Township Council - Regular Meeting

[clears throat] [clears throat] Adequate notice of this meeting was duly provided to the Rona Cedar Grove Times and the store ledger on December 18th, 2025 filed with the township clerk and posted on the public bulletin board in the municipal lobby building lobby in accordance with the open public meetings act. We're going to start with extraordinary business of the township council item 2A. Donna go down there. Yeah. Do you need assistance? I think I

will see. You I can help if you want. Okay. Well, let me know. Give [clears throat] me a Okay. Will

welcome everyone. We're not used to the lower here. Very nice to see a presentation tonight to the Cedar Grove High School robotics. May I please have Vrog, John, Daryl, Mr. Coer, and Ms. Halloweeny. Did I pronounce it right?

I'm really Come on up. [laughter] [snorts]

Now, I'm just going to say a few words first. I usually write everything out and I did not do that tonight. I'm a very big sports person. Anybody that knows me here knows that I am. But this is fascinating to [laughter] me. Um, I don't know whose mom it is that posts it on Facebook. Somebody post about all your all everything you guys have won and done. Oh, dad. Okay. Okay. Okay. Facebook is fascinating, right? That's how um we came to know about your your success. And of course, I know Mr. Ker for years. Fantastic. Fantastic. Okay. Essex County Teacher of the Year one year, right? Okay. So, we wanted to take the time. I know you're not done with your I'm going to call it a season. I don't know if that's what it's called. [laughter] Okay. With your season, but we want to take a few minutes to commend you for your so far successes. Okay. I I do I think it's amazing. So what we have here and I will read it is a proclamation from the township of Cedar Grove acknowledging your successes. Now it would appear to me by the time we write things up you guys win something else. [laughter] So if this is a little outdated I apologize but it's your fault. If I recall, Dad just posted yesterday, baby, that you just won uh I'm sorry, I don't even know what this stuff means. A VEX robotics competition over the weekend, this past weekend. All right, they keep going, everybody. They just keep going. [snorts] So, let me read the proclamation so we can congratulate you all. Okay, there's a lot of wheres in this thing. [snorts] So it reads the following. Whereas the township of Cedar Grove has

always taken great pride in its students academic and academic excellence. Whereas VEX Robotic is a global leader in educational robotics providing hands-on STEM platforms and competitions for students from preK through the university level where they design, build, and program robotics to solve challenges, fostering teamwork. I love that. [snorts] and problem solving skills through systems like VEX, VEX IQ, VEX V5, and VEX AI. And whereas in November of 2025, these Cedar Grove High School students, Vogue, John, and Daryl [snorts] won the covet coveted VXV5 launch signature event, [snorts] regional robotics competition in Cleveland, Ohio. They won this against 60 teams from the United States and Canada. And whereas under the tulage of teams coaches Mr. Coer and Ms. Let's try it again.

Halani. Halawani. Thank you. [laughter]

The robotics team has demonstrated exceptional skills, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance while it's competing against peers from state, national, and international levels. And whereas through their dedication and hard work, the team continues to achieve outstanding successes at each level of this competition. [snorts] Recently, they earned the Innovate Innovate Award. This win propels the robotics team closer to the prestigious 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship against approximately 2,500 teams representing 60 countries. This is in Missouri in April of 2026. Now therefore, it be proclaimed that I, Mayor Michelle Migga, and the township account township council do hereby express our pride in the accomplishments of lead designer program and driver.

A barrage, sorry. Lead strategic and team scout, John. [snorts] lead pit manager and match loader Daryl for bringing distinctions to your school, family, and township. You have set a standard of excellence for others to emulate. You may have continued successes as you progress in this competition. [snorts] to the coaches. Whereas these accomplishments reflect the commitment of educators, mentors, and families who support academic excellence and inspire future leaders in STEM fields. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that I, Michelle Migga, and the township council do hereby applaud coaches Mr. Coer. Oh, boy. And Miss Halawani.

Yes. [laughter] There we go. for mentoring and encouraging our students to explore, discover, and contribute to the advancement of science and technology. Mr. Cosner, you stay up late nights. I know you do. We know you're going over projects, and I know that your families are very appreciative of what you do as well. And I'm sure they're staying up late nights doing things for all of you. So, congratulations. It doesn't go unnoticed. [applause]

Do you want to say anything? Is up to you? Okay, you got We could take a picture when you're when you're all done. Hold on. [snorts] Glasses. I'll get out of your way. I'll never turn on an open microphone to brag about these boys. Come on. Amazing. I want to thank everyone uh on the town council for uh recognizing the accomplishment of these kids. I mean, it's just absolutely fantastic. Uh, some news that we got this morning was based on uh their work this past weekend and their victory this past weekend, we are rated we are ranked number 12 in the [clears throat] entire world. Wow.

Us in Little Cedar Grove [applause] are ranked 12th in the entire world. So, [applause] we can't wait to see what they do in Missouri this April. And I'm just absolutely so proud and so lucky. So, I want to thank the parents of Cedar Grove for sending us such amazing kids to work with. I am truly blessed. So, thank you. [applause]

Oh, you're very welcome. Great. Okay. Thank you so much. Take a picture. Oh, should we stand up? Try to be taller than some of you. Are you going to join us in the picture? I am up for behind you. Yeah, it's not weird. It's [laughter] not weird. We're not stalking you. It's just so many people. I've never seen in these pictures. [laughter] There we go. Good job. Thank you. [applause]

Well done. Congratulations. Congratulations. Great job. Continued success everybody. You're doing good.

Thank you. [laughter] [laughter] Thank you. Congratulations. We're going to move on to item 2B.

No, you're good. Go ahead, Mayor. Item 2B, presentation to officer John Miguelki and Officer Stevens Seni. Mr.

