Borough Council - Regular Meeting

Good.

Roll it. There we go. This meeting is called to order. In accordance with the open public meetings law in accordance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting has been provided. This meeting of November 3rd, 2025 was published in the Courier News and Star ledger and placed on the Burough's website in Bulletin board at Burough Hall. A copy of this notice is available to the public and a copy of the statement shall be included in the minutes of this meeting. Mayor Brian Gallagher here. Council members Terresa Bonner here. Andrew Ki here. Glenn Deny here. Randy Pittz here. Gina Stravik here. Roger F here.

Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. Can I have a motion for the approval of the minutes of October 20th? So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Terresa Bonner. Yes. Yes. Andrew Ky, yes. Glen, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm, yes.

All right. Item number five, departmental reports. Uh, in case anybody hasn't noticed, uh, tomorrow is election day. Uh, polls open, uh, at 6:00 a.m. and they close at 8:00 p.m. Um, I wish all those that are engaged, uh, tomorrow, uh, a good luck. um only those that uh actually are serving understand what it is to uh to kind of go through this. Uh it's not an easy task. So anybody who puts their hand up and says I want to be a part of this um I give a lot of credit to. So thank you for stepping up and and being a part of the process. Um committee reports. Uh let's go with Mr. Ki.

Uh nothing to report this time. Okay, Gina. Uh the rescue squad reports uh 142 calls uh for the month of October. Um and um they uh are actively uh looking for new members, training some new members as we speak. And um they also uh uh worked collaboratively with the fire department uh to have a tour of the SF building um this uh past yesterday, this past Sunday for um um for community to come out and and see the trucks, touch a truck and uh we had a nice small group of uh folks come out. So um thank you to them. Uh the board of health uh meets next week. So if anyone's interested uh see the agenda on the uh Burough Council website for the board of health. Thank you.

Excellent. Thank you. Uh Glenn,

great. Thank you. Uh environmental commission uh was able to present the rationale and details of the tree replacement and enhanced storm water ordinances to the planning board on October 22nd. So thanks go to uh Jeff and Timarie for that presentation. Check it out on video if you'd like to. And then also on Saturday, October 25th, a group of 12 volunteers was able to plant uh native perennials that were donated by the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, the Somerset chapter in two of the meetings on Hollyy Street. Thank you to John for organizing that one. And then uh also uh late earlier that week uh at the county commissioner meeting, Jeff Lamour spoke out about the importance of a regional storm water plan and cooperating with nearby municipalities. Uh, if you're interested, excuse me, in joining the environmental commission, we'll be meeting next Tuesday, the 11th, at 7 p.m. right here at the Civic Center. And then for fire, hopefully you all remember to set your clocks back an hour, which is also a good reminder to check your batteries in your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide alarms. Uh, make sure you change them or check them. And then also on December 6th at around 6 PM, the holiday lights parade will be kicking off. So, uh, get ready for the holiday season.

Awesome. All right. Thank you, Teresa. Thank you. Um, very briefly, um, just very excited to announce that the Somerville Public Library will be having their grand reopening, um, this Saturday, the 8th, from 1 to 4:00 p.m. Um, I'm going to be there. I hope to see lots of people there. Uh there's going to be games and music and uh celebration just that we have our space back and see what they've done to kind of fit everything onto one floor. Um and they're going to have some great new programming coming in. So watch out for that. That's it. Great. Thank you. Uh Randy,

I have nothing at this time, your honor.

Okay. Roger. Uh just want to say thank you to the houses that participated in the house decorating contest uh for the recreation uh department. Um we had uh some three winners, the gold standard of scary on 20 Everett Drive, a dolllightful horror show on seven Cayman Place, Pumpkin Spice and a Ghostly Delight at 146 West Cliff Street. And then honorable mentions go out to 42 Ross and 87 Eastern States Parkway. Um there are pictures up on the burrow's uh Facebook page. So you can go ahead and take a look at the official Burrow Facebook page for those those houses. Um and uh all the winners will receive downtown Somerville gift cards. So again, thank you to everyone who participated. Just some reminders, the basketball league for grades three to eight deadline is coming up November 5th. Uh and again a beginner basketball clinic is going to be Friday nights in January and February for grades one and two and that uh sign up is the deadline for that is December 30th. Uh and again a reminder that the turkey trot is fast approaching. Uh so again that'll be on Thanksgiving morning. It's a really really amazing community event. Lots of folks from not only Somerville but the surrounding area come participate. So, even if you're not going to run, it's something if you want to bring the kids down on Thanksgiving morning and check it out, it is worth it. It's just a tremendous event that gets put on every year and it gets bigger and bigger and bigger. Um, so any support that you can provide and come on out, we'd appreciate it. And that's all I have.

And you don't have to run, you can walk if you want. That is absolutely true.

Um, just two quick items that I just want to make mention of. Uh, one is the scouting for food program. Uh many of you probably had uh white bags tied to your door handles over the weekend or had a flyer dropped off at your house. And uh the scouts of Somerville uh both uh Boy Scout troops and our Cub Scout pack uh are going to be coming around uh this coming weekend, Saturday morning, uh to collect. So if you have uh food items, there's a whole list of items on that form. Uh it's also out on social media. If you have items that you can donate, just have it out by 9:00 am on your front stoop. And uh the scouts will be by to collect it and get it into the hands of uh of those that need it most. So that and then also uh got word yesterday that the Somerville High School marching band are the state champions. Once again, what I'd like to do, Kevin, and Kevin loves when I do this. Um, I'd like to bring them in, the whole darn band.

