken up very seriously because there's a good amount of homes that can be affected with one of these once in aundred year raintorms that are coming two to three times a year now. And I know I've seen it. I've seen flooding in my neighbor's yards. I don't want water in my basement and I don't want 12 of our houses washed out. So, thank you.

Thank you, Luke. We'll uh after the comment period, we can uh comment back on that. Anyone else wishes wishing to speak, please step forward? Ray, do we have any I I know it's been an ongoing issue and working with D and trying to take the right steps.

Yep. Yeah. No, Jim Savage, the residents reached out. Jim Savage had arranged when the weather broke to come out for a site inspection. Uh the a resident accurately assess the situation. It's a major permit application that's going to be required under current regulations to do uh to reestablish the walls, expand the height, put back the rip wrap um and to deal with it. The area has also now been designated as a flood plane area the entire area but with the map changes that were recently done. So there's some complications. Uh it is on engineering's radar and we are going to be pursuing uh the permit process. But it's a multimonth if not multi-year process with do with D to get the permits required to do the work. But it's helpful to to know to elevate the conversation and appre appreciate people coming out and my former neighbor I see uh who used to live on uh across the street from us um to come and share your concerns and that's why Jim came out to do a site visit and and walk with you because we we share the same concern. We'd like to address it. It's just going to take a little bit of time.

Yeah, that's sorry. Just a quick question. I know we don't normally the on the rosenet there's the park and open space e plans that show spring garden and brookke from 2004. Is that the last time anything was done? Does that sound about right? Okay.

Yeah. We it would be with the permits and all the work process to get it through um D months would be very optimistic I think but uh we will Savage is working on it and appreciate you coming out and just confirming that there is no one else in the public wishing to comment close this part of the meeting and we now move on to introduction ordinances. Will the clerk please read the statement? The ordinance scheduled for first reading have a hearing date set for Monday, May 11th, 2026. They'll be published in the Madison Eagle, posted on the bulletin board, posted on the burrow's website, and made available to members of the public requesting copies.

I call up ordinances for first reading and ask the burough clerk to read ordinance by title. Ordinance 22-2026. Ordinance of the Bureau of Madison amending chapter 155 of the Madison Burough code entitled sewer to update the sewer connection fee schedule. Mayor I move ordinance 22 20226. Second

and um this ordinance and the next two my annual statement are we do on an annual basis because this updates the connection fee. This does not affect any of our current residents. This is the fee that is charged to new connections to any of our utilities. It basically is a fair share of payment for the capital investment that our residents have made in the past. So if you build a new home, a new building, you're paying into this. But if you're uh pay you're already there, it doesn't affect you. Any further discussion? Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landan, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harold Pudis, yes. M

Cohen, yes. Ordinance 23-2026. Ordinance of the Bureau of Madison amending chapter 190 of the Madison Burough Code entitled water to update the water connection fee schedule. Mayor, I move uh ordinance 23-2026. Second. Any discussion? Same as last one. Roll call vote. Mr. Landrean? Yes. Mr. Range? Yes. Mr. Harold Pudis? Yes. Mr. Cohen? Yes. Ordinance 24-2026.

Ordinance of the Burough of Madison amending chapter 94 of the Madison Burough Code entitled electric utility to update the electric connection fee schedule. Mayor, I move ordinance 24-2026. Second. Any discussion? Again, same as the last two. Thank you. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrean? Yes. Mr. Range? Yes. Mr. Harold Pudis? Yes. Miss Cohen? Yes. Ordinance 25-2026. Ordinance of the Burrow of Madison amending chapter 137 of the burough code to regarding the recreation department code of conduct and policies. Mayor, I move ordinance 25-2026.

Second. And uh Eric did uh talk about this during his report. Any uh further discussion? Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landan, yes. Mr. Range. Yes. Mr. Harland Pis. Yes. M. Cohen. Yes. We move on to consent agenda resolutions. Will the clerk please read a statement?

Consent agenda resolutions will be enacted with a single motion. Any resolution requiring expenditure supported by a certification of availability of funds. Any resolution requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda. All resolutions will be reflected in full in the minutes. Mayor, I move ordinance 147206 through 162 2026. Second. Any uh that need to be pulled or any discussion? Just

a quick note on uh 156 uh which is the agreement with uh Verizon. Uh so this as the mayor mentioned since we own most of the utility poles uh they pay us a fee. Um, so this will see more than $100,000 in revenue this year as they pay some back payments to us. Um, and then about 60,000 a year or more uh going forward on an annual basis. So, it's a nice non- tax revenue stream to have from our utility. Thank you.

Um, yes, thanks Eric. I was going to comment on that, too. That's good news for us to have finally settled that. Uh also resolution 154 2026 uh bring the signage um preparation forward uh adding the change order that's required and hopefully very soon we'll have this uh signage uh installed around the burrow. I don't know if there's a schedule yet. Is there a schedule? Not yet. Packet yet. Okay. It'll be this summer. Okay. Thanks. Thanks a lot, Ray Mayor. That's And there's more to come after that. which we need. Any other comments? Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrian, yes. Mr. Range, yes.

Mr. Harland Pudis. Yes. Mhm. Yes.

There is no unfinished business. Approval of vouchers. Will the clerk please read the voucher total? vouchers current from the current fund $4,476,451 from the general capital fund $155,83929 from the electric operating fund $757,9534 from the electric capital fund $89,594.92 from the water operating fund $28,9059 9 from the water capital fund, $5,50 from the trust, $41,91.71. The total is 5,540,47456.

Mayor, I move approval of the vouchers. Second. Discussion. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrean, yes. Mr. Range, yes. Mr. Harold Cudis, yes. Miss Cohen, yes. There is no new business. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. May I move we adjourn the meeting? All in favor? I I thank you. Thank you all. Thank you.