Oh, sure. Thank Thank you uh Mayor. I'm going to turn this over to Chief Pumprey very quickly. I just briefly I uh personally want to commend Officer Smeigielski and Officer Si uh who because of their quick actions and professionalism saved the Cedar River resident's life. I know Chief Pomprey will share the details about that. Um personally I've known uh both John and Steve for a while. I used to uh shovel snow with John and uh Steve and I went to high school together. So, this is a very special uh uh moment for the township and uh Chief Pumprey, I know you'll do a great job summarizing the events that brought them here today.

I think it's fitting the fire department's here tonight because we poached John and Steve from the fire department. So, [laughter] uh both their fathers were also members of the fire department. So, truly two Cedar Grove uh guys who came up through the township. their fathers probably set a path for them into emergency services. We were lucky enough to get them uh calling our attention to this incident. Uh a lot of what the police do, the fire department does go unnoticed. Uh probably by design it's good. Uh you know, ignorance is bliss. Uh just know that you enjoy your life, but when you need it, it's good to know who's there. Uh on the morning of June 9th, 2025, I think uh most of the people in the room who do emergency services would know this. Certain times of the day when that radio cracks open, you know it's something important. And usually you can tell by the person putting the call out, there's some seriousness to this call. Uh this is what happens at 5:30 in the morning when the police radio opens up and sends two officers to a house for somebody who's having a seizure. Uh our officers are trained very well. uh the way we break the town up, they respond quickly, they are available, and it's when these things come together at the right time for the wrong reasons, we have good results, which is what happened here. Uh unfortunately, one of our residents, I old enough now and live long enough know not to use a woman's age, but we will say she was in an age group that we shouldn't have expected this. Uh she collapsed and had a seizure. Uh her husband realized something was wrong. Uh really what he was describing was agonal breathing which is usually the last breaths of life. Uh the officers got there quickly. They assessed it. Uh while assessing it, she lost her pulse and they immediately started CPR. Uh it's nice to see Chief Sarasa in the room tonight cuz some of the tools we

have go back. Uh Officer Towers here also in fire department guy. When we started, our defibrillator looked like something from emergency 51. We had two pads. [crying] You know, you'd warm them up and hit somebody, but we've gotten better. We carry Porter defibrillators, and we have Lucas devices. Uh something Officer Smeagielski was instrumental in as a CPR instructor. They quickly deployed the Lucas the uh defibrillator and started rescue breathing, delivering three shocks to the patient uh regaining a pulse and getting her transported with ALS and BLS to the hospital where she was able to make a recovery there. UH [applause] officer speli uh a lot of the things we do uh just like anything uh in our organization you can get awards for certain things. Uh I've personally in my career felt the best award we can ever give is the life-saving award. uh that means you were able to intervene and change somebody's life. Uh not only that, uh saving the life is one part of it, but preventing the tragedy that could befall a family, especially from losing a mother is unbelievable. So, we really do owe a debt to Officer Smeowski and Officer Si for their quick actions that day that resulted in a life-saving action. CONGRATULATIONS, [applause] I know the town has a proclamation they're going to read for you and I don't know if uh our family might want to come up and say a few words too if that's okay.

Okay. Thank you. [clears throat and cough]

It just so happens I know these two gentlemen as well. I didn't play football. I didn't go to high school with them or whatnot. Great people. You're a very lucky lady. And I will say this for the Cedar Grove Police Department. Many years ago, my son also had a two seizures. The Cedar Grove Police Department came and helped him as well. So, this group of people that we have that work in Cedar Grove are phenomenal. Phenomenal. I cannot say enough about them. and and you were at the right place at the right time. Another proclamation with a lot of whereas [laughter] whereas the safety and well-being of the residents of the township of Cedar Grove depend in great measure on the courage, professionalism, and dedication of its public safety officers. And whereas on June 9th, 2025, officer John Smith Miguelki [laughter] and Officer Stephen Cinei serving with the Township of Cedar Grove Police Department administered exceptional bravery, skill, and presence of mind while click quickly responding to a call for an unresponsive party. And whereas through with swift actions, sound judgment, and commitment to duty, officers Miguelki and officers officer Sini provided life-saving assistance that directly resulted in the pre preservation of human life. And whereas such actions exemplify the highest traditions of law enforcement service and reflei, the Cedar Grove Police Department, and

the township of Cedar Grove. Now therefore, it be proclaimed that I, M, Mayor Michelle Migga, and the town council of the township of Cedar Grove, do hereby applaud and honor Officer John Miguelce and Officer Steven Seni for your heroic and selfless actions and express the sincere gratitude and appreciation of the entire community for your service. You are the pride of the township. [applause] CONGRATULATIONS.

Thank you. Where's Chief? You want to take some photos? The council like put photos up. Yeah. Sure. [clears throat] All right, guys. We're at it again.

Yeah, absolutely. Just lie down. [snorts]

Peterson, I can't see. I know. [laughter] By design. [laughter] Congrat.

Oh, sure. Um, just real quickly in my letter that I sent to the chief uh at the end of last year, these guys are in a tough climate as it is. They don't get recognized enough. They usually get crapped on in the media for things that go wrong. They need to be recognized um for the good that they do. They saved my wife and most importantly the mother of my 2-year-old and my 5-year-old. So I guys, you are heroes at 28 Mountain Way forever and I can't thank you enough. [applause] [applause] Thank you.

Thank you guys. Great job. Thank you.

Okay. Item 2 C, administration of oath for the fire for to fire chief Alexander Boamp. Mr. Z Kelly.

Thank you, mayor. Congratulations to Chief Boamp on being sworn in as the de uh department chief of the Cedar Grove Fire Department. His record of service to the township speaks for itself and I know he will thrive in this role as he takes over for Chief Domin who proudly served the department for two years as department chief. We are grateful for the Cedar Grove Fire Department as I just indicated during our budget hearing um and the volunteers that comprise it. I wish Chief Boamp the best as he takes on this new role. I know he will be a great success. Right hand on the Bible. Left hand raised. Okay. That's why. Perfect. All right. I

I Alex Bo Champamp. Alex Boamp. Okay. Excuse me. Do sincerely profess and swear do sincerely profess and swear that I do and will that I do and will bear true faith and allegiance bear true faith and allegiance to the government established to the government established in this state in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people. I do solemnly swear I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties of

all the duties of fire chief fire chief of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department. according to the best of my abilities. according to the best of my abilities and understanding. And understanding. So help me God. So help me God. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] [applause]

OKAY. Congratulations [clears throat] again. Thank you.