Yeah. And and let's give them a proclamation because my understanding is not only did they win the state championships over the course of this season, uh, they've won a a whole host of different championships. So, um, if we can reach out to the school, get all of that background information, uh, we'll craft up a proclamation and, uh, and let's bring them all in and maybe some of them can bring their instruments, too. Mayor, may I further suggest that we, uh, somehow include them, uh, if they're not already included in the, uh, holiday lights parade? Uh, sure, we can. Well, we can reach out to the fire department and see how uh, if and how they can, uh, they can be included.

Yeah. Good. Um, all right. Uh, next up, number seven, is a proclamation uh, dedicating November as Native American Heritage Month. And I'm going to step down here for this. Come on in here. Over here. You don't have to go over there. You come on over here. So, so we have with us tonight Harold Willard. Um, Harold, uh, I've known Harold probably 25 years now or so.

Yeah, pretty close. So, um, is this on? Is this on, right?

You hear me? Okay. Um, Harold is a Cherokee Indian and I think there's uh and a resident of Somerville obviously and I think there's no better person to present this proclamation to than yourself. So, I'd like to read this. Um, whereas the Burrow of Somerville recognizes that Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the land that now constitute the United States and their rich histories, diverse cultures, and enduring contributions continue to shape our communities today. And whereas November is recognized nationally as Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the traditions, languages, and stories of indigenous peoples and to acknowledge their important role in the past, present, and future of our nation. And whereas the Burough of Somerville acknowledges that the lands we live on were once home to the Lenipe people whose stewardship of the land continues to inspire efforts toward environmental sustainability and community respect. And whereas the burrow celebrates the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Native Americans and seeks to promote greater understanding and appreciation for the contributions they have made and continue to make to all aspects of American life. And whereas it is fitting and proper that the Burrow of Somerville joins in this national observance to celebrate and recognize the many achievements and cultural cultural heritage of Native Americans. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Brian Gallagher, mayor of the Burough of Somerville, on behalf of the Burough Council, do hereby proclaim November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in the Burrow of Somerville and encourage all residents to learn about and honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans. Thank you, sir. [applause] I knew you were going to say a few words. Uh Dadoa, Harold Ward, Dado, Ji and Yokuya. Uh what I said to to what I said was my

they know me as Harold Willard and that uh I want to thank you for presenting this uh proclamation to me as representing the indigenous peoples of this state and of this nation. And on behalf of my people, the Cherokee people and the indigenous people of New Jersey, I want to present this gift to you. Let me put this over here for a second. I have to explain this. Yes.

Uh this is all handmade. This is uh this deer skin. This is Pouch's deer skin here. And this this beaded this uh uh braided part is buffalo. And you can see the wolf on here. I'm Wolf Clan. Uh and in Cherokee, we call ourselves WA Andy WA. So this is Wolf Clan. And these are the seven clans of my people here representing. And on the back of this is the lightning bolts. When you say our prayers, uh, God sends these lightning bolts to us and some, you know, people run from them and everything, but to us they the grandfathers and God sends his messages to us through these lightning bolts. In this pouch there's tobacco which is very sacred to us because tobacco is originally originated in the Americas and we've always used it to pray with and all all our ceremonies and all our our treaties and everything. So I want to give this pouch to you with this back to back in it representing uh the chief of Simville in my language the chief and the and the town of Somerville and which is our tribe here and that loving a loving caring for you, Mayor Gallagha, and the people of Somerville on behalf of us indigenous people of the state of New Jersey and the Cherokee nation. Here this I present to you.

Thank you. Thank [applause] you. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you. And thank you for coming and thank you for being you.

Thank you. This means a lot and I greatly appreciate it on behalf of the council. Uh goes right up in my office. It's beautiful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. Next up, uh, item number eight is budget introduction downtown Somerville Alliance. Dana, this is the adoption, I believe, right? Yeah, the adoption. It's incorrect. All right. There was a fold on everybody's okay. So you're

Yep. Yeah. Just hit Thank you.

So thank you. um you know, the uh Downtown Somerville Alliance um went back and had um discussions on things that we could change um in our budget to address minor sidewalk repairs. Um so we're proposing um to council um a relocating of our contents of our storage garage to an unused burrow property um perhaps the former police headquarters for 2026. If the bureau can agree to a dollar a year lease arrangement for 2026, that would save the DSA approximately $5,000 annually. Um, and we would allocate these savings along with an additional $5,000 directly to a newly established DSA infrastructure repair fund. Um, right now we also um, you know, have a multi-year funding strategy that that we've proposed. Um 2026 we maintain our contractually obligated contributions um to the St. Patrick's Day parade and tour of Somerville a total of $8,000. But for 2027 we could um with obviously uh subject to board approval reprogram those as additional contributions to the infrastructure fund. Um and so that would be an annual contribution of $23,000 starting in 2027. Um, we also respectfully request that the bureau consider a 5 to1 match on DSA infrastructure repair fund contributions to enable the bureau to perform larger and more comprehensive repairs over a shorter period of time. Um, and that would potentially allow for a a fund of about $50,000 um to really tackle the minor repairs. Um, and just a reminder that that we do um budget over $200,000 and include cleaning and maintenance, seasonal landscaping and decorations um to maintain the downtown area and another $25,000