Uh just real quick, I want to say thank you first to my family. They put up with those uh missed dinners, those 2:00 in the morning fire alarm calls that somehow they now sleep right through and they wonder when I come home saying, "Oh, you went out somewhere." Um I don't know how they do it because they always wake me up. Uh to the mayor and council, uh town manager Zaki, thank you guys. you always support us and I appreciate that. Uh, and finally, just to all of our members, it wouldn't be possible without you guys. You're the ones that show up, staff the rigs, come out on all the calls, your families and all that. So, I appreciate it. Thank you for having the support and let's have a great two years and thank you. [applause] [applause] picture.

Yeah, sure. You want to take a quick picture?

Oh, you're going right there.

Sure. Come on. Congratulations. [snorts] Thank you everyone.

Congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations, Chief, and thank you to everybody that that serves in the township of Cedar Grove. We appreciate you all. Thank you very much.

We'll let you continue without interrupting. Yes. Thank you. That's [laughter] We got 88 things here. Oh my god. got to read a lot tonight. Want one of these?

It's a long day.

Glasses on, glasses off. Yes. All right, mayor. Go ahead. All right. Item 3A, to consider approval of minutes of regular public meeting December 8th, 2025. May I have a motion, please? So moved. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, Stain. Mayor Ma, yes. 3B. to consider approval of executive session with board of education December 22nd, 2025. I'll make a motion without release, ma'am. Thank you. May I have a second? Second.

Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Meri, yes. Mayor Mer, yes. 3C to consider approval of minutes of special meeting December 22nd, 2025. I have a motion. So moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Peterson, you cannot. Oh, she cannot second. We're not present during that one. We had technical difficulties. Oh, that's right. We never got I'm sorry. No problem. Mr. uh Councilman Zali, second you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, abstain. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes.

Mayor Ma, yes. Item 3D to consider approval of minutes of executive session 2 FHA FSH litigation December 22nd 2025. May I have a motion? So moved. Without release. Mayor. Yes. Without release. Oh. Um. So moved without release. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, abstain. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Miga, yes. To consider approval of staff meeting December 22nd, 2025. [snorts] We have a motion. So move second. Roll call, please.

Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Mr. St. They're still the same. Oh, I'm so sorry. That's okay. No. No problem. [laughter] Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Councilman Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Meri. Yes. Mayor Mig. Yes. 3F to consider approval of minutes of executive session 3 personnel December [clears throat] 22nd, 2025 without release. Yes. Without release. Without release. Uh so moved without release. Second. Sorry, guys. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, abstain. Councilwoman Scott, yes. Councilman Zazali, yes. Deputy Mayor Viseri, yes.

Mayor Ma, yes. 3G to consider approval of minutes of regular public meeting January 5th, 2026. May I have a motion? So moved. Second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, abstain. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Mrs. Ali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Ma, yes. Item 4 A to consider adoption of pending ordinance number 26-962 ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank. Mr. Susie Kelly. [clears throat]

Yes, Mayor. Thank you. Um, municipalities and counties are prohibited from increasing their final budget appropriations by more than 2% in the subsequent fiscal year unless action is taken by the governing body to increase the final appropriation subject to the cap by the statutoily permitted 2%. This ordinance allows for the township to exceed the appropriation cap by 1 and 12% allowing for an increase of up to 3 and a.5% of fiscal year 2025's appropriations. Um, by adopting this ordinance, we can establish a cap bank. uh we will be able to raise uh $245,74249 in in excess of the increase we would have been otherwise able to raise. Um therefore our maximum allowable appropriation increase is $573,399.15. Basically this means that we can raise appropriations in the current fund uh by that amount. As you all just heard through our uh budget hearing, um the appropriation cap is a restrictive cap, meaning that we can't go beyond that amount in terms of what we're going to spend. Uh that requires obviously going through the budget with a fine tooth comb between now and when our financials are released so we can get a budget to uh be introduced by the governing body hopefully in March or April.

Thank [snorts] you, Mr. Zaki. Anyone in the public wishing to address the council on this ordinance? Um, seeing none, may I have a motion? Mayor, I move for adoption of pending ordinance 26-962 to be published in township official internet website. Um, do I have to read the if you don't? I was going to say [laughter] okay. As passed ordinance to take effect as prescribed by law. I have a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Meri, yes. Mayor Mika, yes.

5A, to consider resolution authorizing award of bid for collection, transportation, and delivery of solid waste, vegetative waste, and recycling of co-mingled cardboard paper to F. Baso Jr. for Rubbish Removal Inc. for a 5-year term in an amount not to exceed $4,192,500 in the aggregate or 838,500 per year. Mr. Zaki, did you want to comment?

Yes, Mayor. Thank you. On December 30th, 2025, township clerk opened sealed bids for the provision of solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal for vegetative waste, solid waste, and recycling of coingled items, cardboard, and paper. Township had options for a one, two, four, or 5-year contract. Upon opening of the bids, FBA Basso Jr. Rubbish Removal Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder, and the bid submission complied with NJSA4A1-23 for a 5-year term [snorts] uh 5-year award, which in the aggregate will total $4,192,500 or $838,500 per year. Uh this resolution is to award the bid for a 5-year term to FBA Basso Jr. uh who is our current trash hauler uh as the council is aware.

Just one question. What what's the current contract for guys? Um the current contract if you give me a second. I believe not the amount Joe the years. I'm sorry. Five years. They were [snorts] both five years. Yeah. I think the current contract amount through you mayor um was around $815,000 which is what we budgeted for last year in solid waste. Um but there's both were for fiveyear terms. Same pickup schedule, same everything else remains constant. Thank you, Mr. Jillian. May I have a motion? So move. A second. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Council Mazali? Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri? Yes. Mayor Mika?

Yes. Uh 5B to consider authorizing award of bid for demolition, reconstruction, and installation of new playground. uh new playground at Community Park to Thomas and Suns Builders LLC DBA Develop Builders in an amount not to exceed $672,889.39. Excuse me, Mr. Z.

Yes, Mayor. This is uh a very exciting project that we're getting ready to embark on. This is for the um reconstruction of a brand new playground at the lower portion of Community Park. As the council is aware, we did receive a $750,000 Jake Law grant from the NJD that our township engineer, Alexander Handel, was instrumental in getting. Um, by virtue of that grant, they will pay up to 75% of the project costs. Um, this project came in under our estimate. Uh, as you indicated, the cost is not to exceed $672,889.39, of which the township will be responsible for paying $168,222.34 with the difference being funded by the Jake Law Grant. Um, we have this money in our capital improvement fund. We're not taking any debt out for this. Our goal is for them to start as soon as the ground thaws. with the hopes of opening for Memorial Day. Uh more realistic we would be com, you know, fine with the July 4th opening. Something special we want to try and organize through the recck department is coordinating the u pouring of concrete so children can come put their hands in the uh walkway if they desire uh for the playground. It's going to be [clears throat] really exciting. It's going to be brand new and we look forward to cutting ribbon there soon.

Very nice. Thank you. Make a motion to approve. Oh yeah. [laughter] Second. Yes. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Mika, yes. The meeting is now open to residents of the township wishing to be heard on any item on the agenda. Seeing none, I will close this portion of the meeting. 7A. Township manager. Do you have any?

Yes, Mayor. It's been a little while. I do have some items to report on. Um, as the council's aware, we just sat through our budget hearing uh for the public's edification. This began at 5:00 p.m. supposed to begin last week, but um we had to carry to this week. Uh as I indicated, adnauseium. Now, um this is just a draft budget appropriations waiting for the uh appropriation and levy cap to be calculated for us to finalize uh for the council to ultimately introduce hopefully in March. Um, this transitions to my second item, which is the, uh, preparation of our annual debt statement and annual financial statement. Our auditors have been here preparing both. I'm super pleased to report that this year, um, with us almost being fully on Edmonds, their work was much, much easier. They will be returning to perform the annual audit in the coming weeks. And this year, uh, our auditor, Andrew, um, Kachinsky from the Zavachi is going to come to a council meeting to present the municipal audit to the council just to explain some of the evolution we've had. um from when he started auditing here to where we are at currently. Uh the council had a sneak peek of some of that um with the implementation of the fixed asset system that Rebecca spoke about during her budget and I also hinted at the utilities uh self-sustaining nature this year. Um if it's okay with you, mayor, want to update us on the snowstorm and some water mean issues that we've been having?

Yes. Uh it's no surprise that we received at least 16 inches of snow um with higher totals in higher elevations such as Park Ridge and by Brad Bryford Avenue. Uh I owe a huge shout out to our DPW superintendents, Mike Roso, PT Derono, and all of our DPW staff who coordinated the snow removal effort both during the storm and after the storm. Uh the public may see our DPW out on the roads now with the loaders removing stor uh snow from the curbs, from the intersections, from the crosswalks. Um they have not stopped from the minute that storm hit our uh town. Uh in addition, right before the snow removal, they had a really really uh bad water mane break on Sweetwood that they fixed in about six and a half hours. Um they were well rested enough to come back and plow for the next day. Um again, a big thank you and shout out to our DPW and all the professionals including our fire department who uh were on standby for 24 hours. uh Mock ambulance, Cedar Grove Ambulance and Rescue Squad and our police department for their efforts during the storm. Um we've been plagued with water main breaks. We had another one last night on IRA Road. We have one currently the DPWs operating on Harper Terrace. I just got a text message about that. Um our crews are very very busy. Uh but that's what happens this time of year. So I just want to give them a special shout out and recognition. Um um the council received an email uh from the Aliv Foundation. Um this is something I had a call um with the individual who runs the program last Friday um through uh Jamie who was in here before uh she was the resident that was saved by our two police officers. Jamie contacted this foundation became involved with them. Uh and the foundation is going to donate a life-saving defibrillator and an AED to the uh Panther Park facility. Um it's it comes in a um a structure that's safe for the weather. All we have to do is work on the annual maintenance of it, which we do for our our defibrillators

anyway. Um, but we're getting a brand new defiill donated by this foundation that Jamie was kind enough to connect us and point us in the right direction with. So, if there's no objection from the council, I'd like to execute that and uh get that to the Panther Park before uh sports begin. Any objection? How? [snorts] Um, I don't know if Dan, are you going to call it executive session for the um D matter or you want me to call it? Um, okay. Yeah, I'll I I just have a brief brief matter for executive session under uh potential litigation uh for the D. Other than that, mayor, it concludes my report.

Thank you, Madame Clerk. Yes. Good evening, Mayor. How's everyone this evening?

Great. I just wanted to basically report on the special primary election um [snorts] for the vacancy due to the resignation of the honorable Mikey Cheryl in the 11th Congress congressional district that is scheduled for this Thursday, February 5th, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. I was hoping some people would be here. Um but I have a list of early voting locations that were provided on my page and there was notification regarding the special election on the township's homepage. Tomorrow is the last day of early voting. Um, and it is from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 PM. The closest location we have is Fairfield at the Fairfield Community Center, 221 Hollywood Avenue. Uh, if anyone has any questions or concerns, can call my office if they desire another location. Uh, the Verona Community Center is unavailable at this time because they are in a different congressional district. I had a call today. Someone said they went there for early voting and that the doors were shut.

I went [laughter] yesterday foolishly.