of grant money has been put into infrastructure related improvements from our budget. There's also several properties expected to be developed over the next several years that will include new sidewalk construction if approved. Um that's including the Gateway East project, the Granite Project, and Edward Properties at 164 166 West Main Street. Um and these developments will be required to um improve portions of the sidewalk infrastructure as part of their project compliance. And we urge the planning board and the or zoning board um to ensure that all projects that come before them either invest in nude sidewalks or repair of the existing sidewalks. Um, we also request that the tree fund monies received from developers inside the special improvement district be used for additional plantings, um, tree maintenance, tree root care, sidewalk leveling and infrastructure improvements within SID boundaries. Currently, thousands of dollars are being generated, um, from SID development projects and being redirected outside of the district to um, the tree fund. um those ST funds should be reallocated back into the district um you know um to take care of you know um these the areas which is most impacted by um this development. Um, we also believe that uh that there could be an, you know, exploring of additionary or or following a supplementary funding sources. Perhaps a commercial sidewalk assessment program, establishing a program similar to the existing residential sidewalk assessment program that would create equitable cost sharing for sidewalk maintenance. Um, a Main Street road closure fee. Um, creating a non-t tax revenue stream through fees for nonDSA events. um requiring main street closures with the proceeds direct dedicated exclusively to infrastructure repairs. Um and of course we will continue to explore grant opportunities to do infrastructure repairs. Um we currently have four that involve

infrastructure from sidewalk to alleyways. Um, we also know that there were some questions about our events and I put into your folders an explanation an overview of why um, I guess our approach to budgeting for events. Um, each each event that we plan is is designed with a specific goal in mind, whether it's driving foot traffic or promoting local businesses or enhancing Somerville's downtown brand. And budgets vary for each event because of logistical needs, the audience, potential for revenue generation or sponsorship support. And we carefully balanced our investment in those experiences to draw visitors with opportunities to recoup those costs either through ticketing, vendor fees, or sponsorships. So, as an example, Puppy Palooa is almost exclusively paid for through a sponsorship with the Patriots, which we wouldn't have gotten with, you know, in any other event. It was uh especially um I guess coordinated because of Sparky, their their mascot. Um and so we'll actually also get vendor fees potentially from that event. Um, Small Business Saturday, in contrast, um, requires, you know, it's much smaller, less infrastructure heavy items. We don't have to hire a stage. I mean, a rent a stage. We don't have to rent AV equipment. Um, it's very, very specifically made smaller to not distract people from what they're coming down to do, which is shop in our small businesses. Um, some events are ticketed, such as chocolate walk, um, girls night out. Other have vendor tableabling fees like International Street Fest which we recoup um almost half. And if you look at your budget, the top part of the budget that speaks to revenue has in there revenue that we get from different events and then the events the costs themselves is in a second part under expenditures. So it's a little deceiving just to look at the

expense of an event without taking into account the other things that revenue that may be drawn from a a you know, a particular event. [clears throat] And so our event calendar is designed to balance high investment that draws significant regional visitors. I believe we shared with you our data from our Placer um account um which shows the number of visitors that we draw during events. Um each dollar is evaluated for its return um in visibility, attendance, and downtown economic activity. And the promotions committee meets monthly to debrief on every single event and make recommendations for modifications and improvements or improvements based upon real data. And the overall strategy is to ensure that vi Somerville remains a vibrant attractive destination year round. So I respectfully I guess submit the new budget proposal to the council. [clears throat]

Okay. Uh questions. So are are we just approving the budget or all these suggested items um for development of new revenue streams and everything like that? I I think it's really I my impression is that this really is just the budget. It's the overall budget and it's not like government where it's set in stone o over the course of the year they have the ability to shift their monies around as as they see fit or as the board sees fit. Um,

so I'm just concerned, Brian. I mean, the suggestion is being made that the burrow put in a 5 to one match. Um, I that's what I not prepared to agree to. I appreciate the effort and the DSA going back and um finding $5,000 out of their their budget um towards uh sidewalk maintenance. I'm not sure you got quotes on what maintenance is going to cost because I really don't think that's anywhere near the need. And then we're basically donating the other 5,000. So, um, with the request for a five to one match and and I think there's some valuable ideas and generation of new revenue streams and so on. Um, and the and the business owners taking some responsibility through a program. Um, but I'm just don't think I'm ready to commit to all of those new ideas. Uh, although I will accept the $5,000 addition in the budget. So,

I and I so I guess just a couple of comments. one. Um I I like the idea of exploring the uh sidewalk assessment program and seeing if there's an ability there um to have that public private partnership. I think that's a good one. Um I also agree with the idea that uh revenues tree revenue generated within the district should be put back into the district and that may be one of the fall downs um of of what we have today that there wasn't that reinvestment back in the district. Um, the way I see it, I think I think so you're looking at was it 10 grand total in terms there would be yes 10 provided that the that we can move our garage.