Um I wanted everyone to know that teens aed 17 who will be able to vote uh by the next special election meaning that they have turned 18 by that time. Um and the special pro uh general election, excuse me, takes place in April. They will be allowed to vote this Thursday. So, if you're 17 and you're going to be 18 by April, they can vote, which I think is great. On Thursday, we have polling changes for district 2, 6, 8, and 10. Districts 2 and 8 have been moved to the North End Firehouse. I know how the residents were eager to go there last election. And the North End Firehouse is located at 170 East Lindsley Road. District six has been moved to South End Firehouse which is 154 Pompton Avenue in the rear of the building and district 10 has been moved to the Robert Oul Community Center located at 199 Fair View Avenue. I ask all voters to please check their sample ballots to see where their new polling location is if applicable. As per the county signage redirecting voters to the new polling locations shall be posted on the exterior of the former polling locations as well. That means ambulance and rescue which had districts six and 10 and on the tool center it will be say two and eight have been moved to north end firehouse. Again if anyone has any questions they can call me at [snorts] 9732391410 extension 204 and also mayor I have an item 8A to discuss under consent agenda and that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you very much,

Mr. Loano. You're on the hot seat. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening

and council. [snorts] Um, there there one item in my report, but it touches on three of the ordinances that are upon this evening's agenda. Um, they are ordinances 9 FG and H. They are separate ordinances, but they are interrelated. Uh, they all deal with our affordable housing obligations. Um this process is I should say fingers crossed winding down for the township of Cedar Grove in that um we started this process with the fair housing [clears throat] act was amended in in 24. Um May of last year the township prepared its uh housing element and fair share plan and went through the process of getting that to the planning board. The planning board conducted its review and approval. the township adopted that plan in June of 23, sorry, June 23 of 25, then entered the mediation program, which is part of the fourth round uh obligation that was part of the Fair Housing Act amendment. Uh we've been in that program um and negotiating a completion of that um declaratory action that's currently pending in the Superior Court. Uh these ordinances um are part of a deadline obligation to have all of the ordinances that would affectuate the plan adopted by March 15th because the ordinances have to go through an introduction phase and then one of the ordinances because it has to deal with an amendment to the zoning requirements has to go to planning board and then it comes back here for second adoption. We had to get it on this agenda. So, um, the three ordinances are effectively the first one. Um, and and I will know for the record F has a misspelling. It's to repeal and replace chapter 80 only. Dale, if we can remove the reference to 38-32.2

that was separately indicated in H. [clears throat and snorts] Chapter 80 is the affordable housing regulations. Generally, these are model ordinances where the implementation of the affordable housing obligations in the township. It's a lengthy ordinance. It's currently in place. There were some modifications to it because of the fourth round update. Um so that's what that uh 9F is doing. It's essentially repealing and replacing and putting in place um the actual parameters by which the affordable housing gets implemented in the township. G268. Uh this [snorts] is the one that is has to do with the ordinance. I'm sorry. The um land use procedures land use um it's adding five properties to the overlay zone. These properties are vacant properties. They don't have to be built. This was something that um was added to our plan as part of the negotiations for uh the completion of the housing plan and the adoption of the fourth round. Completion of the fourth round. Um there were some other additional um revisions to the section of the code u essentially removal of the 15% for rentals. Everything is now 20%. And actually increase the density from 10 units per acre to 14. So there was some modifications to the existing requirements for the affordable housing. As to the overlay zones, these are zones that have been previously uh chosen by the township as part of the 2019 master plan revision. Um so the the overlay zoning is in place. This allows for inclusionary development um when the when and so the property owner chooses to develop. Finally, H is the development fees. That's chapter 38-32.2.

This essentially establishes the fees that are collected that get put into the affordable housing trust fund and that fund is then used to establish our certain programs that are administered through the town. Those fees are again a wholesale readtion. Uh the current ordinance um is a bit outdated because it dealt with third round obligations. Uh the fourth round obligations did um modify some of the charges. Uh this has to do with a particular development gets built or modifications to an existing development the percentage that gets allocated to the township trust fund. Um with these three ordinances in place um once they are adopted before the March 15th deadline the township will then move for what is known as a judgment of repose with the judge who's overseeing the declaratory action. Um once that the judgment of repose is in place, your forthright obligations will be uh will be adhered to and your plan will be cemented for the next 10 years. So we are approaching the goal line. This is the 10 yard line. We're getting there. This is part of the process. Um [clears throat] I I I will thank our Mr. Zelli and the affordable housing council and the township planner. Um, this, like I said, we've been dealing with this for a little over a year, about a year now. We've, uh, put a lot of, uh, things in place and it's been in, you know, kind of moving along. This is part of that timeline. So, without with that, mayor, um, I have nothing further unless you have any questions.

Did you want when I read 9F? Yes. Do you want me not to say the 38- if you so after state of New Jersey on the second sentence? [clears throat] Yeah. The repeal and replace of chapter 38-32.2 development fees is going to be removed because that was parcled out to become H. So it's essentially only to repeal and replace chapter 80 affordable housing. Right. Okay. Okay. And the other ones stay the way they are. That's correct. Yeah. Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman Peterson. Good evening.

Uh, good evening, Mayor. I don't really have a report. I just, of course, want to thank our DPW for I've been thinking of them [snorts] out in these frigid frigid temps. Um, and everybody, our police, our firefighters, our ambulance and rescue squad, and even the crossing guards. Yeah. So, that's all. I don't really have a report, but thank you. Excellent. Thank you very much, Councilman Zazali. Good evening, mayor. Good evening. Um, I do not have a report. Um, but I just to echo what uh Councilwoman Peterson said, the extraordinary efforts of our DPW department and police department are very impressive and appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman Ste. Would you like to say anything?