Yeah. And I I I don't see that as a problem. Um what what I would what I would like to see and I agree with Gina, we're agreeing more and more um is this is this to me is a first blush that in in ensuing years there needs to be um more of a commitment to that uh that that sidewalk repair. I mean it's really it's general maintenance. It's it's no different than your home. It's no different than your business. And there needs to be that that general maintenance, that general upkeep because we've seen what happens when you don't. It's what we have now. And and we need to to have that. So if what I'm hearing is that this is the first investment um and then in subsequent years there will be larger investments, I can then get behind it. But I haven't heard that. So I would like to hear some discussion on that. Well, as I said, we have um in 2027, so this is the budget for 2026. In 2027, we can contribute another $8,000 that would up that um contribution um to um almost $23,000. And then with new I guess properties that are coming online and increased assessment in from those areas or increased tax uh revenue. Um we I can't make a commitment of the dollar amount yet because I don't know what that tax additional tax revenue would be coming in from these new properties. Um so but yes that that is something that we are committed to taking a look at. Yes.

Yeah. I I I I hear you. And even at 23, I don't know if that's enough because I I again I I'm not familiar with how much it would take to repair what we have on a consistent basis or to maintain what we have. The you know I I know if you put in a pa sidewalk in front of your house or a pa driveway, it's expensive. It's a lot of money. It takes a lot of labor. Mhm.

So, so the idea that, you know, we need to create a percentage um out of the overall revenues coming in for maintenance to me makes a lot of sense. Um, you know, and I get the idea that, you know, 26 is we're already in in the mix of it. But I think there's got to be a realization from the board that they need to buy in that the burrow, look, the burrow and the board got together 10 years ago and we fixed a whole lot of sidewalk and I want to say we we committed 50 and I think the DSA came up with 50 at that time. Um, so you're talking and that was just that was basically a oneshot deal to just go. So you're talking a lot of money. Um, I understand that, you know, trying to build into that, but I'm not hearing it back that there's going to be that build and it can't be over 10 years. It's got to be, you've got to take a percentage of it and and dump it right back into maintenance because without solid maintenance, without sidewalks where, you know, people can reasonably navigate without having to hit potholes or, you know, bumps in the road. um you know it it's it's it's created a problem and it's a it's it's just being magnified now. So I think we have to get to a point where we need to invest more in that.

Well, as I said, the the board and the executive committee is committed to making those investments, but this is what we can do in our 2026 budget. Can I ask a question about what the cleaning and maintenance contract with ABS is? What is ABS and what do they clean and maintain?

Um ABS is stands for Affordable Building Solutions. We put out an RFP back in 2024. Um actually I believe it was 2023. It was a two uh no 2024. It was a two-year contract um in which they um they clean depending on the the time of the year during obviously our busier summer months. Um they have a three member crew that comes out every single morning from 9:00 am to noon time um to clean Division Street and the overflow of garbage on Main Street. They clean up um you know different types of areas they were maintaining um the weeds that were in those um beds that were cordoned off for a while where they were overgrown like we had them addressing the weed situation. Um they also are the company that takes out our furniture um on Division Street, puts the furniture back into our shed um you know at the end of the season. Um so they do several several different things um over the course of the year for us.

Do they work on Sundays as well? Only during the busiest time of the year. They don't work on Sundays during like this time of the year. Oh, I because the I was downtown yesterday and there was garbage just overflowing all over the ground. And I know it's because of Halloween, but that was addressed though first thing this morning. Okay. Um but we but door from October I believe it's October 1st to December 31st. They work Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. and we're looking with the infrastructure um committee this week to decide whether or not those are the appropriate days of the week for them to be out there.

That include uh that scope of work include removing graffiti and uh vandalism stickers, things like that. Uh as well as you know gum and whatnot from the sidewalk. I mean beautifification in general if we're paying somebody that much money a year. Uh, I mean, like that's that's an employee or two, you know, potentially as far as I see the dollar value there. Um, and those employees, if they were ours, could be directed not just to do the cleaning, but to also do the sidewalk repairs. But instead, we're paying $120,000 to a company. And [clears throat] out of it, we're getting some garbage removal and some chair removal. So, I that's confusing to me. The other thing that's confusing to me is that your dollar numbers on your sidewalk repair. Uh I know you have $10,000 in here and you keep saying that's a contribution this year. Then you said next year you could do another 8,000 and that would bring it to 23. I'm missing the the 5,000.

We put another $5,000 in in the 2026 budget just based on what we have right now. But if we get an additional This says $10,000. You said there's another 5,000. So this is $15,000 in 2027. 2027. So, we're talking about 2026 budget though. Okay. Correct.

So, on this one, you're doing $10,000 worth of minor repair, and I echo the points that were made prior to me by by my colleagues and the mayor, uh, that this doesn't seem like enough to do what we need to have done. Um, and what more of what needs to be contributed to this. I mean there are places where I mean I don't think we also I just want to be clear about this that we should be eliminating contributions to any other events by um doing this. So I think you had mentioned something about the the was it the Memorial Day race or what were the two events you you said you would eliminate contributions to in order to increase this fund

in in 2027. Those are not DSA events. Those are external organizations that we make contribution tour of Somerville and the St. Patrick's Day parade. The the DSA was asked to step in on both of those events to assist them financially because they were going through a financial issue at that time. They still having a financial issue or My understanding is that tour Somerville did very well. Okay.