Sure. Good evening, Mayor. I recognize we are now into hour four of being in this room, so I will be brief, but um I just wanted to make a point about the DPW, especially with today's water main break on Harper. Um there was a very real possibility that the Southoun students may have been sent home at some point early today and um thank you to Mr. Zelli and working with the DPW and I'm going to assume the board of ed um in making sure that didn't happen. Um, I know afterare was cancelled today and the fact that that was the biggest inconvenience um considering the magnitude of the water made break um is is nothing short of um heroic. So, thank you to everyone involved in in um keeping the kids in school today because that would have been terrible.

That was our priority. That would have been terrible on a on a lot of different level.

I wonder if they want to come and help us and you know work. We're we're not going to tell Estelle that you were involved in making sure that she was in school all day, but [clears throat] um thank you to that. And I also just want to make a point um about today's extraordinary business. Um I I am very proud that I have not cried up here since I think the first time I got sworn in. Um so now it has been zero days since I last cried up here. That was um really powerful. Um just seeing what um the officers did to help that resident and to watch her watching you give them commendations. It it was um it was really it was a beautiful moment and um I'm really proud to be um a resident of Cedar Grove, not just today, but especially today. Um and congratulations to uh to Mr. Coer and um I'm not going to attempt her name, but the other teacher was um who was involved with the robotics team. U Mr. Coer um taught two of my kids and they they are very big fans of his. He's a he's one of those folks in that we're really lucky to have in our in the school district. And um just a congratulations to to Chief uh Boamp. just again just watching his daughter um gaze at him when they were when he was getting sworn in. It was just it was a really nice meeting. Um but it's going too long so I'll stop talking now. But thank you. That that's all I have tonight.

Thank you, Deputy Mayor Mel. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening.

Yes, we are hour four going on hour four. So we'll try to keep it brief, but there's just so much to talk about. So that's the problem. Um, again, everybody on their report is talking about DPW. They did a tremendous job, but just a little bit before the snowstorm happened because I think when you look at other municipalities and you know, my boys go to the prep like our alumnist here, uh, and they can't park on the street because West Orange hasn't been able to do what Cedar Grove has done. That's a fact. And it's been going on for over a week now, right? So what in order for us to accomplish that, of course we have the great people at DPW [clears throat] work. Every single employee came in on [laughter] Sunday. Everybody was required to be here. We had 18 plow trucks ready to go and all of that requires preparation before and and Joe has contacted us multiple times before the snowstorm to give us updates. OEM met. They had a plan in place not just for snow removal but also emergency services. All of that preparation is what effectual, you know, effectuated this great response from DPW. Of course, they executed. So, congratulations to them. We thank them. Um, not to mention, there's three water main breaks in a week, right? So, they've had to deal with that, [snorts] too. It's not just snow removal, which they're still doing.

So, it's tremendous work from the town employees, great management, great preparation, great job by OEM. Um, and the execution was just amazing. and just all you have to do is drive around, you know, that's all you you don't have to be an expert, but just drive to our surrounding uh municipalities. And it's nothing to disparrage them. It's just the circumstances that we have in Cedar Grove. So, we should acknowledge our people and that's what I'm doing. Um, the other thing I'll I'll touch upon, of course, congratulations to our great students, to our officers, but the budget. We spent two hours on the budget. I'm so excited. I still want to talk about it. You know, just looking at the fact stay here all night.

You know, a 36% increase in health insurance. Everybody's aware of it. Everybody's complaining about it throughout the state since it's come out. And here we are. We have a proposed draft budget that's less than last year. That takes a lot of work. And that's been happening since October. Um, when I was mayor, I was I sat in those meetings with the department heads and Mr. Zeli. So, I got to see how, you know, we take the approach of, you know, let's not look at last year, let's look at what we need this year. And I feel like we do that every single year and that's why we could do it and that's why we have the numbers that we have. So, that's great work since October and you know, we saw it tonight and I wish we had more time because there's so much to talk about in that lovely spreadsheet.

We're we're in the home stretch through your mayor. We'll we'll wrap it up. Uh, and I'm confident the budget introduction will uh hit the same goals we do every year. Yes. So, congratulations on that. And, um, that's all I have, Mayor. Thank you.

You're welcome. Thank you, everybody. Shockingly, I'm just going to say I echo everything that everybody said. I know usually I chat a lot, but I think I'm all tapped out tonight. [laughter] And I I will take it one step further with our our DPW, our fire, our police and whatnot. I would like to also thank their [clears throat] families because these guys have been out for a crazy number of hours and obviously we have people with little babies at home and families at home and whatnot. So, I'd like to also thank them, too. I think Cedar Grove is a bl. I say it all the time. [clears throat] I I think the support systems are here. I think we rock. I think All right, so carrying on. Um, thank you everybody. Do I need to um reappoint anybody for anything?

Yes. Patricia Marian, right? To the library board of trustees for So I need a motion. Yes. Oh, no. Right. Just an appointment. It's just an appointment. I just say it. Yep. Okay. All right. So, please reappoint Patricia Marian as a five-year term. for a five-year term trustee to the library board. Is that all I done? Yep. Okay. Done. And I will notify the library. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Um item 8A to consider a resolution amending the designation of 2026 official newspapers. Madame clerk, did you have

Yes, please. Thank you, mayor. Members of council, on December 8th, 2025, you already adopted agenda item number 9 C designated the 2026 official newspapers. Uh this resolution is simply an amendment to state that we will excuse me, we will be publishing in real time [laughter] on our official website. um you've mentioned a couple of items where you already um emphasized that um and basically like I said we are publishing in real time in addition to that we have to designate um an electronic news source we have two which are the Star Ledger and the Verona Cedar Grove Times and basically those will keep whatever um notices advertisements bid notices that we place in the newspaper they will keep it electronically for at least 30 days so that anyone wants to refer back to that they can, but they will also pinpoint to go to the website where we will be publishing the day after the council meeting. So that publishing date is the date it's official and that is all I have now.

Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. I can take A and B together to Right. Yes. Uh 8B to consider resolution concerning approval of raffle applications for Wayne Council uh PTO's. May I have a motion for 8A and 8B together? Some moved. Second. Thank you. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Councilman Zali? Yes. Deputy Mayor Meri? Yes. And Mayor Mika? Yes. Thank you. 9A to consider resolution authorizing change order number three from Sten Stanzel.

Stanziel. Thank you. Construction LLC of East Orange, New Jersey for the reconstruction of Devonshshire Road and Devonshshire Road South reflecting an overall increase of $776. Correct. Mr. Zelli

through your mayor. This is a change order the amount of $776 for the increase in the provision of the maintenance bond because of change order number two which increased the project cost previously by $43,85.68. The bonded amount also increased um which is what this difference reflects. Um the revised total is now $39,84.36. The township did receive a $350,000 NJ dot uh Lif grant to fund this project which covered the whole cost of construction as well as some engineering fees. Thank you. I have a motion. So moved. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Council Zali. Yes. Deputy member Siri. Yes. Mayor Mika.

Yes. 9B. to consider resolution amending membership of the emergency management [clears throat] council of the township of Cedar Grove. Mr. Zakelli, Mayor Duo, this is just an update to our current uh EMC emergency management council now include our new OEM coordinator, OEM deputy coordinators, Chief Pumprey, board of education superintendent, and um the new fire chief. Uh the EMC will be required to meet twice annually. I'm sure that our new OEM coordinator Joe Lear will be noticing this appropriately. Thank you. May I have a motion? So move or a second, please. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scabage, yes. Councilman Zali, yes. Deputy Member Siri, yes. Mayor

Ma, yes. 9C. to consider resolution authorizing acceptance of maintenance bond and release of performance bond and [clears throat] issuance of final payment in the amount of $6,942.17 to Stanzial Construction LLC of two Springdale Avenue East Orange New Jersey 07107 for contract of the reconstruction of Devonshshire Road and Devon Devonshshire Road South. Mr. Zakell, do you want to add? Yeah, mayor. This is uh just us accepting the maintenance bond releasing in their performance bond because the work is complete and issuing final payment in the amount of $6,942.17. This completes the reconstruction of Devonshire Road and Devonshire Road South. Thank you. May I have a motion? So moved. Second.

Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. C uh Council [clears throat] Zali? Yes. Deputy Mayor Mer. Yes. Mayor Ma, yes. 9D to consider introduction of pending ordinance number 26-963 an ordinance amending chapter 217 217 section 16 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled sewers service charges

through you mayor this is an ordinance introduction to amend the annual um or the quarterly so service charge rates uh while not complete the township's auditors were here last week performing our ads and preparing our AFS uh looks at this looks as if this year neither our water nor our soore utility will be running at a deficit which is a really really positive thing. I said it 50 times tonight but it bears repeating. Um this ordinance will amend the soar quarterly charges from $6.67 per 1,000 gallons to $747 per 10,00 gallons. This will effectively raise the minimum quarterly bill from $1106 to $12326 which is a difference of $13.20 20 per quarter, $52 per year,4 $4.40 per month, or $11 penny per week. Um, this adjustment is necessary to support the increased operating costs as well as build capital for large projects while maintaining the uh self-sufficiency and liquidity of our soar utility. [snorts]

Thank you. May I have a motion? Mayor, I move for introduction of pending ordinance 26-963 to be published on the township's official internet website under legal public notices as pending ordinance with public hearing scheduled for March 2nd, 2026. Second, please. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Mazali, yes. Deputy Mayor Seri, yes. Mayor Ma,

yes. Item 9E to consider introduction of pending ordinance number 26-964 an ordinance amending chapter 217 section 16 of the code of the township of Cedar Grove entitled water consumption and rates and charges.

Mayor Thuru, this is an ordinance introduction amending water service charges. As I just noted, just like our S utility, our water utility did not operate at a deficit last year. another positive step given our prior years of struggling in this utility. Um, with respect to our water utility, as I indicated during the budget hearing, both bulk suppliers, North Jersey District Water Supply Commission and Pake Valley Water Commission advised that they will be raising rates in aggregate an average of 9% on the sale of water. Um, [snorts] that means for every gallon we are buying, they are charging us 9% more. This as well as increased operating costs for water repairs as seen through our most recent uh litany of water main breaks, ongoing debt service, and funding for capital improvement projects requires a rate adjustment to keep the utility self- sustaining and selfquid liquidating. This ordinance would amend the rate from $6.67 per 10,000 gallons to $8 per 1,000 gallons, raising the minimum quarterly charge from $33.35 per quarter to $40 per quarter. This is a $6.65 increase per quarter. a $26.60 increase on the year. If you divide this out, it comes to $221 per month or 55 per week.

Thank you. [snorts] We have a motion. [cough and clears throat] Mayor, I move for introduction of pending ordinance number 26-964 to be published on the township's official internet website as a pending ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for the March 2nd, 2026 meeting. Thank you. May I have a second? Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson. Yes. Councilwoman Scaven. Yes. Council Zazali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Ma. Yes.

9F to consider introduction of pending ordinance number 26-965. An ordinance of the township of Cedar Grove, County of Essex, State of New Jersey, repeal and replace. Chapter 80, Affordable Housing and Revised Regulations in conformance with the amended Fair Housing Act and the township's fourth round housing plan. element and fair share plan. Mr. Zakawi, do you have anything to add? Uh, I believe council commented on uh 9FG and H. Unless you want to add anything. No, I have nothing else.

Okay. May I have a motion? Uh, mayor, I move for the introduction of pending ordinance number 26 26-965 to be published on the township's official internet website as a pending ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for the March 2nd, 2026 meeting. Thank you. Can I have a second, please? Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Mali, yes. Deputy Mayor Meri, yes. Mayor Miga,

yes. 9G to consider introduction of pending ordinance 26-966 an ordinance amending chapter 268 zoning of the code of the township of Cedar Grove County of Essex in state of New Jersey to expand the multifamily affordable housing inclusionary overlay zone in conformance with the township's fourth round housing element and fair share plan. No comments correct? No. May I have a roll call, please? Whoops. [laughter] Can I have a motion, please?