I'm not I'm not familiar with St. St. Patrick, but obviously, you know, they raise money from from the public and if they don't have a good fundraising year. So, we did that. Uh Dana was not here at the time when the board committed to that. Um so, we when we had committed to that, we felt that that we would give them three years to basically get on their feet,

right? Um you know, I'm not sure we said it that way, but that was the commitment. And and the idea of that was yes, those funds were to disappear and re and to be reprogrammed into either new programs or other things. And in this case, the um the idea was to reprogram those monies into the into the areas that you request that you requested. I'm sure sorry the council requested.

Yeah. And as far as the uh safe and clean, what that is, we did do an analysis several years ago about actually bringing on staff to the DSA, but unfortunately the cost of both health care and workers comp claims. You know, everybody looks at their salary, they don't really look at the fact that it's really double that, if not in some cases two and two to three times that.

It didn't make sense at that time for us to do that. Um this has been something we've been bid we bid it out so it does go to to uh it's a competitive environment um and and it is for the majority it's supplemental cleaning services so that the DSA again [snorts] with the staff of three they don't they don't have any physical labor so that provides their physical labor component because again if the municipality was to do some of that work it's off hours it's on Saturdays and weekends it it would lend itself to overtime costs and we had felt that this was the way we would go and I think you know and again it kind of that program kind of predates Dana as well um but it's probably something we want to stick with um you know to provide some of that supplemental work. So, so to kind of just put my arms around this, um, the the the the revenue generated the burrow collects, we provide to the DSA and the DSA manages that money on behalf of the property owners uh that are downtown. So, so you know what I'm trying to do is to look at this because we have we have a a governing body here who, you know, has to ensure that the monies are spended are spent um judiciously. They have a board um that should be guiding and directing and they have a constituency that should be guiding and directing um how that money is spent. uh based upon conversations that we've had, we have opinions of where that money should be spent. Ultimately, it's their board that has to decide whether this is the right way or not.

Having said that, um I still go back to the significant infrastructure issue. We all recognize there's a there's a significant infrastructure issue and I think the DSA board has to recognize that as well. Um, I have no problem passing the budget with the caveat that um that the the mayor and council are requesting that you go back and insert a significant amount of money for infrastructure. The burrow is willing to kick that in. We're willing to uh as we go through our finance mechanisms to invest in our sidewalks because it is infrastructure. It's about safety. It's about attracting people. It's about keeping people coming downtown. We can create all the events we want, but if we've got a lunar surface for a sidewalk, uh, we got a problem.

So, so I have no problem saying, okay, DSA, you know, the the ballpark numbers you have are okay. However, um, as you go into 26, we need a big number for infrastructure. If we're if this governing body is willing to give a big number for infrastructure, the DSA has to do the same thing. They have to carve it out. They've got to figure out where. Now, I know the next question is, you tell me what what event you want canceled. That's not up to us. Um, that's up to the board to look at this critically and say, "How can we shave off a thousand here, a thousand here, a thousand here, and let's instead of a 5 to one match, I'd love to see it a onetoone match." Um, that makes more sense. I don't know if, you know, if we can do that over a two-year plan, if we can go to a 2:1 match, year 26, and then a one:1 27, that to me makes sense. But there has to be that shared responsibility there. There we we we can't shift it from the property owners and the DSA back to the burrow to bail it out. Um I don't know that that's fiscally sound from the from the governing body's perspective. So I mean if everybody's in in

So So mayor, if I could just comment on that and is is you know one thing about the the DSA budget which is very different than the municipal budget. Um, when it comes to revenue projections, the the the the revenue projections in the municipal budget, it's very clear. You cannot anticipate more than you realized in the prior year. That's the law. It doesn't matter if we bring in millions and millions of dollars extra. It doesn't matter.

When the DSA struggles with that because the DSA it the qu the the event revenue is always predicated on how people buying tickets. So that is an area we did talk about the executive board that if we could if we do better in some of the areas than we're projecting which we hope we do um that it will lend itself to some more opportunity but we won't know that until kind of the year trickles in um and some of the events trickle in but I think the board is would be committed to finding some additional money provided mo the additional money are findable if you know what I mean the revenue venues the projections do better government term.

Yeah. Yeah. The revenues do better than we're projecting in the DSA.

Well, I I I think the goal here is a 2:1 uh in 26 and a one in 27. And I think what is important too is the tree fund because the tree fund is critical because a lot of the sidewalks that we all complain about are related to a forestry issue and with the assistance of the environmental commission I think the DSA and the bureau and the environmental but we're going to have to tackle each one of those individual to figure out the best solution. But but the tree fund, that's what it's there for. And I think that that's important to be able to tap into the tree fund, not necessarily for the sidewalk, but for the tree. And if we're able to do that, the DSA could navigate its way financially a little better.

So just realizing that when you do that, we're going to have to allocate additional monies out of our municipal budget for for the residential tree streets that we already do. And the other thing that needs to be done is the trees no matter where need to be planted properly. And a lot of the developers are going cheap and not putting in the appropriate soils and bu and and putting them into spec. And there's no oversight in that process. And I've called the question multiple times on these trees um in two different areas of town um with the developers and um and it has been a battle and and hence the trees are dying or undersized or inappropriately planted. So, it goes a little deeper than that. Um, but certainly this is a good step forward and I appreciate um uh even a better um response.

Councilwoman, [snorts] I appreciate that and I do think as you mean as a municipality, we have to tackle the most pressing issue. the most pressing issue is the main street trees and and I think that's that's the issue and and so I think that uh and I appreciate that and as we go through our municipal budget uh with with uh with Roger and Gina we'll have to talk about th those additional funds. All right. Um so is everybody okay with a two to one and then a one to one? Is that is that kind of the general direction general consensus? Sure. Yeah. Not forever. We're gonna As long as that's this is a two-year plan. Well, let's let's get Yeah. It's a two-year plan and then we'll go we'll go from there. As long as there's an increase next year.

Yes. Yeah. Okay. Um All right. Uh just for uh transparency, I'll open up for public comment at this point.

Just please state your name, address for the record. Please address your comments. Storms. Uh you know the routine.

Know the routine. Yes. Uh I would just like to comment on the uh on the on the presentation. It was well done. However, we've been talking about these uh downtown sidewalks for 10 years, 15 years, and we're talking a drop in the bucket. 5,000, $10,000. It's almost, it's silly to even talk those numbers. We all know it's hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace these sidewalks. And I don't want to say, but we're kicking the can down the road another year, another two years. This needs to be addressed now. In my opinion, for the for Main Street, for the store owners downtown, I would say with all the events here, the most important thing to the business owners on Main Street is the sidewalks, the cleanliness of the sidewalks, the trees, and what's going on downtown. We've attempted to make it better by taking all the grates down. It's a step in the right direction. However, we all know there's a lot of work that needs to be done and I would I would suggest that putting more monies next year or doubling the hundreds of thousands of dollars and maybe even floating a bond of some sort in order to pay for these sidewalks to get done urgently. Um, I just think it's a critical area that the DSA, if they're going to be funding it, the special improvement district tax, we all know, is is generated from the the the the

property owners started. When was it started, Brian? Oh, 909.

93. Okay. Yeah. Early 90s. and it was called the special improvement district tax. It has morphed into the DSA. I support the DSA. I support the events. However, without a clean, safe Main Street, none of the events are going to happen. So, I would urge the DSA, I would urge the council that we really need to act on getting the sidewalks a a plan in place. We've been talking about it for years. sooner rather than later. Thank you.

Any other public comment? Hearing none, we'll close the public comment session. Um, just to address that very briefly. So, I think year one, uh, if everybody's clear, uh, the burrow is willing to put in 50. The DSA we're requesting they put in 25. So, we're looking at 75 to address those immediate concerns, those immediate trip hazards that uh um that are a problem. I do like the idea of looking at uh the the the potential for a bond ordinance coming out of coming out of the DSA uh with the debt to be paid off by the DSA budget. Um that's something I think we could address and we should address uh that would have a significant long-term impact on it. That bond I asked I think I asked that question last time. It was a 30-year note that they had floated uh to do the sidewalk uh to do the initial installation of the sidewalk and that came due that that was done I think a last year or or the year before? I'm not quite sure. So, so I mean in here, what what is the bond?

So, I mean, I will tell you that the DSA doesn't have the ability to bond. The the the municipality actually bonded last time. So, so unfortunately between 30 years ago and now, there's a lot of laws that changed. So, we did meet with our attorneys um that handle our liability coverage. So we have to be extremely careful of exercising control of properties that we don't own. Um yeah, that's another layer of concern because Yeah, I I get that. I do. Um but I think it's a discussion we have to have.

Um and I think it's one we can have moving forward. But so so the idea is 75 for the initial blush to fix the im imminent hazards that we know are out there. uh the following year we're looking at a hundred or some longer term approach to fixing the sidewalks because I agree with you Greg that that you know it's not only do the store owners want it more importantly the consuming public want clean safe sidewalks and that number could actually be larger provided that we have if we have to tap into the tree fund. Yeah. Right. So the the number could be larger.

Sorry. And if I may, you know, you know, we're talking sidewalks but also the trees. I think that we need to definitely make sure we have um outside expert opinions on exactly what to do with them because we've kind of circled around and around as how to how to fix this area and the sidewalks are one thing but then doing the right thing around the where all the trees are is really important and I think having you know an arborist or somebody else um the environmental commission had engaged at one point doing a tree walk down there. think getting some of those ideas might actually really help move this forward and and make us use our money wisely for that. So,

so I did speak to Jeff Lamour about this because I assume Jeff's going to take the lead. Uh we do have a consultant. We're waiting for a grant to come in with the next three weeks and then I'll be asking the the governing body to uh bring on a consultant to assist us and I'll work with Jeff on that. Great. Thank you. So, could you clarify you received the grant or you're writing another No, the grant was submitted. We have not received it yet. It's six weeks before notification. Um we expect to to get that. It's it's part of the tree inventory uh grant. And when I say grant, it's strictly for a consultant come in and assist us. That that's for the whole town. The tree inventory.

That's correct. Yeah. Yeah. So the tree inventory which is the basic we don't have one. Right. So this it would be the basic step in starting the process. and we would likely stay with the consultants to assist us on Main Street particularly.

So, I do want to point out one thing before we close out this discussion on the budget and whatnot. I think one one of the overarching messages that you should be picking up here is that um the focus mainly solely on uh promotional events um is not really the main focus of what we would expect from the special improvement district. It is a place and placemaking is important and part of that is making sure the place is somewhere that's attractive for people to go to. So, uh it is a the physical aspect of it is just as important as the ethereal and cultural aspects of it. And I would hope that from this discussions you've heard over the last two meetings you've come to and also going forward that the direction of the DSA includes a bit more f focus on the placemaking and the parts of that make downtown somewhere where people physically want to occupy as opposed to just somewhere to come spend money. Right. We want we want people to be there and then to make the decision to spend their money there. So, um I'm I'm hoping that that was one of the major things you pulled out of this discussion.