Mayor, I move for the introduction of pending ordinance 26-966 to be published on the township's official internet website as a pending ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for March 2nd, 2026. Thank you. Can I have a second, please? Second. Thank you. Now I can have a roll call. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri, yes. Mayor Ma,

yes. Item 9H to consider introduction of pending ordinance number 26-967 an ordinance of the township of Cedar Grove County of Essex state of New Jersey to repeal and replace chapter 38-32.2 two development fees in conformance with the amended fair fair housing act in the township's fourth round housing plan element in fair share plan may have have a motion uh mayor I move for the introduction of pending ordinance number 26-967 to be published on the township's official internet website as a pending ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for March 2nd 2026 6. Thank you. May I have a second?

Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson, yes. Councilwoman Scavage, yes. Council Zali, yes. Deputy Mayor Missi, yes. Mayor Mika, yes. Approval of bills, Madame [snorts] Clerk.

Yes. Thank you. Be it resolved. Oh, let me do 10 10 A, which is January 26 20 uh 2026. Um, excuse [clears throat] me. 10A be resolved by the township of Cedar Grove, County of S. New Jersey that the summary of bills having been duly audited and found to be correct are hereby ordered paid in the aggregated amount of $852,79.96. And um if I may, mayor, um members of council, for the record, this bill list was scheduled for the staff meeting of January 26 that was cancelled due to incle inclement weather, which is why we have two bill lists for this meeting. [clears throat] Thank you.

I'll make a motion to approve. Thank you. Can I have a second? Second. Thank you. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Council Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Mika. Yes. [clears throat] Madam Clerk. 10B. Thank you, Mayor. Be it resolved by the township of Cedar Grove, county of Essis, New Jersey, that the summary of bills having been duly audited and found to be correct are hereby ordered paid in an aggregated amount of $394,435.36. Thank you. May I have a motion? Some moved. Second. I'll second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage?

Yes. Councilman Zali? Yes. Deputy Mayor Meri? Yes. Yes, we am. Yes. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Before you go to [clears throat] item 11, item 11B, I'm going to respectfully ask that you pull that matter. That is the award of a professional services agreement for inspection services for Cliffside Drive. Um, additional information was needed. I was supposed to have a conference with um the developer Cliffside Drive on Friday. It was moved to today. That didn't go forward. Uh so that's currently scheduled for Thursday. Um so without that additional information we pull it and schedule it for another meeting. Okay.

So uh B would be pulled and C would become so C becomes okay. Thank you. [cough and clears throat] Item 11 A to consider resolution authorizing the award of of a fair and open contract for professional engineering services as Township Engineer to Suburban Consulting Engineers of 96 US Highway 206 Sweet 101, Flanders, New Jersey 07836 in an amount not to exceed $160,000. Mr. Zel.

Yeah, Mayor. I uh this one's on May. forgot to put this on for our November meeting when we opened up all the other RFPs. Um, and I kept looking for the resolution and uh didn't find it. So, this is uh to back in November, we opened up uh [clears throat] RFPs for professional services, one of which being tentative engineer. Um, and this is that resolution authorizing that award. Okay. [snorts] Thank you. May I have a motion? So, moved. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Councilman Zazali? Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Miga. Yes.

Item 11B to consider resolution authorizing the award of a professional service contract for professional land surveying and engineering design services for the NJ D MS4 storm water permit consisting of phase two of the watershed assessment report to Suburban Consulting [snorts] Engineer Inc. for an amount not to exceed $40,200. Mr. Zelli, you want to

Yeah, Mayor, uh, Deputy Mayor Mashari can can tell you that at our joint flood board meetings, this is a constant topic of discussion amongst the um four municipalities that participate. Uh, the township um has completed phase one um due def December 31, 20 um 25. Uh this is phase two due December 31, 2026. The first phase involved all of our storm water mapping, GIS mapping, our um stormwater outfalls, catch basins. Um that part's complete. The second part um has to do with a lot more of the administrative side of our stormwater plan. Um being in compliance with this is absolutely crucial. Um for for towns that aren't, there's a decent amount of liability and exposure to it. Um actually, it's probably one of the most frequently discussed topics at our um joint flood advisory board meetings. Um we have money left over from last year's um contract which will completely cover the cost of doing phase two. So we don't need to bond for any additional money. Um once this contract's awarded, we'll get it completed in time. And then next year there's phase three and hopefully that completes the MS4 stormwater watershed inventory project.

Okay. Thank you. May I have a motion? So move second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson? Yes. Councilwoman Scavage? Yes. Councilman Zazali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Ma. Yes. Item 12, meeting open to the residents of the township wishing to be heard on any item on or off the agenda concerning township business. Seeing no no one, this portion of the meeting is closed. Item 13, executive session. Just potential litigation.

Potential litigation. Whereas section 8 of the public meetings act permits the exclusion of the public from the meeting of the mayor and council in certain circumstances. [clears throat] And whereas the mayor and council of the township of Cedar Grove are or of the opinion that such circumstances exist. Now therefore, be it resolved by mayor and township of Cedar, I'm sorry, mayor and counsel of the township of Cedar Grove, county, county of Essex, state of New H State state of New Jersey, that the public shall be excluded from discussion of any action on the executive session of the meeting of the mayor and council today. The general nature of this subject matter to be discussed is potential litigation.

Correct. It is anticipated at that wait do I keep? Yeah. Okay. It is anticipated at this time. Oh boy. That the above stated subject matter will be made public as soon thereafter as it is deemed in the public interest to do so. No further action will be taken. This resolution shall take effect immediately. Do you have a motion? Motion. Second. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Peterson. Yes. Councilwoman Scavage. Yes. Council Zali. Yes. Deputy Mayor Miseri. Yes. Mayor Mika. Yes.