Yes. Thank you. Um in my just three months with the DSA, um you know, I agree that placemaking is extremely important and that includes the infrastructure of projects. Um we we don't consider ourselves an event um company by any stretch of the imagination. um you know these events um that we do and I've looked um spent an enormous amount of time looking for sponsorships for them. They are things that the business owners do want to see. As you pointed out, nobody wants to take away any of these events. Um and um but we are we are very well aware every grant that we've applied for recently has been with that idea of placemaking in mind.

Okay. Uh we have to pass a resolution. Could I just say Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Sure.

That's okay. Um, and while I agree with everything that was set up here about um maintenance and the trees, I do still um about the events. I I do still feel that you could be a little bit more creative with the Small Business Saturday and that the focus of the of Small Business Saturday is bringing people to downtown, making sure there's a reason for them to be in town and not go to the mall, um, and to support the businesses. So, I I still don't understand why there are the um gifty gift cards instead of the DSA buying gift cards from the merchants so that they get the money up front. And um I think that if you hired the trolley to go up and down the length of the main street like we do with uh Girls Night Out to make sure that it's not all centered on Division Street. Um that people are going to have transportation up and down all the way to Revive, all the way to Taco, things like that. I just think that there are ways to encourage people to come to downtown and just because Small Business Saturday is a well-known thing. People are struggling with money. People go to the big box stores because there's sales. The reason they come to Small Business Saturday is because there's something different about it. There's something that's drawing them in. It's going to hold them here. So, I just want I just need to put that out there that that's how I feel and I think that there should be more focus on um instead of businesses donating things to the baskets and buying gift cards

from Yifty, you buy the things from the businesses and put them in the gift baskets. That's how it was done years ago and it was amazing because you see that money up front. You don't have to wait for somebody to maybe spend a gift card or donating something to go into a basket. We small businesses already lose money all over the place. We need to give them some money to help them through the holiday season because this is going to be a really tough holiday season because people are going without food now. Businesses are going to fail. So, we need to help the businesses. That's all I had to say.

All right. Thank you. Um, so let's bring this to a close. Um, I'll ask for a motion to support the DSA budget for 2026 with the caveat that um, we go on a 2:1 match. Uh, the burrow will uh will provide 50,000, the DSA will provide 25 so we can do infrastructure improvements in the downtown. Uh, do we have a motion for the year 2026? For 26. Yeah, that's the budget we're on. So moved. Second. Uh, I think we've had a whole lot of discussion on this unless anybody has something that they really really need to say. Uh, if not, I will ask for a roll call. Council members, Theresa Bonner,

yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glenn Deny, yes. Randy Pittz, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm, yes. All right. Thank Thank you. Take care. All right. Uh item number nine. Uh I will ask for a motion to open the meeting to the public. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki. Yes. Glen Deny. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Genus Travik. Yes. Roger Verm. Yes. All right. Public session is now public comment period is now open. Hearing none. I'll ask for a motion to close the public session. So move. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner, yes. Andrew Kiy, yes.

Glen Deny, yes. Randy Pittz, yes. Tina Stravik, yes. Roger Ferm, yes. All right. Item number 2776 is amending ordinance number 2757 25303, establishing a salary range for employee titles to be paid to certain officers and employees of the Burrow of Somerville. This is housekeeping. Uh, this allows us to establish the minimum and maximum amounts for various titles within the burrow uh uh for employees. Um, public comment on 2776 is open. Hearing none, close public comment. And I will ask for a motion for introduction. So moved. Second.

Uh, roll call. Thank you. Council members, Theresa Bonner, yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glen Den, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Ver, yes. Sorry, I circ I short circuited for all. Okay. [laughter] end there.

All right. Uh 2777 is amending chapter 102 uh land use of the code of the burough of Somerville article 11 site plan review uh 102-69 general requirements subsection J4 by adding subsection R. I'm going to ask Mr. Cole, our burough planner, to please step up and just give us a very brief overview on what this is and what it does. Uh, thank you, mayor. The the modification to the checklist requires that the council look at the redevelopment. And what is the checklist?

The checklist is the land development checklist. Uh, any application for land development have to fill out 10269, which is the checklist for the application to be deemed complete. This adds an item to that checklist that requires any development in the redevelopment areas that are substantial in nature to uh go in front of this governing body uh to for the governing body to make a determination whether uh designation of redevelopers warranted or not warranted. That's all this really does. It it just clarifies upfront what the uh position of the applicant and the governing body is on whether this meets the threshold of whether should be uh deemed to be uh required to be named redeveloper for the whatever the proposed project is. All right. Uh public comment on 2777 is now open. Hearing none, I'll close public comment and I'll ask for a motion for introduction.

So moved. Second discussion. Roll call. Council member, yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glen, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Ferm, yes. All right, I'm going to jump out of order a little bit uh since Mike is sitting there and item number 2779 is amending chapter 102-95 article 11 entitled zoning creating subsection H entitled zoning and affordable housing inclusionary development. Mike,

thank you mayor. That's the inclusionary zoning ordinance that was draft in the fair share plan that went up to the state in the end of June. All this does is take the draft and it starts to adopt the ordinance which is required by the uh the statute the fourth round to be done by March of 2026. This just starts the process of adopting the the outstanding ordinances that require uh for the fair share to be moving forward. So, we're doing it ahead of the March 2026 deadline. Yes.

Okay. All right. Uh public comment on 2779. Hearing none, I'll close 2779. I'll ask for a motion for introduction. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glendy, yes. Randy Pittz, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm, yes. Thank you, Mike. All right. Item number 2778 is amending chapter 166, schedule 3 entitled no stopping or standing on the west side of Gro Street at the intersection of East Summit Street. Um Teresa, do you want to give us an overview because I know you've been working on this for a while.

Sure. So, um I don't know, a couple months ago, at least by now, maybe three months, um residents from um East Summit Street came to the public safety committee meeting and asked us to look at the site triangle. Is that what that's the word I'm looking for? Site triangle. um on the intersection of East Summit and Grove Street um because there's a lot of trouble seeing around all the cars that are right up to the edge there to get onto Grove Street. It was very difficult and dangerous. So we did that and we saw definitely there was a big problem there and uh we asked the uh county engineer to take a look at it and give us uh you know the a report and recommendations for extending the no parking no stopping or standing zone um at that intersection. It's a T intersection and uh the recommendation from the county engineer uh was 75 feet on each side. Um so that is going to take away some of the parking on Grove, but it is going to make it much safer for everyone the the residents uh to get on to Grove and the people driving on Grove. Um hopefully this will take away some of the risk of accidents. So that's it. Okay. Uh, public comment on 2778 is now open. Hearing none, I'll close 2778 and ask for a motion for introduction.

Still moved. Second. Discussion. Council member Theresa Bonner. Oh, I'm sorry. Somebody say, you're good. [laughter] I apologize. No [clears throat] worries. Council Council members on the election. Yes. Theresa Bonner. Andrew Ki. Yes. Glendy. Yes. Randy Pitts. Yes. Gina Stravik. Yes. Roger Verum. Yes.

Okay. Ordinance for public hearing and adoption. Uh 2774 is amending chapter 150 of the burough code article 3 entitled seasonal sidewalk cafe. Uh what this does is it actually uh creates a little bit stricter enforcement of the uh outdoor cafes uh including uh 4-foot walk widths as well as prescribed timelines uh and fines for not getting applications in uh I shouldn't say fines but enhanced fees for not getting applications in uh on time. Uh so uh I'll ask for a motion to open the public uh hearing. So moved. Second discussion. Roll call. Council members. Theresa Bonner, yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Lendon, yes.

Randy Pittz, yes. Dina Stravik, yes. Roger Broom, yes. Public hearing on 2774 is now open. Hearing none, I'll ask for a motion to close. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy, yes. Plenty. Yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Tina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm, yes. All right. Uh, motion for adoption on 2774. So moved. Second. Discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glendon, yes. Randy Pittz, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Ferm, yes. Okay. Consent resolutions and it would be pulled off for further discussion.

All right. All right. So, uh, 299 is authorizing the CFO to return the cash maintenance bond for the Davenport project uh, block and lot as noted, commonly known as 21 Davenport Street. 300. Rescending Somerville Burough resolution uh 241104 329 and terminating local support for Kinesisa Cannabis LLC for a class 5 retailer license at 960 Route 22 East. 301 authorizing the reserve parking on Grove Street for Veterans Day ceremony on November 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. 302 is awarding a non-fair and open professional parking consultant contract to THAA consultant. 303 is adopting a title of director of human resources, payroll, and finance clerk. 304 is authorizing an amendment to the contract for final design services for safe routes to school along Veterans Memorial Drive East project with NV5 to increase the contract amount by $46,86051 to a new contract amount of $296,11967. 305 isop adopting new local public contracts law thresholds in accordance with local finance notice 2025-08. 306 is approving vaccination clinic to be held on April 26th in coordination with the DSA. 307 is advising municipal departments of property ownership transfer and maintenance obligations for 123 Davenport Street block and lot noted from Phillips to the state of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. 308 is adopting a title of a deputy treasurer. 309 is approving Somerville Fire Department application for Mark Lukak. 310 is authorizing change order number one to the contract with SNL Contractors LLC for the North Auton Avenue reconstruction and drainage improvement projects. 311 is authorizing change order number one and final payment amount of $7,383.84 topline construction for Rehill Avenue improvements. 312 is authorizing change order number one and close out final

payment of $2,800183 for contract with AA BMS for Veterans Memorial Drive Plaza contract uh uh numbered as noted in the amount of $130,365. Do we have a motion? So moved. Second. Roll call. Council members Theresa Honor. Yes. Andrew Ki, yes. Glenn Deny, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm, yes. All right. Bills and vouchers. Roger. I make a motion to pay bills and vouchers in the amount of 1,260,2345.

Second discussion. Roll call. Council members Theresa Bonner. Yes. Andrew Kiy. Yes. Glen, yes. Randy Pitts, yes. Gina Stravik, yes. Roger Verm, yes. All right. Uh, Roger, I will ask for a motion to adjurnn. I motion to adjurnn. Second. Discussion. All in favor? All right.